Lead Cook

Fort Lee, NJ, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $28.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Day Shifts

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Parental leave

Disability Coverage

Job Description

Aramark is a global leader in food services and facilities management, proudly serving millions of guests daily across 15 countries worldwide. Known for its commitment to quality, service excellence, and sustainability, Aramark takes pride in cultivating a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth and development for its employees. The company operates in various sectors including education, healthcare, business dining, sports, and leisure. At Aramark, every employee is valued and empowered to succeed, offering equal employment opportunity without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or any protected status. With a strong mission rooted in service and a dedication to making a positive impact on communities and the environment, Aramark continuously strives to do great things for its employees, partners, and the world.

The Executive Dining Room at a prestigious New York City financial institution, managed by Aramark, is currently seeking a skilled Lead Cook to join their team. This role is ideal for an experienced cook who desires a better work-life balance while continuing to work in a top-quality fine dining kitchen setting. The Lead Cook will be responsible for cooking and preparing food according to standardized recipes and production guidelines, ensuring adherence to rigorous food safety, handling, and sanitation standards. This position involves the safe use of kitchen equipment such as grills, fryers, ovens, and broilers, and may include supervisory duties such as overseeing other kitchen staff and delegating responsibilities.

The Executive Dining Room offers a weekly changing à la carte menu, emphasizing the highest standards of quality, consistency, and presentation. Candidates must bring at least five years of experience in a fine dining restaurant or hotel environment, preferably within New York City, coupled with a positive, can-do attitude and immaculate work habits. This role requires excellent multitasking, communication skills, and a passion for culinary arts. With a Monday to Friday morning schedule and holidays off, this opportunity offers a stable and rewarding work environment. Occasionally, there are evening events which require the flexibility to work later hours.

Compensation for this hourly role ranges from $28.00 per hour, reflecting Aramark’s competitive pay standards. Additionally, a comprehensive benefits program is provided for eligible employees, including medical, dental, vision insurance, retirement savings plans such as 401(k), paid time off including parental leave and disability coverage, and other work/life resources. The company’s policies uphold safety and security protocols to maintain the integrity of company assets and meet client requirements. Overall, Aramark provides an enriching and professional environment for culinary experts dedicated to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Job Requirements

5 years of restaurant or hotel experience, ideally in a NYC fine dining or upscale setting
culinary school degree or comparable trade school certification
positive, can do attitude
clear and effective verbal and written communication skills
ability to multi-task and work quickly to achieve daily production goals
passion for food and cooking
ability to safely handle knives and kitchen equipment
physical ability to perform tasks including lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and extended walking and standing
willingness to wear uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE)
food safety certification

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

Schedule and assign daily work activities to staff
supervise the completion of tasks
train and guide staff on job duties, standard food safety and sanitation procedures, cooking methods
cook and prepare food following production guidelines and standardized recipes
set up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment
prepare ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling food items
safely use all food utensils including knives
operate equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers
bake, roast, broil, steam, and use a variety of cooking methods on meats, vegetables, and other foods
arrange, garnish, and portion food following established guidelines
properly store food by following food safety policies and procedures
clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, and utensils
maintain excellent customer service with a positive attitude towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers
follow Aramark safety policies and procedures including food safety and sanitation
ensure security of company assets
produce and maintain work schedules
prepare production records as needed