Banquet Lead Cook - SMU Hospitality - SMU Catering

Dallas, TX, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $17.75 - $22.25

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Career Development

Work Life Balance

Job Description

Aramark is a global leader in food services, facilities management, and uniform services, serving millions of guests daily across 15 countries. With a commitment to excellence and a mission rooted in service, Aramark prides itself on creating positive impacts for employees, clients, communities, and the planet. The company champions diversity and inclusion, providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, and other protected characteristics. Working at Aramark means being part of a dynamic team where your talents can grow, your passions are fueled, and your professional growth is supported. It is a workplace that values innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional services.

The Lead Cook role at Aramark is an essential position responsible for cooking and preparing food safely and efficiently, adhering to standard recipes and production guidelines. This role includes hands-on food preparation duties such as measuring, mixing, chopping, roasting, and broiling using various kitchen equipment like grills, fryers, ovens, and broilers. The Lead Cook plays a supervisory role by scheduling, assigning daily tasks, and guiding kitchen staff on cooking methods, food safety, and sanitation practices. This position requires proficiency in food safety certifications, basic math skills, and interpersonal communication.

As a Lead Cook, the individual will also maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards in the kitchen environment, ensuring food safety compliance and the proper storage of ingredients. They will be responsible for maintaining work schedules and production records while fostering an atmosphere of excellent customer service and a positive attitude among staff. The role may involve physical demands such as lifting, bending, pushing, and extended standing or walking, as well as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

This position is ideal for experienced cooks seeking leadership responsibilities within a reputable and supportive company. Aramark supports its employees with ongoing development opportunities and the chance to contribute to a company that values sustainability and community engagement. The Lead Cook role offers a dynamic work environment where adaptability and commitment to quality are paramount. Candidates can expect to take on various duties that may change based on client needs and Aramark's evolving business requirements. Employment benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for career progression, making this an attractive opportunity for culinary professionals looking to grow their careers in the food services industry.

Job Requirements

Food safety certification required
previous supervisor experience preferred
experience as a cook or related role required
ability to work independently with limited supervision
basic knowledge of food preparation principles and cooking methods
ability to lift, bend, push, and stand for extended periods
effective communication skills
willingness to wear uniforms and use personal protective equipment
commitment to following food safety and sanitation procedures

Job Qualifications

Previous supervisor experience in a related role preferred
experience as a cook or related role required
ability to work independently with limited supervision required
proven knowledge of the basic principles of food preparation, various cooking methods, and food safety regulations such as proper food handling, sanitation, and storage
food safety certification required
demonstrates basic math and counting skills
demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal

Job Duties

Schedules and assigns daily work activities to staff and supervises the completion of tasks
trains and guides staff on job duties, standard food safety and sanitation procedures, cooking methods, etc
cooks and prepares food following production guidelines and standardized recipes
sets up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment
prepares ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling food items
safely uses all food utensils including knives
operates equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers, etc
bakes, roasts, broils, steams, and uses a variety of cooking methods on meats, vegetables, and other foods
arranges, garnishes, and portions food following established guidelines
properly stores food by following food safety policies and procedures
cleans and sanitizes work areas, equipment, and utensils
maintains excellent customer service with a positive attitude towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc
follows Aramark safety policies and procedures including food safety and sanitation
ensures security of company assets
produces and maintains work schedules and may prepare production records