Lead Cook

Irving, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

potential for career growth

Training opportunities

Job Description

Aramark is a global leader in food services, facilities management, and uniform services, proudly serving millions of customers every day across 15 countries worldwide. Founded on a strong foundation of service and community engagement, Aramark is committed to creating meaningful impact for its employees, partners, and the environment. The company values equal employment opportunities and fosters an inclusive, supportive workplace where every individual can thrive regardless of their background or identity. With a dedication to professional growth and career development, Aramark offers a dynamic environment where talent is nurtured and passions are fueled, ensuring employees are empowered to reach their full potential. This commitment is reflected in the company’s robust mission to serve its communities and sustain the planet through responsible and innovative practices.

The Lead Cook position at Aramark is a critical role within the food service division, focused on delivering high-quality food preparation while adhering to strict safety and sanitation standards. This role involves cooking and preparing food using standardized recipes and production guidelines, ensuring consistency and quality in every dish served. The Lead Cook is responsible for following food safety and handling procedures meticulously to maintain a safe and hygienic kitchen environment. Handling various kitchen equipment such as grills, fryers, ovens, and broilers requires skill and attentiveness to reduce risks and maintain operational efficiency.

Additionally, the Lead Cook often supervises and delegates tasks to other kitchen staff, making leadership and management skills essential for this position. Responsibilities may include scheduling daily activities, training new employees, ensuring workspace organization, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety. This role also demands effective communication, both verbal and written, to guide the team and interact positively with customers and co-workers. The Lead Cook must be adaptable, as job duties can vary based on location-specific client requirements and business needs.

Aramark emphasizes the importance of a positive attitude and excellent customer service, expecting the Lead Cook to maintain professionalism and a service-oriented mindset at all times. The company supports its employees through ongoing training opportunities and encourages taking initiative to develop new skills. Physical demands of the role include lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, extended periods of walking and standing, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.

Joining Aramark as a Lead Cook offers the chance to be part of a respected, mission-driven company that values teamwork, safety, and quality. This position is ideal for individuals with previous cooking experience and a passion for food service who are eager to take on leadership responsibilities and contribute to an organization grounded in strong ethical principles and community focus. Working at Aramark means being part of a global team dedicated to delivering excellent food experiences while fostering a healthy, inclusive, and motivating work environment.

Job Requirements

Previous supervisor experience in a related role preferred
experience as a cook or related role required
ability to work independently with limited supervision required
food safety certification required
ability to safely handle knives and operate kitchen equipment
physical ability to perform duties including lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, extended walking and standing
willingness to wear uniforms and use personal protective equipment (PPE)
strong communication and interpersonal skills

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