BACK OF HOUSE LEAD
About The Position
At Hometown Coffee & Juice, the Back of House Lead is a hands-on leader responsible for helping the kitchen team deliver consistent, high-quality food while maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient operation. The role leads by example during prep and service, supports teammate development, and helps ensure the kitchen is ready to meet the demands of the day. The successful candidate balances strong execution with communication, ownership, and a commitment to a positive team environment. The Back of House Lead helps lead kitchen operations, maintains ticket flow and station organization, upholds food and safety standards, coaches and supports team members, monitors inventory and product quality, and partners with front-of-house leadership to support smooth service and a strong customer experience.
Requirements
- One to two years of kitchen leadership experience or equivalent experience in a fast-paced food service environment.
- Strong knowledge of food preparation, kitchen operations, and food safety practices.
- Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to multitask and remain calm during busy service periods.
- Ability to stand and move throughout the kitchen for extended periods.
- Comfort working in a high-heat, fast-paced environment.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Strong knife skills and attention to detail.
Nice To Haves
- ServSafe certification is preferred; it can also be obtained upon hiring.
Responsibilities
- Help lead kitchen operations during prep and service.
- Manage ticket flow, station organization, and team support to maintain speed, quality, and consistency.
- Ensure food is prepared and presented according to Hometown recipes and standards.
- Identify and solve operational issues while keeping the team focused and supported during busy periods.
- Lead by example with a positive, respectful, and accountable approach.
- Help train and onboard new kitchen team members.
- Provide real-time coaching and reinforce standards for quality, food safety, cleanliness, and teamwork.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with teammates and leadership.
- Ensure food safety, sanitation, allergen awareness, labeling, storage, and FIFO procedures are consistently followed.
- Maintain kitchen cleanliness and organization throughout the shift.
- Help ensure stations are properly stocked and ready for service.
- Monitor inventory levels and communicate ordering or product needs to management.
- Assist with receiving, organizing, storing, and rotating products.
- Follow portion control and recipe standards to minimize waste and manage food costs.
- Identify quality issues and communicate concerns promptly.
- Work closely with front-of-house leadership and teammates to support smooth service.
- Clearly communicate stock levels, special requests, and operational issues.
- Help ensure the kitchen is positioned to support a great customer experience.
Benefits
- Employee meal benefits and employee discount.
- Paid breaks.
- 401(k).
- No late nights; cafés close at 5 p.m.
- Paid leave and sick leave.
- Health insurance offered to all regular full-time employees.
- Growth and development opportunities.
- Supportive and collaborative team environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
