Counter Lead - Food Service

We are seeking a motivated and customer-focused Counter Lead to join our dynamic food service team. This role offers an excellent opportunity to lead daily operations at the counter, ensure exceptional customer service, and support a collaborative work environment. If you are passionate about food service and enjoy leading by example, we invite you to apply.

MERCHANDISING

• Maximize sales potential through actively planning, executing and maintaining attractive, fully stocked, rotated and faced product in appropriate locations.
• Responsible for ensuring the accurate labeling of products with shelf tags, price stickers and/or signs.
• Communicate items at risk of not selling in a timely fashion to Counter Manager and/or Kitchen Manager and discuss strategies needed to reduce losses.
• Provide product information from vendors to customers and staff.
• Be aware of price comparisons, product and merchandising ideas at other stores. 
• Develop collaborative relationship with Kitchen Lead.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

• Consistently examine products for quality, proper packaging and labeling. 
• Ensure proper handling and storage of department products and related products, per specific product requirement.
• Check deliveries for damage, quality and accuracy, and note discrepancies on invoice when warranted or as needed. 

DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE

• Adhere to safe food handling procedures in the kitchen, counter, beverage bar, walk-in and waste management areas.
• Ensure all food prep and storage areas are maintained in sanitary, orderly condition as defined by the Provender Department.
• Ensure proper storage and labeling of all products. 
• Ensure that all products are dated, stocked, and rotated accurately. Remove all out-of-date and/or unsellable items and ensure that they are recorded and properly disposed of. 
• Determine and give direction regarding daily sampling opportunities. Accurately record samples and waste on the correct logs.
• Maintain department equipment in working order, report any damage of equipment or tools to supervisor in a timely fashion; repair equipment when possible.
• Properly maintain knives and other cutting equipment; enforce best practices for handling all department equipment.
• Follow and enforce the department staffing schedule and the guidelines for schedule changes.
• Assist in receiving goods for the department when necessary. 
• Verify opening and closing procedures are completed; updating procedures as necessary.
• As a member of the food service team, provide assistance where assigned or needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in developing, maintaining and updating Provender procedures.
• Assist in training department staff and cross-train selected store staff using training checklists.
• Set work priorities for staff including but not limited to opening, closing, FOH tasks, downstairs list, merchandising and sampling.
• Give frequent positive and constructive critical feedback on all set priorities.
• Address complaints and resolve problems with staff.
• Make recommendations to Food Service Manager regarding staff discipline and/or promotion.
• Communicate any successes/concerns that should be considered during staff performance reviews.
•  Participate in department meetings as requested. 
• Ensure prompt, friendly, helpful customer service by department staff.
• Establish and maintain a positive work environment that supports high department performance and morale.

- Previous experience in food service or customer service roles preferred

- Strong leadership and team management skills

- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities

- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards

- Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings and weekends

- Positive attitude and a proactive approach to problem-solving