Lead Cook

Silver Spring, MD, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $18.00 - $20.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid Time Off

Parental leave

Disability Coverage

Job Description

Aramark is a global leader in providing food services, facilities management, and uniform services to various industries including education, healthcare, business, and sports and entertainment. Operating in 15 countries worldwide, Aramark proudly serves millions of guests daily, establishing itself as a company rooted in service and united by its purpose to create positive impacts for employees, clients, communities, and the planet. With a strong commitment to equal employment opportunity and diversity, Aramark fosters a workplace environment where all employees can thrive without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, disability, or other protected statuses. The company emphasizes professional growth, talent development, and employee empowerment, making it a highly respected employer across its sectors. Aramark’s ethos centers on doing great things together with partners and communities to deliver excellence and consistent quality.

The Portfolio Group, a segment within the Workplace Experience Group at Aramark, focuses on delivering seamless, unique service experiences across various business portfolios. Whether it’s a casual breakroom or a high-level boardroom setting, the team designs and executes solutions that prioritize convenience, consistency, and excellence. Their mission is to forge strong partnerships that transform typical workplace experiences into extraordinary ones, underpinning Aramark's brand promise of One Partner. Infinite Solutions.

The Lead Cook role within Aramark’s Portfolio Group is a pivotal position responsible for cooking and preparing food adhering to standardized recipes and production guidelines. Key to this role is ensuring strict compliance with all food safety, handling, and sanitation procedures, protecting both guests and staff. The Lead Cook handles a variety of kitchen equipment including grills, ovens, fryers, and broilers, and uses culinary techniques such as baking, roasting, broiling, steaming, and frying to prepare a diverse menu. Beyond cooking duties, the Lead Cook also supervises kitchen staff, delegates tasks, and may be involved in scheduling and production record keeping.

This position requires a professional who can maintain a safe and efficient workstation, expertly measure and process ingredients, and uphold Aramark’s high standards for quality and customer service. A positive attitude and excellent communication skills are essential to foster a collaborative and welcoming work environment. The compensation for this role ranges from $18.00 to $20.00 per hour, with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, parental leave, and disability benefits, making it a rewarding career opportunity.

At Aramark, employees are encouraged to continually develop new skills and adapt to changing job duties to ensure customer satisfaction and operational excellence. This role may involve some physical requirements such as lifting, bending, and prolonged standing, and requires adherence to safety policies including personal protective equipment protocols. Overall, the Lead Cook position offers a stimulating and supportive workplace for culinary professionals eager to grow within a respected global company committed to service and community impact.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Previous experience in cooking or food preparation required
Food safety certification required
Ability to work independently with limited supervision
Basic math skills
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to safely handle kitchen equipment and utensils
Ability to stand, bend, lift, and perform physical tasks 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, 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