We're looking for someone who: Has experience leading a kitchen team in a high-volume or production environment Is comfortable in a scratch-made, batch cooking kitchen (not made-to-order service) Can plan and execute daily production based on inventory, par levels, and sales needs Demonstrates strong leadership on the floor —coaching, adjusting workflow, and holding standards Understands food safety in practice and actively enforces it throughout the shift Is highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrives in a systems-driven environment About Us Apple Crate Naturals is a community-focused health food store with over 25 years in business. Our newly expanded 8,500 sq. ft. market includes a full production kitchen supporting our grab-and-go, hot bar, and prepared foods programs. About the Role As Kitchen Team Lead, you'll support the department manager in overseeing a production kitchen focused on batch cooking and prepared foods. This role is hands-on and operational. You'll be responsible for planning the day's production, leading the team through execution, and ensuring all food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to a high standard of quality and consistency. Success in this role requires someone who can balance big-picture planning with real-time decision-making on the kitchen floor. Key ResponsibilitiesProduction & Kitchen Operations Plan and manage daily production across hot bar, grab-and-go, cafe, and bakery items Adjust production based on inventory, existing prep, and sales trends Ensure food is prepared efficiently, consistently, and on time Maintain organized systems for prep, workflow, and kitchen execution Leadership & Shift Execution Lead the kitchen team throughout the shift, adjusting priorities and assignments as needed Provide real-time coaching, support, and accountability Ensure team readiness, proper setup, and adherence to kitchen standards Help ensure all shifts run smoothly, even in your absence Food Safety, Quality & Organization Actively enforce food safety, sanitation, and labeling standards Ensure proper temperature control, storage, and handling at all stages Maintain a clean, organized kitchen during and after production Oversee opening and closing procedures to ensure full operational readiness Inventory, Waste & Efficiency Monitor product levels and ensure proper rotation and freshness Minimize waste through accurate production planning and tracking Support inventory management, ordering, and cost control efforts Qualifications Experience in a kitchen leadership or supervisory role required Experience in a scratch-made or production kitchen strongly preferred Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards Experience with inventory, food costing, or ordering systems a plus Basic computer skills required Ability to lift 25 lbs regularly, 50 lbs occasionally Flexible availability. Hours for the position are 6:30 am- 2:00 pm daily (weekends required, holidays as needed) Why This Role Matters This role is key to delivering clean, high-quality food to our community. You'll help build systems, lead a team, and ensure our kitchen runs smoothly day in and day out. Please do not call the store. All communication will be handled through Indeed.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$17.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) matching Flexible schedule Paid time off

Experience:

Kitchen management: 2 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person