Culinary Lead (Sellwood)

Gresham, OR, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $7.00 - $9.00

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid holidays

overtime pay

Tips

Employee Discounts

Job Description

Grand Central Bakery has been a pioneering force in the artisan bread movement since 1989, bringing handcrafted rustic loaves to the dining tables of the Northwest. Known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community, the bakery stands out as a Certified B Corporation, reflecting its dedication to responsible business practices that benefit employees and local communities as well as the environment. With a steadfast focus on sourcing sustainable ingredients and fostering a positive workplace culture, Grand Central Bakery continues to be a leading example of how business can drive social and environmental good. As a well-established bakery and cafe operator, Grand Central Bakery combines traditional baking techniques with modern innovations to deliver exceptional food experiences in vibrant cafe settings.

The Culinary Lead at Grand Central Bakery holds a vital role in ensuring the smooth and enthusiastic operation of the cafe’s culinary services. This position is perfect for those passionate about delivering delicious food and beverages while being an influential team leader. The Culinary Lead supports the team by training members in sandwich-making procedures, maintaining food cost goals, and ensuring consistent communication of food-related knowledge across the staff. Acting as a person in charge during shifts, the Culinary Lead embraces multiple responsibilities ranging from inventory management to coaching and performance management. This role demands an energetic and effective leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is deeply committed to the bakery’s mission, vision, and values. Offering an hourly wage starting at $18.89 plus tips averaging between $7.00 and $9.00 per hour, along with overtime eligibility, this position is an ideal fit for individuals seeking to grow their career within a values-driven company. Employees enjoy the unique opportunity to contribute creatively to a successful cafe atmosphere while helping customers connect with sustainably sourced, high-quality food. The Culinary Lead must possess excellent communication skills, a strong sense of teamwork, and the ability to multitask effectively in a vibrant, customer-oriented setting. The role requires working flexibility including weekends and holidays, ensuring coverage for various shifts in the sandwich bar and retail areas. Grand Central Bakery is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, making the Culinary Lead a key cultural ambassador who models professionalism and respect in every aspect of their work.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Previous experience in food service or culinary role preferred
Must be at least 18 years old
Valid Food Handler's Card required
Ability to work flexible schedule including weekends and holidays
Ability to communicate clearly in English
Basic math skills
Professionalism in customer interactions
Ability to maintain a clean and safe work environment
Physical ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive motions
Capability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs
Adherence to cash handling procedures
Commitment to company mission and values
Willingness to take on leadership and training responsibilities

Job Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years old
Ability to read, write, and speak English
Maintains a valid Food Handler's Card and follows health department guidelines
Demonstrates regular attendance and punctuality
Ability to work a variety of shifts including weekends and holidays
Basic math skills
Displays professionalism and positive personality with customers
Stays thoughtfully busy regardless of customer flow
Proficient in sandwich making, coffee and espresso preparation
Leadership experience in a food service environment preferred
Knowledge of point-of-sale and vendor ordering systems
Strong communication and team management skills
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles

Job Duties

Regularly works a variety of shifts to maintain awareness and expertise in all areas of the cafe
Proficient in accounting systems, including processing invoices and facilitating physical inventory
Serves as a visible and reliable leader with a positive presence, and can effectively motivate the team
Contributes to performance management of cafe employees through effective and timely communication of coaching notes and training assessments with Cafe Manager
Troubleshoots in all areas of cafe operations
Assists in the hiring process for new Cafe Team Members
Communicates effectively and often with the cafe team to disseminate relevant information, as well as filter feedback and questions up to the Cafe Manager
Leads new hire and ongoing training on sandwich bar operations, menu and ingredients, and sourcing and product information
Sets pars, orders & invoices for kitchen and sandwich bar specific vendors, bread, and sandwich bar supplies
Meets cafe kitchen cost goals
Responsible for specials and new product roll out
Manages shift coverage as needed and when Cafe Manager is out
Responsible for all equipment used in the food prep area, including maintenance, cleanliness, and training
Ensures high quality food and maintains GCB standards by sending feedback and communication regularly to Kitchen and Bread teams
Proficient on Point-of-Sale System
Is proficient in Vendor ordering systems
Serves bread and pastry to customers while ensuring both meet GCB specs
Makes and serves all sandwiches according to GCB specs including during a rush
Makes and serves all coffee and espresso drinks according to GCB specs including during a rush and is proficient at latte art
Displays product knowledge of all items on menus
Maintains a clean cafe environment including bussing, washing dishes, and executing all necessary cafe cleaning tasks
Shares knowledge about where and how products are sourced with customers and team members
Has a solid understanding of organizational structure and problem solving resources
Works in a way that can improve the cafe environment through initiative and ideas
Uses creativity for product display to maximize sales
Demonstrates a pitching in mentality by volunteering with duties or helping others
Adheres to proper cash handling procedures with accuracy
Uses checklists and training documents to become competent with cafe systems
Acts in accordance with Grand Central Bakery’s mission, vision, and values
Works collaboratively and models professional communication
Leads teams in delivering excellent customer service
Maintains competencies and applies skills continuously
Committed to creating an anti-racist organization by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
Sets the best example of behavior, work ethic, and quality
Demonstrates efficient, safe work procedures
Serves as primary trainer and coaches team members
Escalates personnel matters to manager
Acts as Person in Charge when manager is absent
Follows all safety requirements and training
Notifies manager of potential hazards
Enters maintenance and safety tickets into FMX
Reports injuries promptly and assists with reports
Trains new hires and employees on safety protocols