Prepared Foods Lead

WHO WE ARE

At Metropolitan Market, we believe food brings people together, and that’s why it is at the heart of everything we do. As a premier grocery retailer in the Puget Sound region since 1971, we have spent over 50 years serving our communities as a best-in-class destination known for our fresh, high-quality, and innovative offerings.

Our team is driven by a shared commitment to legendary service. Whether serving guests on the sales floor or working behind the scenes, we bring sincerity, care, and attention to detail to every interaction. Our stores are built on exceptional quality and guest service standards, creating an environment where team members take pride in their work and the impact they have every day.

Position Description

Metropolitan Market

Position Title: Prepared Foods Lead

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Classification: Union

Department: Operations, Prepared Foods

Reports To: Prepared Foods Assistant Manager

Job Summary: As a leader of our Prepared Foods Department, this position is responsible for assisting the Prepared Foods Manager and Prepared Foods Assistant Manager with product management, food safety, quality control, work safety, merchandising, sales generation, gross margins, labor and general expense control, customer service, and profitability within the department. This position is also responsible for the education of team members and customers in the areas of product selections, recipe ideas, and meal solutions.

Essential Functions (include, but are not limited to the following) :

I. Product Management

• Assists the Prepared Foods Assistant Manager with developing and maintaining product displays that create an exciting marketplace; strives to develop displays that pique customer interest and impact customer buying trends.

• Assists with the effective ordering of all products for the Prepared Foods Department; maintains product inventory at a level that promotes creative and effective sales merchandising and maximizes sales potential.
• Works in partnership with the Prepared Foods Assistant Manager to determine order quantities and verify cost of goods. Assumes primary responsibility for store-level vendor relations.
• Ensures all mis-picks, damaged goods, and credits are processed and managed within established guidelines.
• In partnership with the Prepared Foods Assistant Manager, ensures effective inventory control, thereby minimizing unnecessary cost associated with excessive inventory.
• Assists the Prepared Foods Assistant Manager with determining product selections; performs category management functions as assigned by the Prepared Foods Assistant Manager.
• Consistently achieves all food preparation guidelines, including full compliance with established recipe program; ensures prepared food consistency and portion control.
• Verifies correct invoice billing, including confirmationthrough the weekly general ledger and Prepared Foods receiving log sheets; follows-up and resolves inaccurate billing; ensures the Accounts Payable Team Member is alerted to discrepancies between shipping document amount and invoice amount; ensures the Prepared Foods Assistant Manager is alerted to variances from vendor quoted or anticipated product cost and invoiced amount.
• Assists the Prepared Foods Assistant Manager in achieving the lowest cost of goods for the highest quality products; assesses product quality and provides timely feedback; keeps the Prepared Foods & Cheese Coordinator informed of vendor price changes on approved products.
• Ensures effective informational and price point signing is posted for all products.
• Maintains stocking standards that ensure high product quality, including rotation procedures. Incorporates cleaning with stocking and rotation requirements.
• Ensures all outdated products are pulled, recorded, and discarded from Prepared Foods sales areas on a daily basis; determines proper replacement product quantities and promptly prepares in compliance within established guidelines.
• Assumes responsibility and management of shrink; reports shrink to the Prepared Foods Assistant Manager.
• Actively participates in product promotions/focuses and community events as required.
• Assists with preparation for weekly Culinary Artist presentations as needed; ensures adequate inventory of department–related featured products.

II. Operations

• In partnership with the Prepared Foods Department managers, determines daily projects; ensures daily tasks and assignments are accomplished correctly and in a timely manner.

• Adheres to all food safety and sanitation requirements. Consistently demonstrates knowledge of HACCP and Department of Health provisions, shares knowledge with employees for the purpose of training.

• Adheres to company guidelines regarding prevention of internal and external loss, including risk management, accident prevention/safety awareness, and loss prevention.
• Maintains sales floor, back room, cooler, and freezer in a safe, clean and organized manner; stores products in a manner that allows easy access to back stock.
• Participates in Prepared Foods Department staff meetings and store staff meetings as required.
• Effectively uses telephone, paging, and voice mail systems in a professional manner.
• Informs Prepared Foods Manager and/or Prepared Foods Assistant Manager of personnel issues and/or concerns.

• Contributes to a productive, enjoyable work environment; fosters working relationships that promote positive team morale. Effectively utilizes the Company’s Open Door and Conflict Resolution programs as needed. Gives and receives input/feedback in a solution-based manner.
• Ensures the safety, cleanliness, and proper working order of equipment.

• Uses work-related equipment correctly under manufacturer guidelines.
• Fully capitalizes upon training, mentoring, and counseling opportunities. Actively identifies methods/ways to improve job performance and further contribute to the department as a whole. Self-initiates training and consistently demonstrates accountability.
• Serve Safe Certified.

III. Leadership

• Effectively builds and maintains morale, provides motivation and feedback, fosters a cohesive, productive team.
• Leads by example, provides team members with clear expectations and timely feedback.
• Effectively delegates and follows-up with Prepared Foods Team Members.
• Actively leads and participates in product promotions/focuses.
• Provides team members with information necessary to their positions; actively communicates; works to involve and educate all Prepared Foods Department team members.
• Actively shares our company’s vision with team members and customers.
• Develops team members; prepares team members for advancement/promotions.

IV. Customer Service

• Immediately greets all customers; demonstrates genuine enthusiasm and sincerity; customizes approach to meet customer needs and build rapport. Creates customer loyalty through individualized service.
• Anticipates customer needs and questions related to products; completes industry-related reading and self-education activities required to remain knowledgeable and current in areas of responsibility, including product knowledge (e.g., product tasting, cutting-edge trends, product use research, and vocabulary development). Effectively follows through with customers, including item requests, questions, and concerns.
• Effectively shifts gears to meet customer needs; moves with ease from greeting to providing product information, up-selling, closing the sale, thanking customers, and inviting them back. Effectively assesses customers’ needs and appropriately suggests products. Offers customers opportunities to interact with products.

• Develops customer base by providing excellent customer service throughout the store; effectively secures the assistance of other store personnel as needed.

• Readily provides customers information on store layout, services, and activities (e.g., promotions and special products).
• Trains all Prepared Foods Department team members on customer service expectations and techniques; ensures customer service expectations are consistently achieved on a department-wide basis.
• Ensures all customers and other phone inquiries are handled with appropriate telephone etiquette, effectively providing consistent, friendly, and efficient service.

• Maintains Prepared Foods Department area in a clean, organized, customer-friendly manner; consistently provides customers a professional, upbeat atmosphere.

V. Miscellaneous

• • Upholds all Metropolitan Market policies and procedures; adheres to all applicable local, state, and federal laws; adheres to applicable UFCW Union contract provisions.
  • Performs all job responsibilities with professionalism and appropriate discretion/confidentiality as determined by the Company’s policies, procedures, and expectations; acts accordingly at all times while representing the Company (including activities/functions away from the store location).
  • Consistently presents a professional personal image, including impeccable execution of the Company’s General Dress Guideline/Uniform Standards and Professional Image Standards.
  • Adheres to workplace cleanliness and personal hygiene standards.
  • Works a flexible schedule as required by business needs.
  • Achieves Metropolitan Market attendance requirements.
  • Identifies opportunities for enhancement or improvement of processes/systems. Communicates promptly to the Prepared Foods Assistant Manager. Recommends/implements solutions as appropriate.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned by the Prepared Foods Manager and/or Prepared Foods Assistant Manager.

VI. Physical Requirements

• Utilizes a variety of specific job-related equipment as required or assigned by an appropriate manager or supervisor.
• Reference page five of the Metropolitan Market Prepared Foods Lead Position Description.

Qualifications/Skills Required: To successfully perform the requirements of this position, an individual must consistently execute each essential function at a satisfactory level. The requirements listed in the following text are representative of the knowledge, experience, and skill levels required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and produce quality output while working within deadlines a must. Sense of urgency required. Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates a high level of self-motivation; takes initiative; problem solves.
• Proven ability to positively affect sales generation and manage expenses.
• Possesses strong knowledge of gross profit, inventory control and labor percentages; proven experience working with each.
• Possesses comprehensive product information with a proven history of using knowledge to best service customers. Demonstrates a strong knowledge and understanding of food, including ingredients, applications, pronunciations, and culinary skills. Possesses a genuine passion for food.
• Capable leadership skills; proven success as a team member. Ability to effectively delegate and follow-through.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills required; effective written communication skills necessary.
• Demonstrates an interest in learning; possesses a strong interest in food and related products.

• Proven ability to interact and perform all job responsibilities with professionalism and confidentiality essential.
• Proven ability to meet attendance requirements, dependable.
• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds.

Additional Performance Factors (include, but are not limited to the following) :

• Dependability: The team member can be depended upon to report to work as scheduled and is seldom absent from work. The team member can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner, and is conscientious about work assignments and deadlines.

• Communication: The team member communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with supervisors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the Company.

• Work Relationships: The team member works effectively and relates well with others, including supervisors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the Company. The team member exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others, and works to build and maintain constructive working relationships. The team member accepts and applies constructive feedback in a professional and effective manner that enhances performance and resolves performance deficiencies.

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Team Member Name (Print) Signature Date

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Supervisor Name (Print) Signature Date

Metropolitan Market

Position Description Physical Requirements: Prepared Foods Lead

Physical Requirements Legend: NA = Not Applicable; O = Occasional (up to 25% of time); F = Frequent (26% to 74% of time); C = Constant (75% or more of time)
Requirement	NA	O	F	C	Additional Information
Standing/Walking: Remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a work station or moving about the work area.	X	Up to 95% of Time.
Sitting: Remaining in the normal seated position.	X
Carrying: Moving an object, usually by holding it in hands or arms, or on shoulder.	X	Minimum of 50 Pounds.
Lifting: Raising or lowering an object from one level to another, using hands, arms and/or shoulders, back and legs.	X	Minimum of 50 Pounds.
Pushing/Pulling: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from/toward the force.	X	Minimum of 50 Pounds.
Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs, and/or hands and arms.	X
Traveling: Requires travel outside geographical region.	X
Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.	X
Kneeling: Bending legs at knees to come to rest on knee(s).	X
Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees, or hands and feet.	X
Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.	X
Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise performing precision work with hand(s).	X
Bending/Twisting: Continual, intermittent flexion or rotation of the wrists and/or spine.	X
Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.	X
Hearing: Receiving detailed information through oral communication.	X
Tasting/Smelling: Distinguishing, with a degree of accuracy, differences or similarities in intensity or quality of flavors and/or odors.	X
Vision: Clarity of vision at near and/or far distances.	X
Driving: Requires valid state drivers license.	X

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive pay

• 20% team member discount

• Medical, dental, vision insurance (very low cost to team members)

• Health savings accounts (subject to qualified medical plans)

• Flexible spending arrangements (subject to qualified medical plans)

• Company-funded disability and life insurance

• Employee Assistance Program available to all team members

• Retirement plans available to all team members

• Generous paid time off benefits

• Sick/safe leave provided consistent with local and state requirements

• Reduced cost ORCA Card program for King County team members

• Education support

• Career development opportunities

The specific programs and options available to any given team member are dependent upon eligibility factors such as position, date of hire, work location, and terms of applicable collective bargaining agreements.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): It is the policy of Metropolitan Market, LLC that all employees and applicants be afforded equal opportunities in employment without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, age, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, sensory, mental, or physical disability, whether actual or perceived, or retaliation for engaging in an EEO protected activity. The Company prohibits discrimination or harassment based on any of these categories, or any other bases protected under applicable local, state, or federal law.

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