Steward Lead - Indianapolis ZOO

Job Description

The Stewarding Lead is a pivotal working lead position within the Culinary Department, responsible for helping lead and coordinate the daily operations of the Zoo's stewarding team. Working under the direction of the Chef de Cuisine, the Stewarding Lead translates departmental plans into effective day to day execution while providing hands on leadership to dishwashers and stewarding staff.

The Stewarding Lead will actively direct dishwashers, establish daily priorities based on operational needs, coordinate breaks, respond to changing priorities, and communicate with FOH, culinary, concessions, and event teams. During premium events, this position serves as an important connection between the stewarding team and FOH, ensuring dishwashing needs are prioritized and that assigned dishwashers remain in place until their area is properly cleared and released.

This is a working lead position. The Stewarding Lead is expected to work alongside the team while also providing direction, coaching, accountability, and operational support.

Stewarding Team Leadership

-Provide daily direction and leadership to dishwashers and stewarding staff based on priorities established by the Chef de Cuisine.
-Adjust staffing assignments and priorities in real time as operational needs change.
-Coordinate dishwasher break schedules to ensure employees receive appropriate breaks while maintaining adequate operational coverage.
-Monitor employee performance and provide coaching and correction when necessary.
-Communicate performance, attendance, or operational concerns to the Chef de Cuisine.
-Lead by example through professionalism, communication, work ethic, and adherence to sanitation standards.
-Help create a positive, respectful, and team-oriented working environment.

Concessions & Main Kitchen Operations

-Provide hands-on stewarding leadership within the main kitchen and primary concession operation.
-Maintain cleanliness and organization of the Commons area, including dishwashing areas, floors, trash, equipment, work surfaces, and surrounding spaces.
-Ensure dishwashing operations remain efficient and responsive to the needs of culinary and concessions teams.
-Monitor and reinforce proper cleaning, sanitation, and food-safety practices.
-Help ensure dishwashers are following proper procedures for commercial dishwashing equipment and cleaning chemicals.
-Assist concession locations with maintaining proper stewarding and sanitation practices.
-Conduct routine checks of open concession locations, including areas such as Westside Café, Pavilion Café, and Crossing Café, and provide coaching or hands-on assistance as needed.
-Communicate operational concerns or recurring issues to the Chef de Cuisine.

Premium Events & FOH Support

-Provide stewarding leadership and support for premium catering and special events throughout the Zoo.
-Maintain communication with dishwashers assigned to premium events and ensure they understand their responsibilities and priorities.
-Serve as a liaison between stewarding/dishwashing staff and FOH.
-Communicate with FOH teams to understand event needs, upcoming priorities, and time-sensitive dish or equipment requirements.
-Prioritize specific dishes, equipment, or items when requested by FOH or event operations.
-Monitor the progress of dishwashing teams during events and respond to changing needs.
-Ensure all dish machines are tested and documented prior to each event.
-Ensure dishwashers assigned to events remain available until their stewarding responsibilities have been completed and released by the FOH Captain or a Chef.
-Help ensure premium event stewarding areas are left clean, organized, and ready for the next operation.

• Equipment & Food…