A Restaurant or Food Service Supervisor supervises food preparation and staff for a restaurant or dining hall. Manages budget for food supplies, equipment and staff; hires and trains staff; monitors food safety procedures. May plan menus or work with chefs or dieticians to plan menus. Works in a school, hospital, nursing home or other institution.
About Adelante The mission of the Adelante Center is to create wealth in communities with economic challenges through entrepreneurship, community development, and living wage job creation. The organization was formed to focus exclusively on developing programs and projects that would serve the Chicago area and far north suburbs.
Job Title:
Shift Lead Job Summary The Shift Lead plays a crucial role in overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, safety, and efficiency. This position combines leadership, culinary creativity, and operational management to maintain a smooth-running kitchen. In addition to standard barista duties, the Shift Lead is responsible for aiding in menu development, inventory control, and compliance with health department regulations. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management Set an example for employees through work ethic and professionalism; direct and lead the team when necessary. Fill in on the floor as needed in any position — food prep, barista, register, juicing, dishes. Prioritize tasks throughout the day and assign work to staff accordingly (inventory counts, prep, restocking, dishes, cleaning, juices) so the cafe meets catering deadlines, food safety standards, and presentation expectations. Communicate and work with the general manager to ensure all staff members are actively working. Menu Development & Creativity Take a creative leadership role in developing seasonal menu items, including: Salads Snacks Sandwiches Ensure new items align with brand standards, cost efficiency, and customer preferences. Roll out new menu items and marketing initiatives in a timely manner within a set schedule. Inventory & Order Management Monitor and place produce orders in a timely manner to prevent shortages. Track kitchen inventory and supplies, notifying management when restocks are needed. Communicate with the general manager when inventory counts are low. Ensure proper dating, labeling, and rotation of perishable and non-perishable products (FIFO). Kitchen Operations & Safety Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth workflow and adherence to recipes. Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient back-of-house (BOH) environment. Ensure compliance with Lake County Health Department codes and food safety standards. Quality Control & Compliance Consistently check food quality, portioning, and presentation. Enforce proper storage, labeling, and rotation practices to minimize waste. Conduct routine inspections to uphold cleanliness and safety standards. Requirements Minimum of 2 years of experience managing a food service or catering business. GED or equivalent required; additional culinary or hospitality education a plus. Valid food handler's management certificate. Proficiency with Square POS or similar restaurant management software. Strong kitchen prep and cooking experience with ability to ensure consistent product quality. Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects. Excellent communication skills and responsiveness to email and phone inquiries. Understanding and committing to Adelante's mission and culture. Punctual, self-motivated, and able to work efficiently under pressure. Can lift 40 lbs. Flexible and open schedule. Compensation & Benefits We value our team and offer a comprehensive package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth:
Competitive Pay:
Commensurate with experience.
Paid Time Off:
2 weeks (10 days) of PTO per year.
Sick Leave:
5 days of paid sick leave annually.
Health Insurance Support:
Monthly reimbursement of up to $500 for qualifying health insurance premiums.
Wellness Stipend:
A $100 monthly stipend to support your health and wellness (e.g., gym memberships, fitness classes, wellness apps).
Growth & Opportunity:
Clear pathways for advancement within the organization through professional development and performance recognition. Why Join Adelante? Be part of a mission-driven team that values creativity and community. Opportunities for growth and professional development. Engage in diverse and exciting catering events. Competitive pay and benefits package.
