Kitchen Team Leader

Job description

Bootlegger is a freshly opened speakeasy-style bar in Richmond. We serve American-style food, think ribs, burgers, and Philly cheese steak. We are in need of a part-time Kitchen Team Leader who needs to be flexible, efficient, and capable of handling leadership responsibilities despite having limited hours. Their focus will often be on managing specific shifts and ensuring that kitchen operations run smoothly within their working hours.

RESPONSIBILITIES & OBJECTIVES

1. Supervision and Leadership: Lead and supervise kitchen staff during shifts, ensuring smooth operations and efficient work.
2. Food Preparation and Cooking: Oversee food preparation and cooking, ensuring that food quality and consistency are maintained. Assist in cooking, particularly during peak times or when the kitchen is understaffed.
3. Quality Control: Monitor food quality, ensuring it meets the required standards for presentation and taste. Check that food safety and hygiene practices are being followed by the team.
4. Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure kitchen staff adheres to all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations. Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and ensure that safety guidelines are followed.
5. Inventory and Stock Management: Assist in managing inventory, including monitoring stock levels, and informing management when supplies are low. Ensure that ingredients are properly stored and minimize food waste.
6. Coordination with Front of House: Communicate effectively with front-of-house staff (waiters, managers) to ensure orders are prepared and served promptly. Make sure there is a good flow of communication to prevent delays or errors in orders.
7. Problem Solving: Address any immediate issues or challenges that arise during your shift (e.g., missing ingredients, equipment malfunctions). Troubleshoot any operational issues and escalate them if necessary.
8. Training and Support: Provide training to new or junior kitchen staff, especially when they’re part-time or on probation. Offer ongoing support and mentorship, helping team members develop their skills.
9. Time Management and Efficiency: Manage your time effectively, ensuring that your part-time role contributes to kitchen success without overburdening the team. Assist with time-sensitive tasks, especially during rush hours, to ensure the kitchen runs efficiently.
10. Shift Coverage and Flexibility: Work flexible hours, which may include evenings, weekends, or holidays, depending on the needs of the business. Ensure shifts are covered, and there is no disruption in kitchen operations.
11. Cost Management: While part-time leaders may have less input in overall budget planning, they should still be mindful of minimizing waste and managing resources effectively during their shift. Assign tasks to kitchen staff, ensuring that each team member knows their duties. Provide guidance and support, especially to part-time or less experienced team members.

Skills:

• Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead, motivate, and delegate tasks.
• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication, liaising with staff.
• Time Management & Organization: Efficient multitasking and task prioritization.
• Problem-Solving: Quick decision-making during busy periods or issues.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring consistent food quality and safety.
• Food Safety & Hygiene: Knowledge of regulations and enforcing safe practices.
• Cooking Skills: Experience with cooking techniques and equipment use.
• Customer Focus: Ensuring high standards of food quality and presentation.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in adjusting to various shifts and tasks.

Qualifications:

• Kitchen Experience: Previous experience in a kitchen, ideally in a leadership role.
• Food Safety Certification: (e.g., ServSafe, Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene).
• First Aid Training: Basic knowledge is beneficial.
• Culinary Qualifications: (Optional, but helpful).
• Leadership Training: (Optional, advantageous).
• Customer Service Experience: (Optional, helpful in some settings).

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Career development
• Belong to a supportive, close-knit team.
• Benefit from a competitive salary and great discounts.
• Pension and generous holiday