Lead Cook - University at Albany

Albany, NY, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $24.00 - $25.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Parental leave

Disability Coverage

Job Description

Aramark is a global leader in food services, facilities management, and uniform services, proudly serving millions of guests daily across 15 countries. Established with a mission rooted in service and united by a strong sense of purpose, Aramark strives to do great things for its employees, partners, communities, and the planet. The organization places high importance on equal employment opportunities, fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every employee is valued and empowered to grow professionally. With a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences through its food and facilities services, Aramark continually seeks talented individuals who are passionate, reliable, and dedicated to making a positive impact.

The Lead Cook position at Aramark is a vital role responsible for the preparation and cooking of food according to standard recipes and production guidelines while strictly adhering to food safety, handling, and sanitation procedures. As a lead position, the role involves supervising kitchen staff, scheduling and assigning daily work activities, and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. This role demands expertise in safely operating kitchen equipment such as grills, fryers, ovens, and broilers, as well as skillful knife handling. The Lead Cook plays a critical role in maintaining high food quality and safety standards, setting up workstations with the required ingredients and equipment, and preparing foods by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling.

In addition to food preparation duties, the Lead Cook is responsible for training and guiding staff on job duties and safety procedures. They oversee food storage following established safety policies and ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of all work areas, equipment, and utensils. This leadership role demands excellent customer service skills with a focus on positivity toward guests, coworkers, and clients alike. Compensation for the Lead Cook ranges from $24.00 to $25.00 per hour, reflecting Aramark's competitive wage offerings aligned with market standards.

Employees in this role benefit from Aramark's comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, work/life resources, retirement savings plans such as 401(k), and paid time off including parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits may vary based on location, eligibility status, and legal requirements.

Aramark understands the physical demands that the Lead Cook role entails, which may include lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and extended periods of walking or standing. Use of uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE) is required to maintain safety and hygiene standards. The position encourages individuals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments, enjoy working independently while also leading a team, and who are committed to excellence in food preparation and customer satisfaction. Working with Aramark offers growth potential and a workplace dedicated to your professional development and personal success. Make a meaningful difference every day by joining Aramark as a Lead Cook, a position that combines culinary skill, leadership, and the chance to contribute to a globally recognized service organization.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Experience as a cook or in a related role
Food safety certification
Ability to work independently with limited supervision
Knowledge of food preparation and safety regulations
Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely
Physically capable of performing tasks including lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods

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

Schedule and assign daily work activities to staff and supervise the completion of tasks
Train and guide staff on job duties, standard food safety and sanitation procedures, cooking methods
Cook and prepare food following production guidelines and standardized recipes
Set up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment
Prepare ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling food items
Safely use all food utensils including knives
Operate equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers
Bake, roast, broil, steam, and use a variety of cooking methods on meats, vegetables, and other foods
Arrange, garnish, and portion food following established guidelines
Properly store food by following food safety policies and procedures
Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, and utensils
Maintain excellent customer service with a positive attitude towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers
Follow Aramark safety policies and procedures including food safety and sanitation
Ensure security of company assets
Produce and maintain work schedules and may prepare production records