Food Service Lead

truenorth Convenience Stores; Honor (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

True North is seeking a Food Service Lead to oversee the preparation, presentation, and safety of all food items in a fast-paced convenience setting. You will lead a team, ensure accuracy in portioning, manage inventory, and resolve guest concerns to maintain high standards of service.

The role requires experience in food service, ability to operate POS systems, and flexible hours including evenings and weekends. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Michigan.

Qualifications

• Basic reading, writing and math skills.
• Ability to operate point of sale, store, and car wash equipment.
• Must be able to cover kitchen shifts as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve food items in accordance with company standards and food safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized food service environment.
• Deliver prompt, courteous customer service in accordance with company standards.
• Accurately process customer transactions using point-of-sale systems.
• Support interior and exterior store duties as needed to support daily operations.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation to ensure quality, consistency, and portion control.
• Monitor food freshness, holding times, and waste to minimize shrink.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for food-related guest concerns and resolve issues promptly.
• Support food inventory management, including ordering support, receiving deliveries, stocking, and rotations.
• Provide guidance and support to team members working in food service.
• Assist with training new team members and food service cook on food preparation, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Greet and assist customers, providing food and product recommendations.
• Upsell by recommending complementary or similar items.
• Process transactions with POS, following cash-handling procedures.
• Explain car wash programs and assist with traffic flow during peak times if applicable.
• Maintain cleanliness of food service stations, prep areas, and customer-facing areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Food service experience

Customer service

Cash handling

Team leadership

POS systems

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Food Service Lead

Department: Operations

Reports To: Store Management

Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt

Job Summary: The Food Service Lead oversees the preparation and presentation of all food items, ensuring compliance with company standards and food safety requirements. This role ensures accurate portioning, timely service, and prompt resolution of guest concerns. The Food Service Lead also manages inventory to meet guest demand and provides direction and support to team members including Food Service Cook.

Essential Functions

• Prepare, cook, and serve food items in accordance with company standards and food safety requirements
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized food service environment
• Deliver prompt, courteous customer service in accordance with company standards
• Accurately process customer transactions using point-of-sale systems
• Support interior and exterior store duties as needed to support daily operations

Food Service Operations

• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation to ensure quality, consistency, and portion control
• Ensure food stations; Hot food cart and roller grill are properly stocked, labeled, rotated, and ready to meet guest demand
• Monitor food freshness, holding times, and waste to minimize shrink
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for food-related guest concerns and resolve issues promptly

Inventory and Food Safety

• Support food inventory management, including ordering support, receiving deliveries, stocking, and rotations
• Remove expired, damaged, or unsafe food items
• Maintain accurate temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and food safety documentation as required. Use proper food storage and coding’s
• Review food quality to ensure food preparations meets standard operation procedure

Team Support and Training

• Provide guidance and support to team members working in food service
• Assist with training new team members and food service cook on food preparation, safety, and sanitation standards
• Reinforce proper procedures and elevate concerns to store management when needed

Customer Service

• Greet and assist customers, providing food and product recommendations
• Assist customers and provide product or service recommendations
• Communicate customer feedback, concerns, and complaints to management
• Monitor store activity and report suspicious behavior or incidents
• Ensure food is displayed and served with adequate quantity during peak operating hours

Sales and Cash Handling

• Promote customer loyalty and enroll customers in the rewards program
• Stay informed on current promotions, advertised products, and sales
• Upsell by recommending complementary or similar items
• Accurately process transactions using the POS system while following cash-handling and loss prevention procedures
• Ensure all items are scanned, paid for, and secured, especially high-risk merchandise
• Verify ID and comply with age-restricted sales laws and policies
• Ensure accurate pricing, labeling, and promotional updates
• Explain car wash programs and assist with traffic flow during peak times if applicable

Store Cleanliness and Support

• Maintain cleanliness of food service stations, prep areas, and customer-facing areas
• Support store operations during high-volume periods or staffing needs
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

Requirements

• Basic reading, writing and math skills
• Ability to operate point of sale, store, and car wash equipment
• Ability to follow company policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Maintain proper uniform standards while on duty
• Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to cover KKC kitchen shifts as needed.
• Pass food safety class
• Must meet the minimum age requirements for selling alcohol in the state in which the position is located (18 years of age in Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin, 21 years of age in Illinois)

Education And Experience

• Prior experience in food service, kitchen operations, or restaurant environments preferred
• Prior experience as a Line Cook or Kitchen Lead preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions
• Ability to regularly lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to perform physical tasks requiring moderate exertion in varying outdoor weather conditions

Work Environment

• Fast-paced convenience store environment with frequent customer interaction
• Indoor and outdoor work conditions

Required Travel

• None

True North is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected class.