Lead Cook - Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Kalamazoo, MI, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $15.50 - $19.75

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Training and Development

Uniform allowance

Job Description

Aramark is a global leader in food services, facilities management, and uniform services, proudly serving millions of guests every day across 15 countries. With a steadfast commitment rooted in service and a shared purpose, Aramark strives to create positive impacts for its employees, partners, communities, and the environment. The company values diversity and equal opportunity, ensuring a supportive, inclusive workplace where all employees can grow both personally and professionally. Known for fostering career development and encouraging passion-driven pursuits, Aramark offers its staff numerous opportunities to excel in their fields and realize their full potential. Learn more about Aramark by visiting their careers website or by connecting through various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The role of the Lead Cook at Aramark is central to successfully delivering high-quality food services that meet client standards and customer expectations. This position requires expertise in cooking, food preparation, and kitchen management while emphasizing compliance with safety, sanitation, and food handling practices. The Lead Cook is responsible for supervising kitchen staff, managing daily work schedules, training employees in proper cooking techniques and safety protocols, and ensuring that all food preparation aligns with standardized recipes and production guidelines. This role involves operating a variety of kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, preparing ingredients meticulously, and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in work areas.

Additionally, the Lead Cook is charged with upholding excellent customer service through a positive attitude and professional interaction with guests, co-workers, and clients. The position may carry physical demands such as lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, or extended periods of standing and walking. Candidates may also be required to wear uniforms and personal protective equipment. This dynamic role offers a chance for individuals to leverage their culinary skills, leadership capabilities, and food safety knowledge in a fast-paced, engaging environment that values teamwork and quality. Working as a Lead Cook at Aramark means contributing to a mission-driven company culture that prioritizes development and impact, with room to adapt and grow as business needs evolve.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
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 kitchen equipment
capability to perform physical tasks including lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and extended walking or standing
willingness to wear uniforms and personal protective equipment
effective communication 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