Lead Cook Full Time - University of South Carolina

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $16.00 - $20.50
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
Day Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Professional Development
Employee wellness programs

Job Description

Aramark is a global leader in food services, facilities management, and uniform services, proudly serving millions of guests daily in 15 countries across various industries including education, healthcare, business, sports, and leisure. With a commitment rooted in service and united by purpose, Aramark strives to make a positive impact on its employees, partners, communities, and the planet. The company fosters a culture that supports professional growth, workplace inclusion, and equal employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, or other legally protected characteristics. At Aramark, employees are empowered to grow their talents and pursue their passions while contributing to the company’s mission of delivering excellence and sustainability.

The Lead Cook position at Aramark is an essential role within the culinary team, responsible for cooking and preparing food according to standardized recipes and production guidelines while adhering strictly to food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. This role requires proficiency with various kitchen equipment including grills, fryers, ovens, and broilers, as well as skillful handling of knives and utensils to ensure quality and efficiency in food preparation. In addition to hands-on cooking responsibilities, the Lead Cook plays a crucial supervisory role by scheduling and assigning daily tasks to kitchen staff, training and guiding team members on cooking methods and safety standards, and delegating responsibilities to ensure smooth kitchen operations.

A Lead Cook at Aramark ensures that all food items are prepared, garnished, portioned, and stored following established guidelines and company policies. The position demands maintaining workstations with all necessary ingredients and equipment, demonstrating effective communication and interpersonal skills with co-workers and customers, and upholding Aramark’s safety policies including sanitation and security of company assets. The role may require physical activities such as lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods, and may involve the use of uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE).

This position offers the opportunity to develop new skills, take on challenges, and make a positive impact on the guest experience and team dynamics. The job responsibilities and required duties may vary by location based on client demands and business needs. Aramark supports its employees with robust training, a respectful work environment, and a mission-driven approach to service, making it an ideal employer for motivated culinary professionals seeking career growth in food service management and leadership.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • previous experience as a cook required
  • food safety certification required
  • ability to work independently with limited supervision
  • ability to train and supervise kitchen staff
  • physical ability to lift, bend, push, pull and stand for long periods
  • adherence to food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures
  • willingness to wear uniforms and 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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