Prepared Foods Manager

Mother; Laguna Woods (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

In-store Discounts

Job summary

Mother's Market is hiring a Prepared Foods Manager in California to lead Kitchen, Deli, and Juice Bar operations. You will oversee staff, ensure food quality, and manage inventory, costs, and vendor relations at multiple locations.

You should bring 2+ years in food service leadership, a high school diploma (culinary background bonus), and strong communication skills to foster exceptional customer experiences in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years managing food service operations; 3-5 years preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required; culinary or hospitality diploma is a bonus.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, cooking techniques, and portion control.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand/walk extensively.
• Flexible for varied shifts including weekends/holidays at multiple store locations.
• Hands-on leadership to train staff and set performance metrics.
• Ability to foster customer rapport and create welcoming atmosphere.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coach staff across Kitchen, Juice Bar, and Deli.
• Ensure prep, portioning, plating, and presentation standards.
• Manage inventory, orders, waste reduction, and food cost control.
• Maintain payroll records and review POS transactions.
• Build vendor relationships and manage service or maintenance requests.

Skills

Team Leadership

Staff Coaching

Customer Service

Food Safety

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Physical Stamina

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma/GED

Culinary or hospitality diploma (bonus)

Job description

As a Prepared Foods Manager, you'll lead teams across our kitchen, deli, and juice bar, ensuring exceptional food quality, service, and operational excellence.

Hourly Pay: $24/hour - $75,000/year

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, & in-store discounts

What You'll Do

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and coach staff in the Kitchen, Juice Bar, and Deli covering both front & back of house
• Hire, train, evaluate, and discipline team members to maintain high performance and morale
• Create a positive culture: recognize achievements, give constructive feedback, and "lead from the front"

Operational Excellence

• Ensure food prep meets portioning, plating, and presentation standards
• Manage inventory, place orders, minimize waste, and control food cost
• Maintain sanitation, safety, and health regulations ensuring compliance and preparing for health inspections

Financial & Administrative Management

• Oversee departmental budgets, control labor expenses, and analyze financial variances
• Maintain payroll records and POS transaction reviews
• Build strong vendor relationships and manage service or maintenance requests efficiently

Customer Focus

• Serve as the primary point of contact during customer issues resolving complaints personally and promptly
• Foster customer rapport: learn regulars by name and create a welcoming atmosphere

What You Bring

• Experienced: 2+ years managing food service operations (preferred 3-5 in similar settings)
• Trained: High school diploma/GED required; culinary or hospitality diploma is a bonus
• Food-Savvy: Strong understanding of food safety, cooking techniques, and portion control
• Leader: Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills
• Physically Fit: Able to lift up to 50 lbs. (~100 times/day), stand/walk extensively
• Adaptable: Available for varied shifts, including weekends, holidays, and across store locations

• Hands-on Leadership: Train your team, coach them to excel, and set performance metrics
• Impactful Role: Shape food quality, customer experiences, and operational efficiency

Why Join Mother's Market?

You'll be part of a mission-driven company that values wellness, sustainability, and outstanding customer service. We foster an inclusive workplace where team members are respected and encouraged to grow.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mother's Market is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status.