Lead Cook - National Advocacy Center (NAC)

Columbia, SC, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

retirement plans

Employee Discounts

Career development opportunities

flexible schedule

Job Description

Aramark is a global leader in food service, facilities management, and uniform services, proudly serving millions of guests across 15 countries. Known for its commitment to service, Aramark delivers exceptional experiences through food and facilities, striving to make a positive impact on the communities, partners, and environments it serves. The company fosters a workplace culture that values equal employment opportunity and inclusivity, actively promoting diversity without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristics under applicable laws. Committed to the professional growth and development of its employees, Aramark offers career opportunities that fuel passion, talent, and potential, making it an attractive employer in the food service industry with a focus on employee empowerment and community contribution.

The role of the Lead Cook at Aramark is pivotal in delivering high-quality food preparation while ensuring adherence to strict food safety, handling, and sanitation standards. The Lead Cook is primarily responsible for cooking and preparing food items using standardized recipes and production guidelines, employing various cooking methods such as baking, roasting, broiling, and steaming. This role requires proficient and safe handling of kitchen equipment including grills, fryers, ovens, broilers, slicers, mixers, and knives. The Lead Cook not only prepares ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling but also ensures that food items are garnished and portioned correctly before serving.

In addition to the cooking duties, the Lead Cook takes a leadership role by overseeing daily kitchen activities, scheduling staff, delegating responsibilities, and training new hires or team members on job duties, cooking techniques, and safety protocols. Maintaining a clean and sanitized work environment is crucial, as is the ability to follow Aramark's safety policies, including food safety and sanitation procedures. The Lead Cook upholds excellent customer service standards, fostering a positive and professional attitude towards guests and coworkers alike. Production records and work schedules are part of the role’s administrative duties, helping to ensure smooth kitchen operations aligned with client expectations and specific business needs. The position may have physical demands including lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and extended periods of standing and walking. Overall, the Lead Cook plays an essential role in upholding Aramark’s mission of service excellence while supporting the team and contributing to a safe, efficient, and productive kitchen environment.

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 stand and walk for extended periods
capability to lift, bend, push, and pull as needed
willingness to wear uniforms and personal protective equipment
adherence to 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 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