Kitchen Lead

HOMETOWN COFFEE & JUICE•Glenview, IL

1d•$22 - $25

About The Position

As Kitchen Lead, you’ll be the heartbeat of our back-of-house team, ensuring smooth daily operations, high-quality food preparation, and a positive team environment. You’ll lead by example, support your teammates, and help maintain the standards that make Hometown Coffee & Juice a beloved community spot.

Requirements

Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a high-heat environment.
Comfortable lifting up to 50 pounds.
Strong knife skills and attention to detail.
1–2 years of experience in a kitchen leadership role (or equivalent experience).
Ability to multitask and lead in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

ServSafe certification preferred (can be obtained upon hiring).

Responsibilities

Lead kitchen operations during prep and service, ensuring food is prepared to recipe standards and served promptly.
Manage ticket flow and station organization to maintain efficiency and consistency.
Take initiative to solve problems and support the team during peak hours.
Foster a collaborative and respectful kitchen culture.
Train and mentor new team members, helping them understand our values and standards.
Communicate clearly and professionally with all team members.
Ensure all food is prepared and presented according to Hometown’s quality standards.
Follow food safety and sanitation protocols, including FIFO practices and allergen awareness.
Monitor and maintain kitchen cleanliness and organization.
Support the front-of-house team by ensuring timely and consistent food delivery.
Maintain high standards that contribute to a positive customer experience.
Work closely with the prep and smoothie teams to coordinate ingredient needs and service flow.
Communicate stock levels, special requests, and operational issues to management.
Monitor inventory and assist with ordering and receiving supplies.
Follow portion control guidelines to reduce waste and manage food costs.
Ensure proper storage and rotation of ingredients.
Understand and embody Hometown’s culture, values, and customer experience standards.
Help onboard and train new team members, sharing knowledge and best practices.
Demonstrate teamwork, quality, and customer focus in every shift.