Floater Cafe Lead

The hiring establishment is a university-based café operation dedicated to providing high-quality meals and excellent customer service to students, faculty, staff, and visitors on campus. As part of a larger campus dining service, the café prides itself on offering a variety of meal options, prepared fresh and delivered in a timely and efficient manner. This establishment is committed to upholding food safety standards, using specified recipes, and maintaining superior food quality. Beyond just food preparation, this café functions as a community hub where customer service and team collaboration are highly valued. The café environment is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring all team members to be adaptable and capable of working effectively under pressure while maintaining calm and professionalism. The café supports a culture of inclusivity and teamwork, encouraging staff to contribute ideas and actively participate in maintaining a positive workplace atmosphere. As an employer, the café offers full-time, non-exempt employment with a limited term of six months, making the position benefit-eligible. Working hours are scheduled from Sunday to Thursday, 2pm to 10:30pm, which accommodates the campus needs and operational flow. Compensation for this role is set at Pay Grade 3, with a salary ranging from $19.25 per hour to $21.13 per hour, reflective of the responsibilities and expertise required.

The Café Lead role is a critical supervisory position within the team. Reporting to the Manager, the Café Lead assists in planning and executing daily food production activities, ensuring all meals are prepared according to established recipes and quality standards. This role involves directing, assigning, and supervising kitchen production staff, especially in the manager's absence, to maintain smooth workflow and operational efficiency. The Café Lead must have an intermediate knowledge of culinary techniques and safe food handling practices, demonstrating skill in managing quantity food production while complying with all food safety regulations. The position demands proficiency in operating point-of-sale systems, efficient time management, and the ability to solve problems as they arise. Strong communication skills both verbal and written are essential, as the role requires giving instructions, collaborating with team members, and providing high-level customer service. Physical demands include the ability to stand and walk for extended periods, safely lift up to 50 pounds, and operate typical kitchen tools confidently. The environment can be physically challenging, including exposure to hot, humid, or cold conditions and occasional outdoor work during various weather situations. The position is classified as essential personnel, requiring availability during emergency situations or inclement weather to support campus dining needs. Candidates for this role should possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with a preferred associate degree in culinary arts, and have a minimum of three years' experience in cooking, cold food preparation, and cashiering or hold a relevant culinary certification. Safe food handler certification is preferred or must be obtained within one year of hire depending on the unit assignment. Additionally, a valid Virginia driver's license in good standing is mandatory upon hire. This comprehensive and responsible role is integral in maintaining the café’s commitment to quality, safety, and outstanding service, making it a rewarding opportunity for culinary professionals eager to contribute to a vibrant university dining environment.