Kitchen Cooperator FT

THE COMMUNITY MERCANTILE, INC.•Lawrence, KS

4h•Onsite

About The Position

Cooperators are entry level positions at the co-op. These team members work closely with department Specialists and Managers to consistently meet the needs of shoppers in a fast-paced service environment. Deli Cooperators report to the Kitchen Manager. This full-time role is designed to support the department during peak business days, with a primary focus on dishwashing and sanitation to ensure smooth kitchen operations. In addition to dish responsibilities, this position will assist with food preparation and must demonstrate safe knife skills and adherence to department recipes and procedures while maintaining quality standards. The Merc Co+op is a grocery store owned by its community, focused on providing affordable, healthy, delicious food and ensuring everyone in the community has access. They prioritize local food and giving back to the community, aiming to be a neighborhood gathering place for fresh, healthy, and delicious food, open to everyone.

Requirements

Demonstrate safe knife skills
Adherence to department recipes and procedures while maintaining quality standards
Past work record reflects dependability and integrity
Flexibility of schedule to adapt and respond to the needs of the department
Exceptional customer service skills
Proven ability to follow through on commitments, prioritize and reprioritize as necessary
Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills
Must have the ability to read written and interpret verbal or demonstrated instructions; write identifying information and make requests verbally or in writing
Must be able to solve practical problems and work towards solutions
Must be able to perform simple addition and subtraction, as well as counting and recording

Responsibilities

Maintain the dish area as the primary assignment, ensuring all dishes, utensils, cookware, and equipment are cleaned, sanitized, and ready for use in a timely manner
Keep the dish station, prep areas, and kitchen organized, clean, and compliant with food safety and sanitation standards
Support overall kitchen flow by prioritizing dish and sanitation needs throughout the shift
Assist with trash, recycling, and general cleaning as needed
Operate and maintain the hot food warmer throughout the shift, including cooking off product as needed, stocking and rotating items, monitoring food quality and holding times, and completing markdowns according to department procedures
Handle, prepare, and package food safely and accurately, following proper food handling, temperature control, labeling, and sanitation standards
Utilize proper knife skills and safe cutting techniques when preparing or portioning items to support warmer production and kitchen operations
Assist with basic food production following department recipes and procedures
Collaborate with department Specialists to execute daily tasks within the department including opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned
Provide exceptional, prompt and friendly service in person and over the phone
Comply with safety procedures and identify unsafe conditions; report all safety risks to store management (ex: items in need of repair, customer or employee accidents, safety risks or issues including robbery, theft, or fraud)
Support training of new staff members by modeling best practices and established department procedures
Assist with ordering, inventory, and other duties as assigned
Gain and maintain knowledge of cooperative ownership and business model practices
Gain and maintain knowledge of products sold within the store and be able to respond to questions and make suggestions about products
Stay current with present, future, seasonal and special promotions and ads
Willing to work weekends and holidays
Reports to work as scheduled and on time
Prepare and package hot and ready-to-eat foods according to department recipes and procedures, maintaining and demonstrating quality standards of the department
Serve and assist customers, explain products, ingredients, flavor, taste and preparation
Follow, maintain and perform safety and sanitation procedures; throughout all shifts
Ensure that all production, inventory, prep, and display cases are properly stored, labeled, and rotated
Assist with management of deli inventory and ensuring supplies are fresh and high quality
Maintain a neat, clean and safe department and equipment, including coolers, backstock and other storage spaces
Communicate effectively with co-workers, engage in huddles and discussions of sales reports