Kitchen Lead

Earth Fare is a respected natural foods grocery store committed to helping people live healthier lives through access to wholesome, organic, and natural products. Earth Fare's mission centers on guiding customers not only to nutritious food options that they can trust but also to supporting their wellbeing through carefully curated household products that meet the store's high standards. As a company devoted to quality and community, Earth Fare fosters an atmosphere where team members and customers alike feel valued and supported. As a result, customers often leave the store with a feeling of connection and fulfillment, eager to return. Earth Fare is recognized as a company that prioritizes employee growth, supportive workplace culture, and a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

The position of Kitchen Lead at Earth Fare presents a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about food service and natural, organic products to play a pivotal role in the smooth operation of the Prepared Foods Department. The Kitchen Lead supports the Team Lead in coaching, training, and developing team members while maintaining a positive and professional atmosphere. This role demands leadership skills, attention to detail in food production, and effective management of merchandising and operational tasks.

In this role, the Kitchen Lead supervises and actively participates in the production of in-house prepared foods, ensuring that all items are consistently presented with quality and appeal. They are responsible for maintaining high standards of food safety, sanitation, and proper handling procedures. The role requires hands-on involvement with ordering and receiving deliveries, scheduling staff, reviewing daily sales and inventory reports, and managing shrink to maximize operational efficiency. The Kitchen Lead also ensures the sales floor remains attractive and aligns with company merchandising standards.

The position requires a candidate comfortable with physical tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds, frequent reaching, prolonged standing, and maneuvering equipment in a fast-paced kitchen and retail environment. The exposure to temperature variations, including working with coolers, freezers, and hot food preparation areas, is part of the routine job demands.

Working at Earth Fare comes with excellent benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance for full-time employees, 401k and retirement planning options, paid time off, a 20% store discount, and flexible scheduling. The company fosters a supportive working environment where the unique talents of each team member are appreciated, and clear communication is encouraged to cultivate respect and collaboration.

Additionally, Earth Fare promotes internal growth opportunities, providing team members with the necessary tools and support to excel in their roles and advance within the company. Employees are encouraged to pursue new skills and roles. Community involvement is also key; Earth Fare supports its employees in building meaningful external relationships by partnering with organizations and hosting community events that positively impact their neighborhoods and environment.