Lead Cook - Choolah - University of Alabama - Retail

Tuscaloosa, AL, 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

Uniform allowance

Job Description

Aramark is a leading global provider of food services, facilities management, and uniform services, operating in 15 countries and serving millions of guests daily. As a company rooted in service and united by a strong purpose, Aramark is committed to making a positive impact on its employees, partners, communities, and the environment. The company values equal employment opportunity and fosters an inclusive workplace free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. Aramark believes that every career is a journey of development, passion, and professional growth, offering a supportive atmosphere where individuals can achieve their full potential. More information about the company and career opportunities can be found at aramarkcareers.com and through their social media platforms.

The Lead Cook role at Aramark offers a vital position within the company’s food service operations. The individual in this role is primarily responsible for preparing and cooking food following standard recipes and production guidelines, while adhering strictly to food safety, handling, and sanitation protocols. The Lead Cook uses various kitchen equipment, including grills, fryers, ovens, and broilers, ensuring proper operation and safety. This role may require supervising team members, coordinating daily workflow, and delegating tasks to maintain a productive and safe kitchen environment. Lead Cooks are expected to handle knives and equipment safely, prep ingredients accurately, and apply diverse cooking methods such as baking, roasting, broiling, and steaming with consistent quality. Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation across the kitchen workstation and equipment is essential to comply with health standards.

Additionally, the Lead Cook must foster a positive customer service attitude, maintaining excellent interactions with guests, customers, coworkers, and clients. Ensuring the security of company assets and preparing work schedules and production records as needed are key administrative aspects of the job. Flexibility in duties is expected, as responsibilities may shift depending on client requirements and business needs. This employment opportunity allows for professional development in culinary techniques, food safety practices, and leadership within a respected, service-driven company. The role typically involves physical activities such as lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and extended periods of walking or standing, and may require wearing uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE). Through this position, Aramark offers employees the chance to grow their skills and contribute meaningfully to both the team and customer experience while upholding the highest industry standards.

Job Requirements

Food safety certification required
Experience as a cook or related role required
Ability to work independently with limited supervision required
Physical ability to lift, bend, push, pull, and walk or stand for extended periods
Willingness to wear uniforms and personal protective equipment as required
Effective communication skills
Commitment to follow food safety and sanitation standards

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 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