Quick Serve Restaurant Shift Lead

Job Description

Job Description

About The Company: At Fair Oaks Farms, we provide an immersive experience where guests come to explore family-owned farms and reconnect with nature, animals, and our planet. Recognized as the #1 agritourism destination in the Midwest, we provide an escape to the country with acres of great fun, fresh food, and learning for the entire family. Our scenic campus includes a variety of offerings, enrichment programs, tours, and a connection to the community where our guests can learn about our animals, farming practices, and nutrition.

About The Role: The Quick Service Restaurant & Milkshed Shift Lead plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of both our Quick Service Restaurant and Milkshed ice cream concept during their assigned shifts. This position is responsible for overseeing daily activities across both venues, managing team members, and maintaining high standards of customer service, food quality, and frozen treat excellence.

The Shift Lead acts as a liaison between staff and management, addressing any operational challenges promptly to maintain a positive work environment. They ensure compliance with health and safety regulations while driving productivity and fostering teamwork across both locations. Ultimately, the Shift Lead contributes significantly to delivering an exceptional dining and dessert experience that meets both company standards and customer expectations.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of Quick Service Restaurant staff during shifts to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Monitor food preparation and presentation to ensure quality and consistency in accordance with brand standards.
• Manage customer interactions by addressing inquiries, resolving complaints, and ensuring overall satisfaction.
• Maintain Quick Service Restaurant inventory levels by conducting stock checks and communicating supply needs to management.

• Oversee daily Milkshed operations including ice cream service, product rotation, and case presentation.
• Ensure proper storage temperatures, equipment cleanliness, and quality of all frozen dairy products.
• Guide team members on scooping techniques, portion standards, and upselling seasonal and specialty offerings.
• Monitor Milkshed inventory including ice cream, toppings, cones, and packaging; communicate reorder needs.
• Maintain a clean, welcoming, and guest-ready environment at the Milkshed counter at all times.

• Provide training, guidance, and support to team members across Quick Service Restaurant and Milkshed to maintain high performance and adherence to company policies.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations throughout the shift at both locations.
• Prepare and submit shift reports detailing operational issues, sales, and staff performance for both venues.
• Assist in scheduling and labor management to optimize staffing levels at Quick Service Restaurant and Milkshed based on business needs.
• Coordinate communication between Quick Service Restaurant and Milkshed teams to ensure seamless guest flow during peak periods.

Guest Experience & Operations:

• Provide excellent, attentive customer service that turns every visit into a memorable experience
• Assist every guest eagerly and with genuine enthusiasm for Fair Oaks Farms products
• Respond to inquiries about Fair Oaks Farms brands, products, tours, dining options, and merchandise
• Perform all cash register operations accurately and honestly, including cash and electronic payment processing
• Ensure all cheese cases and sample displays are always stocked using the FIFO method
• Label cheese with correct pricing; ensure cheese is in top condition for sampling and sale
• Stock and merchandise products; lift and move products as needed
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; wash dishes and clean during slower periods
• Follow Indiana Health Code guidelines and all applicable food safety standards
• Prepare in advance for high-volume periods to ensure seamless, uninterrupted service
• Support other departments and team members when needed

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge of food safety & sanitation standards.
• Basic knowledge of proper dairy & frozen products standards.
• Previous experience in a fast-paced, quick-served, food service environment.
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Demonstrate great customer service & sales skills.
• Prior experience with cheese, artisan products, and specialty items preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior supervisory or leadership experience in a quick serve restaurant or ice cream/dessert concept.
• Certification in food safety (e.g., ServSafe).
• Experience with point-of-sale (POS) systems and inventory management software.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate a diverse team across multiple service areas.
• Familiarity with labor scheduling and shift management tools.
• Knowledge of ice cream or frozen dessert production, equipment operation, and quality standards.

Skills:

The Quick Service Restaurant & Milkshed Shift Lead utilizes strong leadership and communication skills daily to effectively manage and motivate team members across both concepts, ensuring smooth operations and excellent customer service. Problem-solving skills are essential for addressing unexpected challenges and resolving customer concerns promptly in a high-volume, multi-concept environment.

Organizational skills are applied in managing inventory, scheduling staff across two venues, and maintaining compliance with health and safety standards, including specialized knowledge of frozen dairy product handling. Technical proficiency with POS systems and inventory software supports accurate order processing and stock management. Additionally, interpersonal skills foster a positive work environment, encouraging teamwork and high morale among staff working across both the Quick Service Restaurant and Milkshed operations.

Additional Information:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Employees are expected to perform duties assigned and directed by management, which may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.