Retail Food Service Associate Lead

About the role

The Retail Food Service Associate Lead oversees daily food production and order fulfillment in a busy retail dining location. This role ensures that every menu item meets standardized recipes, quality standards, and food safety regulations while delivering fast, accurate service during peak hours.

Key responsibilities

• Lead daily food preparation and production activities, following standardized recipes and portion sizes.
• Coordinate workflow to complete customer orders accurately and on time, monitoring ticket times.
• Maintain consistency in food presentation, quality, and temperature throughout each shift.
• Provide direction and guidance to Food Service Associates, assisting with training on recipes, safety procedures, and department expectations.
• Communicate with cashiers, supervisors, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations and report equipment or supply issues.
• Ensure compliance with ServSafe, HACCP, and health department regulations; monitor portion control and FIFO inventory practices.
• Keep workstations clean, sanitized, and organized; restock food products, paper supplies, and condiments as needed.
• Assist with receiving deliveries, proper storage, and inventory management to minimize waste.
• Support customers courteously, handle special requests, and aid front‑of‑house staff during busy periods.

Required profile

• Experience in retail food service or kitchen operations, with a proven ability to lead a team.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards and ability to enforce them.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment and prioritize multiple orders.
• Excellent communication skills for interaction with staff and customers.

Required skills

• Food safety knowledge (ServSafe, HACCP).
• Food preparation and portion control.
• Inventory management and FIFO stock rotation.
• Sanitation and workstation organization.