Lead Cook

Daly, CA, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $18.00 - $20.00

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Training and Development

career advancement

Job Description

Aramark is a global leader in food services, facilities management, and uniform services, proudly serving millions of guests every day in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in a mission of service and united by a shared purpose, Aramark is dedicated to doing great things not only for its employees but also for its partners, communities, and the planet. The company values diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring an equitable employment environment where every employee feels empowered and respected. Aramark offers a dynamic and supportive workplace where individual talents can flourish while contributing to the company’s worldwide impact. Known for providing excellent career development opportunities, Aramark invites employees to grow professionally in a culture that promotes passion, innovation, and community engagement.

The Lead Cook position at Aramark is a pivotal role that combines technical culinary skills with leadership responsibilities in a fast-paced food service environment. The Lead Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food based on standardized recipes and production guidelines while rigorously following food safety, food handling, and sanitation protocols. This role requires proficiency in the safe use of kitchen tools and equipment including knives, grills, fryers, ovens, and broilers. Beyond culinary expertise, the Lead Cook leads and supervises kitchen staff, scheduling tasks, delegating responsibilities, and training employees on essential cooking methods and food safety practices.

This position offers an hourly salary ranging from $18.00 to $20.00 and demands an individual who can work independently with limited supervision. The Lead Cook ensures that all food preparation meets high-quality standards and that workstations are properly set up and maintained. Key responsibilities include measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, and trimming ingredients, utilizing various cooking techniques such as baking, roasting, broiling, and steaming to create a variety of dishes. The incumbent also plays a critical role in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment by cleaning and sanitizing work areas, utensils, and equipment regularly.

In addition, the Lead Cook maintains excellent customer service with a positive attitude, interacting professionally with guests, customers, clients, and coworkers. Adherence to company safety policies and procedures, including the security of company assets, is strictly enforced. The role also involves producing and maintaining work schedules and, in some cases, preparing production records to support operational efficiency. The ability to handle physical demands such as lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods is essential.

This role is ideal for individuals who possess proven knowledge of food preparation principles, cooking methods, and food safety regulations. Food safety certification is required, alongside strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. Working at Aramark means being part of a team that values continuous learning and adaptability, with the opportunity to advance your culinary skills while contributing meaningfully to the workplace and the wider community. If you are passionate about food service, leadership, and making a difference in a well-established global company, the Lead Cook position at Aramark is a compelling career opportunity.

Job Requirements

Experience as a cook or related role required
Ability to work independently with limited supervision required
Food safety certification required
Demonstrates basic math and counting skills
Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
May have physical demands including lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing
May require wearing uniforms and/or usage of personal protective equipment (PPE)

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