Food Service Lead

• Area of Interest: Support Services
• FTE/Hours per pay period: 1.0
• Department: Cafeteria/Dining Service
• Shift: 40 hours, 1st and 2nd shift
• Job ID: 182713

Overview

The Food Service Lead is responsible for overseeing day-to-day food service operations, supporting patient, retail, catering, and special function services. The role provides direction to food service staff, ensures safe food handling and sanitation practices, and supports department efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction. Leads serve as working team members while also providing training, coaching, and supervision to staff.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Beckers Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in.  Here are just a few:

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities

Customer Service/Patient Care:

• Prepare, assemble, and cook food (from scratch or convenience) for

patients, cafeteria, catering events, and special functions.

• Perform and oversee cash handling, including assisting with registers,

balancing, and reconciliation.

• Assist with ordering, stocking, and cost-effective use of food and

supplies.

Technical and Safety:

• Collaborate with nursing, dietitians, managers, and supervisors to

coordinate meal service and resolve issues.

• Ensure proper food handling, sanitation practices, temperature

monitoring, and HACCP compliance.

People Development:

• Supervise and coordinate daily food service operations across patient,

cafeteria, catering, and retail areas.

• Train, coach, and counsel staff on work behaviors, performance, and

food safety practices.

• Conduct orientations, competency programs, and cross-training for

new and existing staff.

• Act as a role model by supporting service excellence, customer

satisfaction, and teamwork initiatives.

Qualifications

Education:

High School Diploma/GED - required

Associates Degree - preferred

Experience:

Minimum 3-5 years of technical experience in healthcare or institutional food service - required

3 years supervisory or lead experience - preferred

Licenses and Certifications:

Food Handler Certification (SERVSAFE) - required (within 180 days)