Lead Production Chef - Plum Market

About the Role

Plum Market is a fast-growing leader in the Grocery, Food & Beverage Retail industry, dedicated to offering the finest selections of all-natural, organic, local, and specialty grocery items while delivering an exceptional experience to our customers. The Prepared Foods Production Lead is a key leader within the department, responsible for overseeing the daily execution of hot and cold food production, team coordination, and service excellence. As the right hand to the Prepared Foods Team Leader, the Production Lead ensures that all production tasks are completed efficiently and consistently, while maintaining Plum Market’s high standards for quality, food safety, and guest satisfaction. This role also supports training, supervision, and operational leadership across all production areas, stepping in as department lead when needed.

Who You Are

• Passionate about natural, organic, and high-quality prepared foods.
• A hands-on leader with strong culinary and organizational skills.
• Models exceptional guest service and supports a collaborative team culture.
• Detail-oriented, driven, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, accountable, and enjoys mentoring others.
• Maintains a high standard for cleanliness, safety, and professionalism.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of cooking experience in high-volume food production or scratch-prep kitchens.
• Previous leadership experience in a culinary, deli, or foodservice setting.
• Proven ability to lead, delegate, and train team members effectively.
• Experience with perishable inventory management, food safety, and sanitation protocols.
• ServSafe Manager certification preferred.
• Strong multitasking and time management skills.
• Calm, confident demeanor under pressure with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical ability to stand and walk for up to 4 hours without a break.
• Ability to bend and stoop to grasp objects, climb ladders, lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted, and push/pull carts weighing up to 100 lbs. unassisted.

Responsibilities

• Lead all hot and cold food production efforts, ensuring consistent quality, presentation, and timeliness.
• Conduct daily walk-throughs to assess production needs, inventory rotation, and departmental standards.
• Supervise and delegate tasks to the Production Team, FOH Team, and other supporting roles.
• Work various shifts to support team performance and departmental coverage.
• Oversee catering production and partner with the Catering Coordinator to ensure successful execution.
• Support inventory management, ordering, and rotation in coolers, freezers, and dry storage.
• Assist with onboarding, training, and development of team members, providing clear, constructive feedback.
• Address guest and team concerns with professionalism and care.
• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, sanitation, and food handling guidelines.
• Serve as acting department leader when the Prepared Foods Team Leader is off duty.
• Uphold and model Plum Market’s service standards, values, and operating procedures.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling with full-time and part-time positions available.
• Comprehensive training programs.
• Competitive holiday pay (time and a half for five federally recognized holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving).
• Career growth opportunities within a growing company.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• 401(k) with company match available after six months.
• Team member discounts: 20% off grocery purchases and 50% off team member meals.