Food Service Team Lead

Current Career•Prescott Valley, AZ

About The Position

The Food Service Team Lead coordinates and provides day-to-day operational direction for Polara Kitchen Services staff in accordance with food safety standards. The role includes training and scheduling Food Workers and performing quality control on food leaving the kitchen. This is a full-time position working Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Team Lead works with the Operations Manager and Dietician on menus and service levels, maintains kitchen sanitation standards, supports inventory and ordering, and helps ensure timely meal delivery to each site. The position also supports the Hot Meals Program and the WAT Program, prepares and delivers meals for New Employee Orientation, and develops internal catering opportunities. The position is based in a food service environment and requires travel within the community as needed. It is considered safety-sensitive. Employment is contingent on background checks as required by Polara Health policies, which may include fingerprint clearance, drug testing, criminal and driving history checks, registry searches, and employment and education verification.

Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older, or meet one of the stated exceptions for individuals at least 18 years old.
Must be able to provide or obtain an AZDPS Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
High school diploma or GED required.
CPR, First Aid, and CPI certifications required; training is provided by Polara Health.
Food Handler Certification required; cost is covered by Polara Health.
Must have, or obtain within two weeks of hire, Food Safety Manager certification; cost is covered by Polara Health.
Food Service experience required.
Ability to stand for prolonged periods throughout work hours.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move 50 or more pounds.
Must be able to respond appropriately and effectively in crisis situations using good judgment and Polara Health protocols.

Nice To Haves

Food Service Management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and provide day-to-day operational direction for Polara Kitchen Services staff.
Train and schedule Food Workers and assist with training new staff.
Perform quality control on food leaving the kitchen.
Assist with inventory management and check in weekly orders.
Streamline kitchen processes to support prompt service and timely delivery at each site.
Work with the Operations Manager and Dietician to develop and maintain menus and service levels.
Set regular kitchen-cleaning standards and verify that staff maintain sanitation levels.
Provide the Operations Manager with weekly lunch counts per site.
Submit invoices to the Operations Manager in a timely manner for submission to the accounting department.
Act as a liaison for Polara Health and catering companies regarding use of kitchens at contracted sites.
Ensure food safety standards are upheld, including enforcement of Arizona Department of Health standards and staff Food Handler certification.
Expand and develop the WAT and its program facets related to production, including use of participants to make lunches.
Deliver and maintain inventory and supplies for the Hot Meals Program, replenishing supplies daily or weekly at each site.
Prepare breakfasts and lunches for New Employee Orientation, including delivery and setup using staff or the WAT Program.
Create and develop catering opportunities within Polara Health, including Board, committee, and site meetings, and develop diverse menu selections.
Respond appropriately and effectively in crisis situations using good judgment and following Polara Health protocols.