Kitchen Lead

Job Summary: 

The Kitchen Lead is responsible for training and monitoring “Back of House” team members according to Paris Baguette brand standards.  The Kitchen Lead position reports and assists management to oversee productivity of labor, accuracy of caterings, consistency of recipes and quality of daily production. This Kitchen Lead responsibility includes maintaining the cleanliness of all spaces inside Paris Baguette to brand standards.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor baking and food preparation as needed to ensure product quality, freshness, and presentation meet company standards across all menu items.
• Adhere to company-mandated Food & Beverage menus and maintain budgeted revenue, cost of goods, labor, supplies, and operating cash flow for food operations.
• Review daily/weekly production and waste to adjust production sheets and meet business needs efficiently.
• Assist management in planning, supervising, and executing catering in conjunction with operations and staff, ensuring high standards for events.
• Estimate food consumption, assist with inventory, and manage ordering within the company-specified food program.
• Train Back of House team members on new roles, manual updates, and seasonal changes.
• Address, resolve, and report issues as needed, fostering a supportive, team-oriented environment.
• Receive and check deliveries promptly. Support organizing the new product with current inventory, maintaining FIFO at all times. 
• Maintain kitchen and storage facilities in sanitary condition and ensure compliance with Department of Health (DOH) regulations by implementing sanitation audits and cleaning schedules; report critical issues to the District Manager.
• Assist with scheduling staff efficiently to accommodate varying business volumes and ensure productivity.
• Develop monthly action items to address issues such as spoilage, margins, and product quality.
• Interact regularly with clients and customers to maintain strong relationships.
• Proactively uphold a clean, safe environment at all times.
• Participate in team and regional meetings as required.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Education/Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of kitchen experience inside a Paris Baguette retail store, preferred
• High School Diploma/GED, culinary training preferred
• Chicago Food Manager and Illinois Food Certifications, or ability to become certified within 30 days of employment.

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as measurements, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables

Computer Skills

• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Working knowledge of payroll software needed.
• Proficient on Point-of-Sale systems, currently Toast, and understand the importance of cash handling and accuracy of transactions.

Other

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
• High sense of integrity and ownership
• Time management, ability to prioritize and follow direction
• Ability to multitask
• Being a Brand Ambassador, with excellent knowledge of and commitment to Paris Baguette’s Mission, Vision, Brand Values, and Culture

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.   The employee is required to use close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.   Able to lift to 50 lbs.