Prepared Foods Shift Leader

Description

WHO WE ARE

We’re a community-owned natural foods grocery store passionate about high-quality food, sustainability, and the cooperative business model. Our mission is rooted in serving our community while creating a workplace that is inclusive, engaging, and supportive. We strive to set a high standard for employment practices by fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and growth. We’re looking for positive, motivated people who take pride in delivering excellent customer service, value the quality of their work, show up reliably for their team, and enjoy working together to make a meaningful impact every day.

Job Title: Prepared Foods Shift Leader

Reports to: Prepared Foods Managers 

Status: Non-Exempt, Union Position 

Wage Range: $19.67–$23.26 per hour, plus $1.00/hour shift leader premium. Step placement is based on experience and hours worked.

Schedule: Variable; typically assigned as an AM or PM Shift Leader, with flexibility to work either shift as needed for coverage, including weekends and holidays

POSITION SUMMARY

The Prepared Foods Shift Leader is a working leader who supports daily front-of-house (service) and back-of-house (production) operations. This role combines hands-on work with leadership responsibilities, including organizing workflow, guiding staff, and maintaining standards for food quality, safety, and customer service. 

Shift Leaders set priorities for the shift, ensure effective communication, and provide real-time coaching and support to keep the department running smoothly. Shift Leaders are expected to confidently direct work during their shift, including adjusting priorities, reassigning tasks, and ensuring work meets department standards while maintaining a collaborative and respectful team environment. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Team Support 

• Organize, prioritize, and direct daily work, adjusting assignments based on business needs 
• Lead shift huddles and clearly communicate priorities, expectations, and updates 
• Provide training, coaching, and real-time feedback, including redirecting work to meet quality standards 
• Coordinate breaks and staffing to maintain appropriate coverage during peak times 
• Reassign tasks and shift staff between areas to support workflow and service levels 
• Address and communicate staff concerns to management as appropriate 

Operations & Execution 

• Perform regular production and service duties alongside staff 
• Ensure team members are working on the highest priority tasks for the shift 
• Ensure production schedules, prep lists, and merchandising are completed 
• Oversee special orders to ensure accuracy and timeliness 
• Maintain clear communication for shift handoff and continuity 

Quality, Safety & Compliance 

• Ensure food quality, presentation, labeling, and freshness standards are met 
• Uphold and enforce sanitation, food safety, and workplace safety protocols 
• Monitor product temperatures, dating, and proper storage practices 
• Minimize waste while maintaining product availability and customer satisfaction 

Customer Experience 

• Model excellent customer service and support staff in delivering it 
• Resolve customer concerns promptly and professionally 
• Ensure department appearance is clean, stocked, and inviting 

Department Maintenance 

• Maintain organized workspaces, including walk-ins and prep areas 
• Ensure accurate receiving, storage, and rotation of product 
• Support inventory awareness, waste tracking, and product utilization 

General 

• Act as a communication link between team members and management 
• Support a positive, respectful, and engaged team environment 
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong ability to organize, delegate, and prioritize in a fast-paced environment 
• Effective communication and team leadership skills 
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and problem-solve in real time 
• Working knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices 
• Commitment to teamwork, accountability, and customer service excellence 
• Ability to confidently direct others’ work, provide constructive feedback, and uphold standards in a collaborative and professional manner. 
• Previous experience in a food service or prepared foods environment preferred, including experience supporting or guiding team workflow
• Demonstrated reliability and consistency in attendance, with the ability to meet scheduling requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to move throughout the department regularly to monitor work, support staff, and respond to operational needs
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift) 
• Frequent use of hands for food preparation, packaging, and operating equipment 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally, and up to 25 pounds regularly 
• Frequent bending, twisting, reaching, and kneeling 
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including refrigerated and hot kitchen environments 
• Ability to safely use knives, kitchen tools, and food service equipment 
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with team members and customers 
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining attention to detail and quality standards

BENEFITS AT THE CO-OP

• Up to 25% staff discount & access to wholesale orders 
• Medical/dental/vision and supplemental insurance options
• 401(k) w/match
• Paid time off
• Pay on Demand 
• Access to EAP

UNION AFFILIATION: This position is represented by Teamsters Local 231. Terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and working conditions, are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between the Community Food Co-op and the union.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: The Community Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the Co-op, even if doing so requires actions or responsibilities not listed in the above job description. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned which are not considered essential and may not be listed here.