Lead Cook

Spokane Valley, WA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $23.79

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Parental leave

Disability Coverage

Job Description

Aramark is a global leader in food services, facilities management, and uniform services, proudly serving millions of guests every day across 15 countries. Known for its commitment to service and community, Aramark operates in diverse environments, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, sports arenas, and business dining. The company's mission is rooted in service and united by purpose, striving to make a positive impact on employees, partners, communities, and the planet. Aramark values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. With a focus on career development, the company fosters growth, passion, and a sense of belonging among its workforce. This supportive environment makes Aramark a top choice for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the food service industry.

The Lead Cook role at Aramark is a pivotal position responsible for overseeing the preparation and cooking of food to meet standard recipes and production guidelines while adhering strictly to food safety, handling, and sanitation procedures. This role is essential in delivering high-quality meals efficiently and safely in various client locations, where duties may adapt based on specific business needs and requirements. The Lead Cook ensures the safe use of kitchen tools and equipment such as knives, grills, fryers, ovens, and broilers, and may supervise kitchen staff, delegating tasks to maintain smooth kitchen operations.

The Lead Cook is expected to handle all aspects of food preparation, from measuring and chopping ingredients to cooking using multiple methods including baking, roasting, broiling, and steaming. The role involves setting up and maintaining workstations with necessary equipment and ingredients, ensuring food is properly stored to maintain safety standards, and cleaning and sanitizing kitchen areas and utensils thoroughly. A vital part of the position is also maintaining excellent customer service and a positive attitude towards guests and coworkers, reflecting Aramark's commitment to hospitality and excellence.

Compensation for this position includes an hourly wage of $23.79, reflecting Aramark’s commitment to fair and competitive pay. The company also offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans such as 401(k), as well as paid time off including parental leave and disability coverage. These benefits vary by location and employee eligibility. The Lead Cook position may require some physical demands such as lifting, bending, and extended periods of standing or walking, as well as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniforms.

Aramark encourages skill development and adaptability, acknowledging that job duties may evolve over time to meet changing needs without prior notice. This proactive approach ensures that the Lead Cook remains an integral part of delivering excellent food service and fostering a positive workplace environment. The company also complies fully with Fair Chance Ordinances and laws, providing equal employment opportunities to candidates with arrest or conviction records. Overall, this role offers a dynamic and rewarding opportunity within a globally respected company dedicated to employee growth, safety, and satisfaction.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Previous cooking experience required
Food safety certification required
Ability to work independently with limited supervision
Physical ability to perform tasks including lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and extended standing or walking
Willingness to wear uniforms and use personal protective equipment as required

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
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
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
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