Prepared Foods Manager

Mothers Market•Santa Ana, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Prepared Foods Manager, you’ll lead teams across our kitchen, deli, and juice bar, ensuring exceptional food quality, service, and operational excellence. This role involves supervising and coaching staff, managing inventory, overseeing budgets, and fostering a positive customer experience. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of food safety, sanitation, and operational efficiency while driving financial performance and building strong vendor relationships.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED required
Strong understanding of food safety, cooking techniques, and portion control
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills
Able to lift up to 50 lbs. (~100 times/day), stand/walk extensively
Available for varied shifts, including weekends, holidays, and across store locations

Nice To Haves

2+ years managing food service operations (preferred 3–5 in similar settings)
Culinary or hospitality diploma is a bonus

Responsibilities

Supervise and coach staff in the Kitchen, Juice Bar, and Deli covering both front & back of house
Hire, train, evaluate, and discipline team members to maintain high performance and morale
Create a positive culture: recognize achievements, give constructive feedback, and “lead from the front”
Ensure food prep meets portioning, plating, and presentation standards
Manage inventory, place orders, minimize waste, and control food cost
Maintain sanitation, safety, and health regulations ensuring compliance and preparing for health inspections
Oversee departmental budgets, control labor expenses, and analyze financial variances
Maintain payroll records and POS transaction reviews
Build strong vendor relationships and manage service or maintenance requests efficiently
Serve as the primary point of contact during customer issues resolving complaints personally and promptly
Foster customer rapport: learn regulars by name and create a welcoming atmosphere