NOW HIRING: Cafe Kitchen Lead

 

Equator Coffee Roasters is an Ontario-based, mission-driven coffee roasting company from the friendly town of Almonte, Ontario. We exist to connect the coffee drinker to the coffee farmer, from one family to another. We believe the world is a better place with better quality coffee that is sourced ethically and cared for organically. At Equator, coffee is more than just a beautiful beverage; it’s a way to change the world for the better. Our cafes serve as the “front line” of our company and brand – a place for customers to learn and enjoy our core values: experience, heart, sustainability, honesty. Our goal for the food side of our offerings is to provide excellent food made with local ingredients that complements our efforts to provide great coffee.  

 

JOB SUMMARY

The Kitchen Lead is responsible for all the daily and weekly operations involved in food production and presentation. They will follow costing  and staffing guidelines set out by the cafe manager.  He/she leads the kitchen, advises the Manager of staff training needs, and scheduling, and supervises the team.  In addition, part of the role is regular calculation and consideration of the cost of materials and cost of labour for the production process from beginning to end. Experience with operational efficiency planning, management of people, and operations of a restaurant business is an asset.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The Kitchen Lead’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

 

Team Leadership

• Effectively communicate with staff and lead team 
• Responsible for direction and coaching of kitchen staff and assisting in training
• Create and maintains positive work environment

Production Flow and Efficiency

• Speed and Accuracy of Order Production
• Streamline Production Efficiency

 

Inventory Management

• Management of Suppliers factoring quality, cost & supply
• Manage physical inventory and inventory data entry including purchasing and receiving
• Maintain inventory of merchandise for in-store and catering sales
• Ensure all consumable supplies are ordered and stocked 

 

Quality Control and Certifications

• Creating and adapting menu balancing quality and financial results
• Quality and consistency of food presentation
• Maintain a clean and presentable work area for all staff and on-site visitors
• Maintain and update facility to meet Food Safety Standards
• Government compliance (Health & Safety, staff certifications)

 

Skills and Qualifications: 

• 5+ years in the food industry
• Secondary School Diploma
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory and team motivational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to get along be a team player and be respectful of colleagues
• Excellent written and verbal communicator
• Strategic thinker/planner with the ability to anticipate and resolve issues creatively
• Knowledge of accounting principles and skill with Excel
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Self-motivated, able to positively and comfortably handle and prioritise tasks
• Attention to detail
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License

Special Demands:

• Ability to work physically on the kitchen floor
• Frequent twisting, turning, bending and constant standing required
• Follows all policies, procedures, ergonomic standards and safety requirements
• Other duties as required or requested by the job or management

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Equator Coffee Roasters prides itself on providing a work atmosphere that is pleasant, productive and supportive. 

VISION AND VALUES

Equator’s Kitchen Manager will always act in harmony with Equator’s Vision and Values.

CORE VALUES	Experience:  Creativity, Consistency & Excellence in Service & Quality Heart: Valuing People, Culture, Community Sustainability:  Healthy, Profitable, Prepared, Collaborative Honesty:  Genuine, Fair, Transparent
CORE FOCUS™	Passion:  Fueling People to Become World Changers Our Niche:  To provide experiences of happiness and inspiration through ethically sourced beverages and delicious food.
MARKETING STRATEGY	Target Market/”The List”:  The Equator Customer is a coffee lover who wants consistently good freshly and carefully roasted coffee. They appreciate that it is ethically sourced and organically grown. They love to go to their local Equator café and take a bag to brew at home. Supporting local, small businesses is important to them and they enjoy receiving highly personal customer service that goes above and beyond. They are any age and gender, enjoy reading, small group interactions and outdoor leisure. Four Uniques: Freshly Roasted, Fair Trade, High Quality Coffees  Highly Trained, Passionate Baristas Offering Personalized & Consistent Service The Equator VIBE – Courteous, Comfortable but Professional, Bright, Warm, Welcoming, Focus on Taste & Presentation Staff & Customer Participation in Community Service Proven Process:  Welcome Everyone, Receive Order, Suggest More, Efficient Service & Delivery, Verbalize Customer Appreciation, Check-in on In-House Customers Guarantee:  Customer always has a satisfying experience!

 

If interested, please include a cover letter and resume, and indicate which location you are applying for. Email amanda@equator.ca to apply.