Woody's Team Lead - Culinary & Taphouse Operations in Eastsound, Washington at Orcas Island Market

This position is full time, year-round.

Position Summary

The Woody’s Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day culinary operations and guest experience at Woody’s Taphouse. This leadership role is responsible for menu development, food preparation standards, presentation, kitchen coordination, and ensuring a welcoming and high-quality customer experience. This position reports directly to the Beverage Manager and works collaboratively with Island Market leadership.

The ideal candidate is creative, organized, hands-on, and passionate about delivering quality food and service while leading a small team in a fast-paced taproom environment.

Key Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership

• Develop, update, and maintain Woody’s food menu offerings
• Create seasonal, promotional, and specialty menu items
• Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation standards for all food items
• Monitor food trends and customer preferences to keep offerings fresh and exciting
• Manage recipe execution, portioning, and plating standards

Kitchen & Food Operations

• Serve as the primary lead for food preparation, production, and service execution with support from a small assisting team
• Coordinate prep schedules and ensure adequate product availability
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and health department compliance standards
• Oversee inventory levels, ordering and product rotation
• Minimize waste and support cost-conscious kitchen operations

Team Leadership

• Lead, train, and support Woody’s food support staff
• Assist in creating a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment
• Manage daily culinary workflow to ensure timely and efficient service
• Work collaboratively with Beverage Manager and Island Market leadership

Guest Experience

• Ensure a welcoming and engaging experience for all guests
• Maintain high standards for food presentation and service quality
• Help create an energetic and community-centered atmosphere
• Address customer feedback and resolve concerns professionally
• Maintain familiarity with and effectively utilize the point-of-sale (POS) system to support guest service, order processing, and daily taproom operations

Operational Support

• Support promotional events, tastings, and special taproom activities
• Ensure opening, closing, and operational procedures are completed properly
• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout kitchen and service areas
• Recommend pricing adjustments and menu improvements
• Assist in evaluating food cost and menu profitability
• Support overall Island Market safety, operational standards, and team collaboration as part of the broader Island Market organization

I understand that while my primary responsibilities are based within Woody’s Taphouse, I am also expected to contribute to the overall safety, professionalism, and operational success of Island Market.

Job Qualifications/Requirements

• 2 years of previous culinary, kitchen leadership, or food service management experience required
• Ability to obtain and maintain MAST/Food Handlers certifications
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Creative mindset with a passion for food and guest experience
• Ability to lead and motivate a team
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and seasonal peak periods as needed
• Strong English communication and problem-solving skills

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen and taproom environment