Kitchen Lead

Kitchen Lead - Retail Cafe - Round HousePOSITION: Kitchen Lead - Retail Cafe - Round HouseCLASSIFICATION: Non-exemptREPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:Reports to the General ManagerCOMPENSATION: Starting $22/hourAbout Equator In 1995, Equator Founders Helen Russell and Brooke McDonnell began their values-driven path, roasting coffee in a Marin County, CA garage. Possessing an obsessive commitment to green coffee sourcing and unparalleled roasting expertise, Equator has committed over 30 years to sustainable and fair trade coffee practices all in the name of creating a remarkable coffee experience for consumers. Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve retail cafes throughout California—from Marin County to San Francisco to Oakland to Los Angeles and beyond. Throughout the years, Equator Coffees has spearheaded industry-leading sourcing and roasting practices, and has forged progressive partnerships with Michelin-starred chefs, specialty grocers, tech campuses, and more. Women-owned, LGBTQ-founded, and an early adopter of Fair Trade and Regenerative Organic certifications, Equator Coffees is the first California coffee roaster to achieve B Corp Certification.Position Summary The Kitchen Lead plays a key role in maintaining smooth daily kitchen operations at the café level. This position is responsible for high standards of food quality, safety, organization, and prep, while leading and supporting a strong team culture. The Kitchen Lead is a working lead position with no direct people management responsibilities, but one that sets the tone for excellence through example and training.Key ResponsibilitiesOversee kitchen prep and execution during service, ensuring consistent quality and presentationMaintain back-of-house standards for cleanliness, sanitation, and organizationCollaborate with the GM on kitchen schedules by providing input on team availability and operational needsPlace vendor orders and manage vendor relationships to ensure quality, timeliness, and competitive pricingPerform inventory counts and manage product rotation to minimize wasteLead the team in food safety and sanitation practices, modeling correct proceduresSupport the training and onboarding of new BOH staff; demonstrate prep methods and kitchen systems in alignment with standardsCollaborate with GM and retail team on seasonal menus, specials, and café eventsSupport recipe development and documentation in collaboration with retail operationsCommunicate proactively with GM regarding team performance, scheduling needs, or kitchen-related concernsAct as a key contributor to a positive and supportive kitchen cultureQualifications and Requirements2+ years of BOH experience; lead or supervisory experience strongly preferredStrong food safety knowledge and current Food Handler Card requiredKnowledge of kitchen equipment, prep techniques, and cooking proceduresAbility to maintain a clean, efficient, and organized kitchen under pressureExcellent communication and follow-throughWorks well independently and as part of a teamDemonstrates leadership, maturity, and professionalismExperience reviewing financial reports and meeting budgetsAble to work full time (the work regularly demands more than 45 hours per week) including variable hours such as early morning, evenings, weekends, and/or holidaysAbility to lead change, deal with ambiguity, and prioritize in a fast-paced environmentExperience with POS touch screen, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other computer skillsMinimum High School or GEDMust be 16 years of age or olderCompensationAvailable to all employeesCommuter Benefits - pre-tax parking and transitEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) - Physical and mental health, financial and legal coaching available at no cost to the employeeFree mental health app subscriptionEmployee discount on merchandise, coffee gear, and at Equator cafesContinuing coffee education classesFree coffeePaid Time Off for voting on Election DayAfter 60 days as an employee at EquatorHealthcare Benefits (for full-time employees working over 30 hours per week)100% employer-covered premium medical insuranceVoluntary Insurance Plans - dental, vision, long-term disability, pet, and supplementary life insuranceEmployer covered life insurance premiumFlexible Spending Account (FSA) - healthcare and daily dependent careAfter 90 days as an employee at EquatorHoliday Pay after 90 days of employment. Eight Equator-observed holidays per yearPaid Time Off with tenured increases for full-time employees1 paid volunteer day per yearAfter six months as an employee at Equator401K with up to a 4% company match on employee contributionsCompensation will be commensurate with experience.Equator Coffees is an equal-opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, and discharge will be based on competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.