Customer Service Team Leader, Bridgewater

As a Customer Service Team Leader at Bridgewater, your primary responsibilities include leading and motivating your kitchen team, ensuring a seamless service experience for our guests, and maintaining high standards of food preparation and safety. You'll engage directly with guests to share menu offerings and promote seasonal ingredients, while also training new team members in culinary practices. Fostering a positive work environment and supporting your team during busy services is key to success in this role.

At Bridgewater, we look for candidates who have a genuine passion for food and a strong desire to learn culinary skills. Excellent communication abilities, both verbal and written, are essential. The role requires physical stamina, as team leaders often lift heavy items and stay active throughout their shifts. A collaborative spirit and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences are also crucial for this position.

Advancement opportunities are abundant for a Customer Service Team Leader at Bridgewater, especially for those eager to develop their skills and grow their culinary knowledge. By actively participating in training programs, demonstrating leadership, and building strong team dynamics, you can quickly move into more specialized culinary roles or managerial positions within our restaurants.

Working at Bridgewater offers great benefits! Aside from competitive pay and the potential for tips, you will enjoy paid time off, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for growth. We also provide a complimentary DIG lunch every day, parental leave, and holidays off. Our welcoming team environment celebrates diversity and inclusivity, making it a great place to grow your career!

Bridgewater stands out as a unique workplace due to our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a sense of community amongst our team members and guests. With a focus on scratch-based cooking and a mission to rebuild the food system, you'll be part of a larger effort to make a difference through food. Our inclusive environment encourages ideas and collaboration, making every day a rewarding experience.

To effectively prioritize tasks during peak service times as a Customer Service Team Leader, I assess the immediate needs of both the team and the guests. I delegate tasks based on individual strengths and availability while maintaining clear communication. I also constantly monitor the flow of service to anticipate bottlenecks and react proactively, ensuring we maintain high standards for our food and guest experiences.

In a previous kitchen role, we faced an unexpected shortage of ingredients during a busy brunch service. I quickly communicated with my team and brainstormed alternative dishes that could be created with available ingredients. I also updated our guests on changes in the menu promptly, which helped to maintain their satisfaction and trust, demonstrating adaptability and leadership in challenging situations.

Creating a positive work environment involves open communication, recognizing individual efforts, and fostering teamwork. I make it a point to check in with team members regularly, encouraging feedback and discussing any challenges they may face. Celebrating successes, whether small or large, builds camaraderie, and I instill a sense of belonging among my team so everyone feels valued and supported.

When there are changes to our menu, I ensure that the entire team is adequately informed through training sessions. We discuss the new items, seasonal ingredients, and the story behind each dish. This prepares our team to confidently communicate the offerings to guests, enhancing their dining experience. I also encourage team members to share their ideas, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth.

Customer feedback is invaluable in a restaurant setting. It provides insights into guest experiences and allows us to refine our processes and offerings. I actively promote a feedback-friendly environment where guests feel encouraged to share their thoughts. This helps us make informed decisions to enhance the quality of our food and service, ultimately leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.

Ensuring adherence to food safety standards is crucial in our kitchen. I conduct regular training for team members on safety protocols and lead by example by strictly following these guidelines myself. Additionally, we implement routine inspections of our workstations and ingredients, maintaining health department standards to ensure safe food preparation and ultimately protect our guests and staff.

Handling difficult customers requires patience and active listening. I approach such situations by calmly acknowledging their concerns and showing empathy. I strive to understand their perspective and offer solutions that address their issues. This helps to de-escalate the situation and transform a potentially negative experience into a positive one, ensuring guest satisfaction and loyalty.

A strong team leader embodies several key qualities: the ability to communicate effectively, demonstrate empathy, and inspire collaboration. My experience has taught me to lead by example, share knowledge generously, and create a supportive environment. I believe in empowering team members to take ownership of their roles and contribute their unique strengths, fostering a motivated and cohesive team.

I approach learning new culinary techniques with enthusiasm and curiosity. I actively seek opportunities for professional development through workshops, online courses, and collaboration with knowledgeable colleagues. Practicing these techniques in the kitchen allows me to grow my skills, which in turn enables me to pass that knowledge onto my team and improve overall kitchen efficiency.

I am drawn to Bridgewater because of its commitment to fostering culinary talent and its mission to rebuild the food system. I admire how the company values community and inclusivity and wish to contribute to that mission. Being part of a dedicated team would not only allow me to grow professionally but also to make a meaningful impact through my passion for food and service.