Prepared Foods Team Lead

Mother's Market & Kitchen; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

In-store discounts

Job summary

Mother's Market & Kitchen in Santa Ana, CA seeks a Prepared Foods Team Leader to guide front and back-of-house operations, coach staff, and uphold high standards of food quality and guest service in a fast-paced kitchen. You will supervise prep, coordinate schedules, manage inventory and vendor needs, ensure sanitation, and collaborate with deli and front-end teams to deliver healthy meals to our community. Weekend and holiday availability required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in food service; leadership or supervisory role preferred.
• Strong verbal and written English proficiency.
• Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and vendor coordination.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, food prep, and front/back-of-house workflow.
• Train and schedule staff; manage breaks and shift coverage.
• Maintain inventory, place orders, and track usage.
• Coordinate vendor needs and maintenance with contractors.
• Uphold sanitation and food safety standards.
• Collaborate with Delicatessen and front-end teams for seamless service.
• Step in to cover breaks and assist with line prep during busy periods.

Skills

Team leadership

Vendor coordination

Communication

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

At Mother’s Market, we believe fresh, wholesome food should be prepared with purpose and delivered with care. As a Prepared Foods Team Leader, you’ll lead front and back-of-house operations, guide team performance, and ensure exceptional service and food quality. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen environment, loves leading by example, and is passionate about delivering healthy meals to our community.

Hourly Pay:

$18.00–$24.00

Benefits:

• Medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• in-store discounts

What You’ll Do

• Lead daily kitchen operations: Oversee food prep and presentation; manage both front and back-of-house workflow
• Support & schedule staff: Train new hires, assign breaks, coordinate shift coverage, and maintain labor efficiency
• Maintain inventory & supplies: Monitor stock, place orders, manage deliveries, and track usage
• Handle vendor & maintenance needs: Coordinate service calls, liaise with external vendors and contractors
• Ensure food safety & compliance: Uphold sanitation standards and workplace safety protocols
• Collaborate across departments: Partner with the Delicatessen and front-end team to ensure seamless service
• Step in where needed: Cover team breaks, assist with line prep, and respond to fast-paced service demands

Experience & Skills:

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED
• Prior experience in food service, preferably in a leadership or supervisory role
• Strong verbal and written English proficiency
• Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and vendor coordination

Leadership & Abilities:

• Confident team leader who leads by example and sets a high standard
• Committed to delivering great customer service and coaching others to do the same
• Proactive, hands-on, and dependable under pressure

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 50 lbs., repeatedly up to 100 times/day
• Carry trays, food, or supplies up to 25 feet
• Push/pull carts and equipment; constant standing and walking

Schedule Requirements

Must be available to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays

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.