Kitchen Lead

Why You Want This Role:$4k annual bonus opportunity plus benefits!NO weekends, NO nights!

Pay Range: $17-19 per hourBenefits: FREE employee-only medical coverage under one of our plans and a 4% employer match with our 401(k). You’ll also receive one FREE daily shift meal and have company-paid parking access. Other incredible benefits HERE.Location: Charlotte, NC at Perks Cafe. Perks is located on the third floor of One South, a premier office building in the Uptown neighborhood.Work Hours: Monday - Friday, from 8:00am - 4:00pm (some flexibility within these hours may be required). No night or weekend shifts!Reports to: Our Cafe Manager on-site

About Perks Cafe:Powered by Lulafit, (a high-end, hospitality focused amenity provider in corporate office buildings), Perks Cafe is a coffee and cocktail bar—but also so much more! Opened in 2021, this cafe is a loved amenity located in the One South office building in the heart of Uptown. It’s a creative hub designed to energize the workday of those working in the building. Our team members are encouraged to bring their entrepreneurial spirit to life, shaping menu offerings, building relationships, and cultivating a warm, inviting culture that extends beyond the cafe and impacts the entire office environment.

Your Mission:Your mission is to ensure smooth and efficient operations in the cafe’s back-of-house while also supporting the front-of-house needs. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys blending food preparation with occasional guest interaction in a dynamic, high-energy setting. You’ll have the opportunity to help refine prep systems and bring new ideas for seasonal offerings. Think of it this way - your job is to offer a private, curated experience to the vibrant community you and your team serve.

What You’re Responsible For:

• Cleanliness and Food Safety: Ensuring food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards are maintained at all times.
• Ingredient Preparation: Weighing, measuring, portioning, and checking the temperatures of ingredients. Basic knife work (chopping, dicing, slicing).
• Stocking & Organization: Labeling, first in first out (FIFO) rotation, and stocking ingredients to ensure easy access and quality control.
• Inventory Control: Assist management by conducting on-hand counts of inventory items and proactively communicating low stock levels.
• Cooking & Assembly: Grill paninis and prepare fresh, made-to-order items like salads, wraps, and parfaits.
• Catering Execution: Prepare, deliver, and set up large-format catering orders for conference rooms, including coffee, fresh fruit, and pastry platters. Oversee packaging, labeling, and presentation.
• Cafe Support: Occasionally, assist the barista or bartender with beverage prep, including lattes and smoothies.

Your Job Responsibilities Are:

• Meet and exceed customer needs with a hospitality-focused mindset.
• Prioritize tasks effectively and ask for help as needed, handling multiple tasks simultaneously.Follow defined standard operating procedures, and learn new procedures as the program evolves.
• Work independently, taking initiative to streamline systems and support changing needs.
• Communicate clearly with guests, team members, and leaders. Keep up with communications via email and Slack.
• Contribute to the fun, vibrant energy of each shift, and actively share ideas to drive innovation.
• Participate in occasional team meetings in person and via Zoom.

Job Requirements:

• Experience: 1-3 years of experience in the restaurant industry working in food prep, cooking, and maintaining kitchen standards.
• Physical Demands: Bending, reaching, pulling, lifting up to 50 lbs, and standing for extended periods.
• Skills: Ability to perform basic math skills and operate a point of sales system.
• Age: Must be 21 or older.
• Certificates: Foodservice Handler Certification required within 30 days of hire.

Desired Skills + Experience:

• Interest in learning about coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails.
• Creative approach to food and cooking to ideate new menu items and bring them to life.
• Strong adaptability to new technologies.
• Proven record of delivering high-end customer service.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment on a small but mighty team.
• Concierge or guest service experience is highly desired, bringing customer interaction expertise.