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Food Service Associate

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $22.00 - $28.65
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Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off
Paid parental leave
KinderCare tuition discount
retirement and bonus plans
Co-worker discount
Meal deal
Referral Bonus
pet insurance program
education assistance and learning programs
safety shoe reimbursement
24/7 telehealth visits
Dental and Vision Plans
Medical and Rx plans

Job Description

IKEA is a globally recognized home furnishings company that originated from the deep forests of Sweden and has grown to represent a unique blend of culture, values, and passion for creating better homes around the world. Known for its beautiful, sustainable products and solutions, IKEA reaches millions of customers with the mission to make everyday life better for the many people. The company embraces diversity and inclusion as core elements of its identity, fostering a workplace where co-workers feel valued for their unique contributions and supported in their personal and professional growth. The culture at IKEA is centered on living company values, fostering respect, and creating an environment where having fun is a key part of the daily experience. This combination of values underpins IKEA’s promise to customers and employees alike, creating a shared commitment to delivering quality and sustainability in all aspects of their business.

This Food Service Associate role is based in East Palo Alto within IKEA's Food & Restaurant department, offering a full-time permanent employment opportunity. The position is hourly, with a pay range of $22 to $28.65 per hour, and requires candidates to be available for a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends. The associate will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic, customer-facing environment where food is not just a product but a vital part of the IKEA experience. Responsibilities include preparing and maintaining menu items in accordance with IKEA’s food concept and sustainability standards, responding to customer inquiries with helpful product knowledge, managing food safety and hygiene practices, and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the dining and kitchen areas. The role also involves managing the Swedish Food Market operations, including merchandising, pricing, and inventory, ensuring accurate communication of prices across digital and physical platforms, and adhering to safety and regulatory standards.

IKEA values its employees highly, recognizing that their well-being and development are critical to the company’s success. Therefore, Food Service Associates can expect a supportive workplace with numerous benefits designed to promote work-life balance, health, and career growth. These benefits include generous paid time off, earned wages available up to two days early, paid parental leave, tuition discounts, retirement and bonus plans, and various insurance options including pet insurance. The company encourages continuous learning and offers education assistance and safety shoe reimbursement to ensure employees are comfortable and confident in their roles. Telehealth services are also available 24/7 to support employee health needs.

Working at IKEA means joining a team of diverse individuals who share a passion for home furnishing and customer service. The company’s vision to create a better everyday life serves as a guiding principle for all employees. Team members work collaboratively to connect with customers both in-store and online, leveraging their product knowledge and understanding of local markets to drive sales and deliver exceptional service. This inclusive work culture is a place where everyone is encouraged to be their authentic self while respecting others, creating a vibrant and engaging work environment.

If you are passionate about food and customer service, and want to contribute to a company that values diversity, sustainability, and community impact, this Food Service Associate position at IKEA offers a rewarding and growth-oriented career path. Join the team to start a better life for yourself while helping to make a positive difference in the everyday lives of many.

Job Requirements

  • Minimum 2 years related experience
  • Experience in a high-volume customer facing environment preferred
  • Experience in a high-volume retail environment with knowledge of basic merchandising and selling concepts preferred
  • Food Handler Certification and/or Food Handler Card (as required by local jurisdiction) required within 30 days of employment

Job Qualifications

  • Minimum 2 years related experience
  • Experience in a high-volume customer facing environment preferred
  • Experience in a high-volume retail environment with knowledge of basic merchandising and selling concepts preferred
  • Food Handler Certification and/or Food Handler Card (as required by local jurisdiction) required within 30 days of employment

Job Duties

  • Prepare and maintain IKEA Food menu items according to the IKEA Food concept, adhering to food handling, health, and sustainability standards
  • Respond to customer inquiries to support informed purchases and process sales transactions accurately and efficiently, adhering to cash handling policies
  • Maintain equipment operation through adherence to operating guidelines, troubleshooting breakdowns, and conducting preventive and cleaning maintenance
  • Maintain a clean supply of dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, pots, pans, and trays that comply with Food Safety Standards
  • Ensure the cleanliness and organization of dining and play areas
  • Manage the Swedish Food Market by overseeing merchandising, pricing, stock rotation, and the cleaning and sanitization of sampling equipment and areas
  • Ensure accurate and timely price communication across all food solutions, including digital platforms, menu boards, and shelf tags
  • Maintain supply rotation and stocking in all IKEA Food solutions, adhering to First In, First Out (FIFO), expiration dates, and sustainability standards
  • Implement IKEA Food policies and procedures for goods receiving and monthly inventory
  • Adhere to safe food handling, workplace safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations, promptly reporting concerns to managers
  • Contribute to an environment where the IKEA culture is a strong and living reality that embraces the diversity of co-workers and customers

Job Criteria

Experience

No experience required


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