Cafe Lead

Verde Canyon Railroad; Arizona; On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A scenic train service in Arizona is seeking a Café Lead to oversee daily food and beverage operations at the Copper Spike Café. You will support staff training, ensure that high standards of food preparation are met, and manage daily operations to provide a first-class customer experience. The role requires at least three years of food and beverage service experience, including one year in a leadership role. A culinary degree is preferred, along with valid food and alcohol handling certifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 21.
• At least 3 years of food and beverage service experience, including 1 year in a leadership role.
• Valid Food Handler’s Certification and Alcohol Certification required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily food and beverage operations.
• Train staff and enforce company policies.
• Assist with inventory counts and placing orders for supplies.

Skills

Leadership

Team support

Time management

Money-handling

Customer service

Food and beverage knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary degree preferred

Tools

Excel

Word

POS systems (Revel preferred)

Job description

Description

Café Lead

Company: Verde Canyon Railroad

Location: Clarkdale, Arizona

Reports to: Copper Spike Café Lead

Classification: Non-exempt, Hourly, Full-time/Part-time

Position Summary

The Café Lead supports the Copper Spike Café Manager in overseeing daily food and beverage operations, ensuring passengers consistently receive a first-class experience. This role assists with training staff, maintaining high standards of food preparation and presentation, and ensuring operational safety, efficiency, and exceptional customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Staff Support
  • Collaborate with the Café Manager to guide and support team members.
  • Oversee training in all café positions; assign new hires to experienced staff.
  • Ensure new employees have relevant manuals and understand expectations.
  • Monitor staff performance and enforce company policies and procedures.
  • Assist with creating and maintaining work schedules, including managing the “extra board” for part-time staff.
• Operational Oversight
  • Assist with café opening and closing procedures.
  • Verify preorders and onboard appetizers for presentation, accuracy, and freshness.
  • Help create menus and ensure recipes are followed.
  • Maintain a safe work environment and ensure compliance with rules, guidelines, and health codes.
  • Ensure staff provide exceptional guest service.
  • Coordinate with reservations staff for daily passenger needs and adjustments.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support business operations and team needs.
• Inventory & Financial Support
  • Assist with placing orders for supplies and products.
  • Support monthly inventory counts and related reporting.
• General Support & Manager Absence
  • Support the Café Manager in daily operations and team management.
  • Oversee café operations in the manager’s absence.
  • Assist with catering and special events, including menu planning and organization.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; college or culinary degree preferred.
• Minimum age 21.
• At least three years of food and beverage service experience, including one year in a leadership role.
• Able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Must pass a drug screening and background check.

Requirements

• Valid Food Handler’s Certification and Alcohol Certification.
• Knowledge of food and beverage operations, including knife skills.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and POS systems (Revel preferred).
• Reliable, responsible, and a team player.
• Excellent money-handling and time management skills.
• Flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and varying shifts.
• Proficiency in all café positions.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business operations and team needs.
• Flexible availability, including weekends and all days of the week, based on operational needs.
• Ability to perform duties for extended periods in environments with high heat and direct sun exposure.