Food & Beverage Team Leader

Job Summary

The Rock City Gardens Food & Beverage Manager is responsible for leading and managing all food service operations within Rock City Gardens. This role oversees Café 7, Cliff Terrace, group meals, special event food and beverage operations, beverage vending machines, and seasonal food stands.

Under the direction of the Director of Lodging and Food, this position ensures exceptional guest service, operational excellence, financial performance, and compliance across all food service outlets while developing and supporting a strong, service-driven team culture.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Guest Service & Culture

• Deliver excellent guest service to internal and external customers in alignment with the organization’s mission, culture, and values.
• Model appropriate guest and partner interactions at all times, serving as a role model for the Culture of Excellence.
• Greet all guests with enthusiasm and friendliness, ensuring a welcoming and memorable experience.
• Build positive relationships with guests and respond to questions, concerns, or feedback in a professional and solution-focused manner.
• Serve as a point of contact for guest feedback and requests, keeping leadership informed as appropriate.

Food Operations & Product Knowledge

• Maintain full knowledge of menus, recipes, and food preparation standards.
• Accurately answer guest questions regarding food, beverages, ingredients, and facilities.
• Prepare and serve food and beverages as needed, including cashier and bartending duties.
• Follow all recipes, portion control standards, and food preparation guidelines.

Team Leadership & Training

• Provide direction and support to food partners to ensure assigned duties are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Assist with daily supervision of food partners, motivating and leading in accordance with organizational values.
• Train new partners on opening and closing procedures, guest service expectations, food safety standards, and operational workflows.
• Support leadership in fostering teamwork, accountability, and high performance.

Safety, Sanitation & Compliance

• Assist in ensuring all health department regulations, food safety standards, and sanitation requirements are followed.
• Maintain ServSafe Certification and model safe food handling practices at all times.
• Follow all checklists and standard operating procedures to maintain a high health inspection score.
• Ensure work areas remain safe, clean, organized, and fully stocked.

Inventory, Cash & Operations

• Follow inventory control procedures, including portion control and product rotation.
• Perform cashier duties and follow proper cash handling procedures.
• Assist with daily and monthly cleaning responsibilities for assigned food locations.
• Ensure adherence to all organizational policies and procedures.

General Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of one year of restaurant or food service experience, including direct guest-facing service.
• Prior leadership or team lead experience preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong guest service and communication skills.
• Ability to motivate, develop, and oversee a team of up to 15 partners.
• Ability to read and understand recipes, menus, and operational documents.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume food service environment.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to perform basic math functions using units of American money.

Certifications

• ServSafe Certification required or willingness to obtain certification.

Availability & Work Requirements

• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Regular use of hands and fingers.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Frequent walking, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.

Company Mission & Core Values

Mission: To enrich lives through wonder and connection.

Core Values: Courage | Care | Wonder | Excellence