Visitor Center - Cafe Prep Lead

About the role

The TC Café Prep Lead works hand-in-hand with Tillamook managers to lead and drive all aspects of the foodservice program while maintaining the high standards of quality set by the foodservice guidelines. This position works cross-functionally across all areas of foodservice, providing on-the-ground support, training, and direction to the foodservice team. The TC Café Prep Lead upholds Tillamook’s Shared Values, performance, and behavior standards, ensuring the team adheres to them as well.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all company standards for quality, customer service, health, and safety are met within Tillamook’s core values: Good Stewards, Uncompromising Quality, One Team, Play to Win, and adaptability to business needs.
• Demonstrate flexibility with work duties and collaborate cross-functionally across the business.
• Provide outstanding customer service by responding to customer comments and concerns.
• Train new employees on their assigned duties and build professional relationships with vendors, customers, coworkers, and management.
• Work closely with back-of-house (BOH) and front-of-house (FOH) employees to provide real-time, candid feedback for their success.
• Partner with management to address trends or challenges.
• Assign prep tasks, set daily goals, and ensure the team stays on task.
• Address and resolve difficult situations proactively and professionally.
• Improve prep cook processes by providing feedback and suggestions to management.
• Manage labor usage (e.g., calling crew in when needed, temporarily assigning crew to other areas) with Creamery management approval.
• Create daily break schedules aligned with the break policy, with Creamery management approval.
• Perform crew duties in the assigned area and set the prep team up for success by maintaining clean, well-stocked workstations.
• Verify uniforms are in order and on-brand.
• Utilize intermediate computer skills with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Assist with ordering TCCA dairy products through internal departments and order other inventory items from vendors.
• Create and maintain professional relationships with vendors.
• Support BOH and FOH operations as needed by Creamery management.
• Communicate effectively with other leads and café management to ensure the department has everything needed for menu items.
• Track and order inventory to ensure product availability for guests.
• Receive, store, and maintain all storage facilities in an orderly manner to meet brand and food safety standards.
• Uphold the integrity of the food and beverage program with brand standards, techniques, and adherence to local and state laws.
• Ensure the team has the tools and knowledge to meet food safety standards.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all menu items and products to answer customer questions and resolve inquiries.
• Lead the team to adhere to all recipes with 100% compliance, practice safe knife skills, and manage tasks effectively.
• Prepare food for the day ahead and ensure proper transfer of prep food into clean containers with correct dating and labeling.
• Record all waste and ensure 100% compliance with thermometer use for hot items or cooling processes, including cooling and heating charts.
• Maintain proper inspection of all products before prepping; document and record any inferior product to support inventory counts.
• Ensure proper food safety and sanitation in the prep area, including prewashing produce and maintaining temperature compliance.
• Inspect and record refrigeration temperatures according to TCCA procedures.
• Rotate and organize walk-in, freezer, and dry storage using the FIFO (First In, First Out) method.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work area, including hourly sanitation solution changes, floor sweeping, and sanitizing prep counters.
• Restock the refrigerator with properly rotated prep products and ensure the prep department remains clean and organized.
• Have intimate knowledge of Tillamook policies, including break, attendance, opening/closing, emergency response, and visitor incident reporting.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public.
• Assist with catered events and support line cooks with restocking as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of experience with commercial food preparation and equipment preferred.
• 2+ years of customer service experience required.
• Knowledge of health regulations.
• Pallet jack certification required.
• Must obtain and provide a Food Handler’s Certification within 30 days of hire.
• Must obtain an OLCC certification (18+ years of age).

Skills

• Intermediate computer skills using Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and adapt to business needs.
• Proactive problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to train and mentor new employees.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting, standing, and/or walking for extended periods.
• Lifting up to 35 lbs.
• Vision for machine or computer operations.
• Hearing for communication and safety.

Benefits

Tillamook offers industry-leading benefit and reward programs. We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion where all employees are heard, valued, and feel a sense of belonging. We seek talent from diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures to join our team and help build our future.