Lead Cook

Winston-Salem, NC, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Training and development programs

Flexible work schedules

Job Description

Aramark is a global leader in food services, facilities management, and uniform services, proudly serving millions of guests daily across 15 countries. With a strong commitment to service excellence and sustainability, Aramark aims to create positive impacts for the communities, partners, and employees it serves. The company fosters a work environment that values diversity, equal employment opportunities, and professional growth, ensuring every employee can thrive and contribute meaningfully to its mission. Aramark's focus is on developing talent, fueling passion, and empowering its workforce to reach their full potential through challenges, community engagement, and a supportive work culture. Known for its innovation and dedication to quality, Aramark provides a wide range of services that enrich the daily lives of its customers, making it a reputable and respected name in the industry.

The role of Lead Cook at Aramark is both dynamic and integral to the company's food service operations. This position involves preparing and cooking food according to established recipes and production guidelines while strictly adhering to food safety, sanitation, and handling procedures. The Lead Cook must competently use kitchen tools and equipment such as knives, grills, fryers, ovens, and broilers, ensuring safe and efficient operation at all times. Beyond the preparation of food, the Lead Cook supervises kitchen staff by scheduling daily work activities, delegating responsibilities, and leading by example to maintain high standards of food quality and customer service. This position may also involve training team members, maintaining production records, and ensuring compliance with company policies, including safety and security protocols.

Aramark emphasizes that job duties can evolve as per client requirements and business needs, offering a flexible environment where adaptability and learning are highly valued. The Lead Cook role requires a positive and proactive attitude, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Physical demands such as lifting, bending, and long periods of standing are a part of this job, making stamina and resilience important traits for success. Aramark also prioritizes employee safety and provides appropriate protective equipment when necessary. The position offers opportunities for growth within the company and the chance to contribute to a well-established global leader in the food services industry.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Previous supervisor experience preferred
Experience in cooking or food preparation required
Food safety certification required
Ability to work independently with limited supervision
Physical ability to lift, bend, push, pull, and stand for extended periods
Willingness to wear uniforms and/or personal protective equipment as required
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