Kitchen Team Associate

About the Role

Join our team as a Kitchen Team Associate, where you will play a key role in preparing delicious meals while upholding strict cleanliness and safety standards to deliver excellent guest experiences. This position offers a supportive and friendly work environment where ongoing learning and career growth are encouraged. Training is provided for those without prior experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional dining experiences by greeting guests, serving food, and managing payment transactions at the register.
• Maintain cleanliness and the professional appearance of the restaurant at all times.
• Adhere to operational, safety, and quality procedures to ensure food freshness and safety.
• Work efficiently in a dynamic, fast-paced kitchen environment, rotating through roles including front counter, drive-through, or kitchen as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with team members to achieve daily objectives in a positive and enjoyable atmosphere.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A friendly and cooperative team spirit is essential.
• Previous experience in operations is advantageous but not required.
• Completion of some high school education is expected.
• Possession of a Food Handler certification may be necessary depending on local regulations; certification costs are the employee's responsibility.

Benefits and Perks

• Flexible working schedules to accommodate your lifestyle.
• Competitive pay structure.
• Complimentary meals provided during working hours.
• Full-time employees have access to medical, vision, dental insurance, as well as voluntary short-term disability and cancer income protection insurance.
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts offered.
• 401K retirement plan featuring company matching contributions.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and participation in a Leave Share Program where eligible.
• Discounts across many brands available to associates.
• Referral bonuses for eligible employees.
• Opportunities to contribute to your community through our Panda Cares initiatives.
• Hands-on paid training designed to prepare you for success.
• Ongoing career and leadership development programs.
• Potential for advancement into management roles.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The kitchen workspace is often hot with steam and food vapors, requiring standing for extended periods (up to four hours). Employees must be able to prepare both hot and cold foods, use kitchen tools such as Chinese cook knives, and lift up to 50 pounds. The environment is fast-paced with high noise levels and limited storage and shelving space. Team members must communicate effectively and adapt to changing priorities while managing challenging situations professionally.

Company Overview

Since its founding in Glendale, California in 1983, we have grown to become the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant company in the United States with nearly 2,800 locations worldwide. Our mission is to deliver outstanding Asian dining experiences and support an organization where team members are empowered to improve their lives and positively impact their communities.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to equal employment opportunity and do not discriminate on any legally protected basis, including gender, race, religion, age, disability, and veteran status. We comply fully with applicable laws regarding workplace accommodations including the ADA, providing reasonable accommodations during application and employment processes upon request.