Food Health Inspector Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

WHO WE ARE

We’re a community-owned natural foods grocery store passionate about high-quality food, sustainability, and the cooperative business model. Our mission is rooted in serving our community while creating a workplace that is inclusive, engaging, and supportive. We strive to set a high standard for employment practices by fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and growth. We’re looking for positive, motivated people who take pride in delivering excellent customer service, value the quality of their work, show up reliably for their team, and enjoy working together to make a meaningful impact every day.

Job Title: Prepared Foods Assistant Manager, Front-of-House (FOH)

Reports To: Prepared Foods Department Manager

Wage Range: $26.13 - $27.83

Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Varies – will include AM/PM shifts along with weekends and holidays

POSITION SUMMARY

The FOH Assistant Manager oversees front-of-house operations and provides direct supervision to Shift Leaders and FOH staff. This role ensures strong daily execution by setting expectations, and maintaining high standards for customer service, food quality, and team performance.

The Assistant Manager is responsible for training and developing staff and shift leaders, monitoring shift effectiveness, and ensuring consistent communication, staffing, and operational alignment across all shifts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

FOH Operations Management:

• Supervise daily FOH activities, including stocking, merchandising, and display presentation
• Ensure Shift Leaders are effectively prioritizing work, delegating tasks, and maintaining operational standards during their shifts
• Ensure the hot bar, service case and other prepared food offerings are stocked, fresh, and visually appealing
• Monitor customer-facing areas for cleanliness, organization, and accessibility

Staff Leadership and Training:

• Create, implement, and maintain daily task lists for FOH staff to support efficient operations.
• Develop and lead training programs for new and existing FOH staff, focusing on customer service and operational procedures
• Supervise FOH staff, providing training, scheduling, and performance feedback.
• Ensure all FOH employees maintain valid food worker cards and comply with food safety standards
• Provide guidance, support, and performance feedback to Shift Leaders to ensure effective shift execution and leadership consistency

Customer Service:

• Ensure staff provide friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient service to customers
• Address and resolve customer inquiries, concerns, and complaints promptly
• Collaborate with BOH to communicate customer feedback and address product-related questions

Compliance and Safety:

• Provides leadership and oversight of food safety programs to ensure consistent adherence to established standards and protocols
• Ensures compliance with health, safety, and food handling requirements across all customer-facing areas
• Conducts regular inspections of FOH areas to verify cleanliness and adherence to departmental standards

Communication and Coordination:

• Work closely with the BOH Assistant Manager to ensure seamless operations between FOH and BOH
• Serve as the primary point of support and escalation for Shift Leaders during FOH operations
• Communicate operational updates and staffing needs to the Prepared Foods Manager
• Provide feedback on FOH product performance to support inventory and production planning

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong ability to organize, delegate, and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communication and team leadership skills
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and problem-solve in real time
• Working knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Commitment to teamwork, accountability, and customer service excellence
• Ability to confidently direct others’ work, provide constructive feedback, and uphold standards in a collaborative and professional manner
• Previous experience in a food service or prepared foods environment preferred, including experience supporting or guiding team workflow
• Demonstrated reliability and consistency in attendance, with the ability to meet scheduling requirements
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to move throughout the department regularly to monitor work, support staff, and respond to operational needs
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift)
• Frequent use of hands for food preparation, packaging, and operating equipment
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally, and up to 25 pounds regularly
• Frequent bending, twisting, reaching, and kneeling
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including refrigerated and hot kitchen environments
• Ability to safely use knives, kitchen tools, and food service equipment
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with team members and customers
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining attention to detail and quality standards

BENEFITS AT THE CO-OP

• Up to 25% staff discount & access to wholesale orders
• Great medical/dental/vision and supplemental insurance options
• 401(k) w/match
• Paid time off
• Pay on demand
• Access to employee assistance program

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The Community Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a The Community Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the Co-op, even if doing so requires actions or responsibilities not listed in the above job description. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned which are not considered essential and may not be listed here.