Prepared Foods Lead

New Seasons Market began in 2000 as a neighborhood market, a place where local communities can come together to connect with where their food comes from. A friendly, inviting place that honors its region's farmers, ranchers, growers and makers.

Today we are part of Good Food Holdings; a collection of regional specialty grocers committed to serving our communities with the highest quality of products and great service, where our goal remains the same: to build community through good food. Accordingly, we seek skilled team members who share the same commitments and who appreciate the fact that New Seasons Market celebrates diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Job Title: Prepared Foods Lead

Department: Prepared Foods

Job Region: Oregon / SW Washington

Reports-To: Prepared Foods Manager

Exemption Status (typically): Non-Exempt

Union Represented: Yes, NSLU

Requirements: As a retail grocer, we operate 7 days/week and 365 days/year. Our in-store positions are likely to include evening, weekend, and holiday shifts per the needs of the business. Must complete and maintain any required food and work safety trainings/certifications.

About the role: Assists with the execution of Prepared Foods department operations and work. Prepares, stocks, cuts, weighs and wraps department products. Provides exceptional customer service and contributes to a positive and collaborative team environment.

General Requirements:

• Engages the customer in a friendly manner by seeking opportunities to exceed customer expectations and enhance the customer experience.
• Works a schedule that is informed by the needs of the business and may be subject to change seasonally or due to varying staffing needs and demonstrates reliable and predictable attendance, in accordance with attendance policy and all applicable laws.
• Shifts tasks as priorities and circumstances change based on needs and conditions of department and whole store as needed.
• Demonstrates a solutions-oriented approach to problems or concerns.
• Represents company values. Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. Works cooperatively and positively with fellow team members, customers and vendors spiriting a respectful workplace where everyone is welcome.
• Gives and receives feedback in a constructive manner demonstrating company "Speak Up & Listen" culture. Responds to feedback in order to improve performance.
• Conserves company resources. Works in a manner consistent with company mission, vision and values and sustainability program.
• Adheres to work and food safety policies set forth by the company and all local, state and federal regulatory agencies. Contributes to store cleanliness, maintains equipment. Informs store/department management of any problems.
• Observes all company rules and policies. Understands and complies with specific department or location guidelines, tasks and responsibilities.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making in completing job-related tasks, in behaviors in the workplace, and in interactions with co-workers, customers, and the community.
• Consistently utilizes the DEI lens in work tasks and when working with other teams and stakeholders.

Position Responsibilities:

• Prepares Prepared Foods department for store opening and closing.
• Assists customers with product selection. Shares product knowledge with customers. Makes recommendations and suggestions based on customer needs.
• Guides the work of department staff, including prioritizing and assigning work, training staff, and ensuring quality standards are met and tasks are completed.
• Partners with department management team to maintain excellent department conditions, including appearance, cleanliness, signage, staffing and service levels.
• Merchandises and maintains Prepared Foods cases and stations.
• Prepares, wraps, weighs, tares, prices and presents Prepared Foods department products.
• Processes customers' special and made-to-order items accurately and expeditiously.
• Assists with food preparation and production.
• Stocks, rotates and faces products with attention to product quality and expiration dates.
• Receives and unloads merchandise; checks quality, count and condition. Communicates any issues to management and merchandising team.
• Ensures customer special orders are accurately placed and delivered.
• Maintains cleanliness, organization and rotation of all areas, products and supplies.
• Maintains accurate pricing and signage that meet merchandising standards.
• Follows company procedures for processing invoices, transfers and credits.
• Handles damaged and spoiled product according to company policy.
• May participate in other activities, such as inventories, holiday and event planning.
• Maintains awareness of current ads, promotions, holidays and events.
• Demonstrates excellent knowledge of products throughout the department and understanding of culinary terminology, product labelling and common dietary restrictions.
• Notifies department manager or Manager on Duty of any situations relating to customer service, safety, productivity, security or any other situation that may have an adverse effect on the store.
• Tools and Equipment Used (not all-inclusive): This position may be required to use the following tools and equipment: baler, hand truck, POS, industrial kitchen equipment (blast chiller, robot coupe, blender, slicer, mixer, kitchen smallwares, kettle, pallet jack, knife, range, thermometer, dishwasher, scale, oven, grill, cart, computer, and office equipment) basic housekeeping / janitorial and standard office equipment.
• This position works at a *medium level. Requiredfrequently and up to continuously to be on feet with a mix of standing and walking throughout shift. Sitting seldom required. Up to occasionally, dependent on location, required to climb stairs, step stool and /or ladders.
• Frequently required to use hands and wrists for grabbing, twisting and pulling.
• Performs other tasks and duties as assigned.
• Medium means the worker can occasionally (1 – 33%) lift 50 pounds and can lift or carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds frequently (34 – 66%).

What you Bring as a Candidate:

• Previous customer service, food service, retail or grocery experience required.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Knowledge of retail grocery Prepared Foods, Deli or food production department and / or similar restaurant, café or food industry experience required.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Entry level proficiency with MS Office. Working knowledge with POS, inventory or other retail specific software preferred with skills to learn new software and computer programs.

Physical and Environmental Work Space: Work occurs in a grocery store environment which includes surfaces that can be wet and slippery, depending on location may have stairs or elevators, moderate noise level, and temperature extremes in controlled environments in the cooler and freezer, and depending on location, working outside in all temperatures. There may be exposure to certain allergens and / or chemicals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and other applicable state or local law, we will offer reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties, responsibilities and requirements, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function within our company. New Seasons Market reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet changing industry or business needs as necessary.

Benefits Information

All staff have access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and our 30% staff shopping discount. Full-time, regular-status staff that regularly work 24 hours or more per week and have worked for 60 days are eligible for medical, dental, vision, pre-tax spending accounts, life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), and disability benefits. Full-time, part-time, and temporary staff who have worked for 60 days and are at least 21 years of age may participate in the 401(k) program. Employees begin accruing PTO on their first day of employment; the amount they accrue depends on hours worked and tenure. Staff may be eligible for paid holidays, depending on schedule and tenure. Additional benefits include supplemental leave pay (such as parental or bereavement), a store incentive program based on financial & operational goals, paid time for volunteering at a 501(c)3 non-profit, discounts on some forms of public transportation, adoption assistance, and up to $40 reimbursement for dinner out or New Seasons Market groceries for their birthday.