POSITION TITLE

Food Service Director

DESCRIPTION

We are hiring an experienced Food Service Director for our high-volume natural food store which currently grosses $8 million annually ($2 million in catering, deli, bakery, and juice/smoothie bar alone). Rising Tide is one of the most successful independently owned natural markets on Long Island, celebrating 50 years this June. We serve over 10,000 unique individuals per year, most of whom shop in our busy food service department multiple times per week. We draw a health-conscious consumer who also wants comfort food in a healthier form – organic, fresh, vegetable-forward, occasionally gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan. The cuisine is generally American but with a focus on fresh, house made items and organic/seasonal produce. Health and sustainability are a core focus, not just volume. We plan to expand in the next year, vastly increasing our food service programs, and are searching for the right person to help guide, nurture, and develop that with us.

BENEFITS

• Flexible schedules, with 8-hour shifts during our store hours (6am-7pm)
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching contributions
• Health insurance
• PTO accruing to 18+ days per year, based upon 40-hour workweek
• Training and professional development opportunities, both on and off-site
• Positive, team-oriented work environment
• Employee discount – 20%
• Working for an independently-run business that is fair, flexible, and collaborative

QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluency in English and Spanish
• Previous success in serving the public and working in a team-oriented setting
• Proficiency in developing and mentoring the skills, productivity and overall performance of other staff and develop a culture of ongoing staff development and support
• Demonstrated ability to make things happen and get things done
• Ability to prioritize work tasks, multi-task, and maintain focus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel and, ideally, Reciprofity or a similar recipe costing and inventory system
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Familiarity with retail and knowledge of organic & natural foods
• Certification in food safety

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Model exceptional customer service and teamwork with staff – remaining helpful, patient, positive, and kind at all times
• Develop and manage departmental tactical plans, goals, and objectives aligned with Rising Tide’s strategic plan, in collaboration with the Management Team
• Develop and/or support development of annual operational and financial plans and other reports and documents as needed
• Ensure department consistently meets sales, margin, and labor budget goals
• Maintain and communicate department systems and procedures for ordering, receiving, stocking, inventory, food production, and merchandising product
• Develop a product line that is aligned with industry trends and with the store’s values for ingredients, freshness, taste, and health
• Establish professional relationships with suppliers and vendors; negotiate for favorable prices, terms, quality, and delivery to meet customer needs
• Maintain recipe costing system to ensure proper pricing and margins
• Plan attractive displays, ensuring cleanliness and freshness
• Hold kitchen and deli staff accountable for our core standards in pace, work ethic, procedures, and demeanor, conducting regular performance evaluations