Hot Deli Kitchen 2nd

PAQ, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company operating 25 retail grocery stores across the Central Valley and Central Coast of California. The company encompasses two distinct market formats: Food 4 Less, a price-impact, warehouse-style format representing 17 stores, and Rancho San Miguel Market, an eight-store Hispanic format. This employee ownership model means that every employee has a stake in the company's success, fostering a culture of collaboration, commitment, and shared growth. At PAQ, Inc., employees are not just workers, but partners contributing to the future strength and stability of the organization. The company is dedicated to offering some of the best employee benefits in the industry, including access to retirement savings plans with company contributions, affordable medical, dental, and vision plans starting at minimal paycheck deductions, paid vacations, sick leave, tuition reimbursement, and a comprehensive employee assistance program. These benefits are designed to support the health, financial security, and professional growth of every team member.

The Kitchen 2nd position at PAQ, Inc. plays a vital role in supporting the kitchen lead in overseeing the preparation and cooking of high-quality dishes within the store’s kitchen operations. This full-time, non-exempt, regular role reports directly to the Lead Kitchen and requires hands-on culinary expertise as well as leadership skills to guide and coach kitchen staff. The Kitchen 2nd assists in menu planning by innovating and enhancing menu offerings based on guest feedback, market trends, and dish popularity. This position includes responsibilities such as estimating food needs, managing inventory, controlling food and labor costs, promoting strict adherence to food safety and sanitation standards, and maintaining cleanliness throughout the kitchen.

Additionally, this role demands the ability to implement food apportionment policies to control costs and consistently monitor food quality through tastings and inspections. The Kitchen 2nd acts as a mentor to new cooks and supports apprenticeship training, ensuring that the kitchen operates smoothly despite the fast-paced nature of retail food service. Physical requirements are significant and include standing for long periods, frequent lifting, and working in a hot environment near cooking equipment. The position requires careful attention to detail, precision in following recipes, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining professionalism and team motivation.

PAQ, Inc. emphasizes inclusion and diversity in the workplace, promoting an environment where all employees are respected and valued regardless of race, gender, orientation, or disability status. The company is an equal opportunity employer and operates on an at-will basis, supporting employees with career advancement opportunities and robust benefits. Working at PAQ, Inc. means joining a community of employee-owners that share common goals of excellence, collaboration, and customer satisfaction. The Kitchen 2nd has an essential impact on delivering quality culinary products while contributing to the overall success and growth of the company. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic kitchen environment and is eager to take on leadership challenges in the food retail industry.