Culinary Lead-AM 6AM-230PM (63830)

Thistle is a pioneering food company dedicated to making healthy eating easy and sustainable. Founded in 2013, Thistle's mission revolves around helping people achieve and maintain optimal health through delicious, fully prepared meals made from real, whole foods. The company emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition paired with convenience, providing customers with an array of ready-to-eat meals, snacks, desserts, as well as organic cold-pressed juices. Thistle operates as a forward-thinking provider in the meal delivery and health food industry, championing sustainability within its food system and striving to make nutritious food accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

As a specialized culinary company, Thistle focuses on ensuring that every ingredient used and meal produced aligns with the highest standards of health, quality, and sustainability. Their approach integrates cutting-edge culinary techniques with a deep commitment to environmental impact, aiming to inspire a healthier lifestyle without compromising on flavor or convenience. This philosophy places Thistle at the forefront of companies transforming the way people think about mealtime, offering not only nourishment but also a way to contribute positively to the planet's future.

The role of Culinary Lead at Thistle is an essential position within the company's kitchen department, reporting directly to the Culinary Supervisor. This role is designed for a leader who is passionate about food production, team management, and quality assurance in a fast-paced culinary environment. The Culinary Lead will supervise a dynamic team composed of Culinary Associates and dishwashers, playing a critical role in maintaining smooth operations on the kitchen floor. Key responsibilities include assuring that cooking, cooling, and staging operations comply strictly with the assigned recipes, company policies, and quality standards.

In this role, the Culinary Lead will ensure the continuity of workflow across various kitchen functions such as food prep, hotline execution, staging, kitchen cooling quality control, and dish room management. The position demands strong leadership skills to support and encourage the culinary team while driving efficiency, accuracy, and safety across all kitchen activities. The Culinary Lead is also responsible for assisting in training and instructing staff on kitchen equipment, enforcing adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), overseeing quality control and quality assurance processes, and maintaining meticulous documentation.

Additionally, the Culinary Lead plays an active role in maintaining a positive and productive work environment, communicating openly about staff concerns, and collaborating with supervisors and managers. They are also tasked with ensuring compliance with OSHA safety standards and supporting internal safety and quality audits. This opportunity is ideal for a culinary professional who excels at balancing empathetic leadership with clear operational standards, has mastery over various culinary competencies including prep, hotline, blixer, and staging, and possesses strong proficiency in managing food allergens, equipment, and kitchen digital tools.

Working at Thistle means joining a diverse and inclusive culture that values equity and representation, aiming to create an environment where every team member feels supported and empowered. The company does not discriminate against any individual based on legally protected characteristics and actively fosters a workplace rooted in respect and shared goals. Joining Thistle as a Culinary Lead offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to a mission that influences healthier communities and a more sustainable food future while advancing one’s own culinary and leadership skills.