Prepared Foods Shift Leader

The Community Food Co-op is a community-owned natural foods grocery store dedicated to offering high-quality food while promoting sustainability and the cooperative business model. Rooted in serving its local community, the Co-op aims to create an inclusive, engaging, and supportive workplace environment. It values respect, integrity, and growth, setting a high standard for employment practices and cultivating a culture where employees feel valued and motivated. As a cooperative, the store emphasizes democratic ownership and involvement, fostering a workplace where teamwork and shared purpose are paramount. This unique structure supports not only the community it serves but also provides a collaborative and positive environment for its staff. Employees are encouraged to take pride in their work, provide exceptional customer service, and contribute meaningfully to the Co-op's mission every day.

The Prepared Foods Shift Leader role at the Community Food Co-op is a non-exempt, union position represented by Teamsters Local 231. The wage range for this role is $19.67 to $23.26 per hour, plus a $1.00 per hour shift leader premium. The position typically involves variable shifts, with assignments generally as an AM or PM Shift Leader, including the flexibility to cover weekends and holidays as needed. This role plays a crucial part in both front-of-house service and back-of-house production within the prepared foods department. As a working leader, the Shift Leader supports daily operations, organizes workflow, and guides team members to ensure the highest standards for food quality, safety, and customer service are maintained throughout the shift.

Shift Leaders are responsible for setting priorities, facilitating effective communication, and providing real-time coaching and support to ensure smooth departmental operations. The role requires directing work confidently and making adjustments as necessary—including task reassignment and prioritization—to meet business needs while nurturing a collaborative and respectful team environment. The Shift Leader also leads shift huddles, communicates expectations clearly, coordinates staffing and breaks, and addresses staff concerns in partnership with management.

Additionally, the Shift Leader performs various operational duties such as overseeing production and service tasks, ensuring production schedules and merchandising are completed, managing special orders, and maintaining quality, safety, and compliance standards. They model excellent customer service, directly resolve customer concerns, and maintain the department's cleanliness and organization. Beyond daily operations, they support inventory management, waste tracking, and accurate product receiving and storage.

This role demands a strong ability to lead, organize, and prioritize in a fast-paced setting while maintaining calmness under pressure. Candidates should have effective communication skills and a working knowledge of food safety and sanitation. Previous experience in a food service or prepared foods environment is preferred, especially experience guiding team workflow. Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally, frequent bending and reaching, and working in varying temperature environments. The Co-op offers its employees a range of benefits, including staff discounts, medical/dental/vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, paid time off, pay on demand, and access to an employee assistance program. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.