Lead Server

Ardenwoods; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 20,664,000 - 27,552,000; Full time

Job summary

Ardenwoods is seeking a Lead Server to deliver exceptional dining experiences for Independent Living residents and guests. The role guides team members, ensures service excellence, and supports daily dining room operations in a restaurant-style setting.

Reports to the Dining Room Manager and requires strong customer service, leadership, and knowledge of POS systems. A high school diploma and previous food service or hospitality experience are preferred; ServSafe certification is a plus.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service skills with a passion for serving others.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate with team members and lead by example.
• Understanding of food service operations, sanitation standards, dining etiquette, and POS systems.

Responsibilities

• Greet residents and guests, take accurate orders, and deliver food promptly.
• Ensure dining areas are clean, organized, and sanitized per safety standards.
• Build rapport with residents and guests for positive dining experiences.
• Support and guide servers during meal service to ensure smooth operations.
• Assist training of new team members and reinforce service standards.
• Set up dining areas, stock stations, and perform opening/closing duties.
• Buses and reset tables between seatings.
• Perform deep cleaning of dining and service areas as needed.
• Communicate with kitchen staff to ensure order accuracy and timeliness.
• Monitor dining room activity and address guest needs proactively.
• Serve as backup to Dining Room Manager in absence, overseeing operations.
• Comply with all policies, HIPAA, Code of Conduct, and required training.
• Designation as essential; potential to report during emergencies.

Skills

Customer service

Fast-paced environment

Communication

Leadership by example

POS/Computer systems

Education

High school diploma

Tools

POS/Computer systems

Job description

Lead Server

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Shift: Varies, 11am-7:30pm and/or 12pm-8:30pm

Reports to: Dining Room Manager

Department: Dietary

Employment Status: Full-Time

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Location: Ardenwoods

Summary: The Lead Server plays a key role in deliveringan exceptionaldining experience while supporting daily dining room operations. This position leads by example, ensuring service excellence, guiding team members, and fostering a warm, welcoming atmosphere for residents and their guests.

Qualification Requirements

• Strong customer service skills with a genuine passion for serving others.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with team members and lead by example.

• Strong understanding of food service operations, sanitation standards, dining etiquette, and POS/computer systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Previous food service or hospitality experience required; leadership experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Service-minded approach with a focus on resident satisfaction.

• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities effectively.

• Strongunderstanding of food service operations, sanitation standards, dining etiquette, and POS/computer systems.

• Professional, friendly demeanor with sensitivity to working with older adults.

• Ability to obtain (or currently hold)ServSafecertification or equivalent food safety certification.

Essential Functions

Providesall aspects of dining room service to Independent Living residents and their families/guests in a restaurant-style setting.

• Greets residents and guests warmly, take accurate orders, and deliver food and beverages promptly.

• Ensures dining areas are clean, organized, and sanitized in accordance with food safety standards.

• Builds rapport with residents and guests, creatinga positiveand engaging dining experiences

• Support and guide servers during meal service to ensure smooth operations and excellent service delivery.

• Assists with training new team members and reinforcing service standards.

• Sets up dining areas, stock service stations, and complete opening and closing duties.

• Buses and reset tables efficiently between seatings.

• Performs deep cleaning of dining and service areas as needed.

• Communicates effectively with kitchen staff to ensure accuracy and timeliness of orders.

• Monitors dining room activity and address guest needs or concerns proactively.

• Serves as the backup to the Dining Room Manager in their absence, overseeing dining room operations, directing team members, resolving service issues, and ensuring a high-quality dining experience for residents and guests.

• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and applicable laws, including HIPAA and the Code of Conduct, completing required training and reporting concerns promptly.

• This position is designated as essential to the operations of the organization. Team members in this role may be required to report to work during emergencies, inclement weather, or other situations when the organization remains operational.