Lead Cook - University of Scranton

Scranton, PA, USA|

Job Overview

Job Description

Aramark is a global leader in food services, facilities management, and uniform services, proudly serving millions of guests daily across 15 countries. Known for its commitment to service excellence, Aramark operates in a variety of sectors including education, healthcare, sports, and business dining. At its core, Aramark aims to enrich and nourish the lives of its customers, employees, and communities by providing high-quality meals and services that meet rigorous standards of safety and satisfaction. The company fosters an inclusive workplace culture where diversity is celebrated and every employee has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

The role of Lead Cook at Aramark is pivotal in maintaining the quality and safety of food production while ensuring efficient kitchen operations. This position is responsible for preparing and cooking food according to standardized recipes and production guidelines, emphasizing the highest standards of food safety, handling, and sanitation. The Lead Cook safely manages kitchen appliances, including grills, fryers, ovens, and broilers, and is skilled in the use of knives and other kitchen utensils. More than just a cook, the Lead Cook often supervises kitchen staff, assigning daily tasks, training team members on food preparation techniques and safety procedures, and ensuring that the workplace is clean and hygienic. This supervisory aspect makes the role essential in maintaining seamless kitchen operations tailored to the needs of different locations and clients.

The Lead Cook must adhere to Aramark's rigorous safety policies, ensuring the protection of company assets and upholding security standards. Additionally, the role demands strong interpersonal skills to maintain excellent customer service and foster positive interactions with guests, customers, clients, and co-workers. Flexibility is essential as job duties may evolve according to business demands without prior notice. Aramark values the Lead Cook's contribution in producing work schedules and keeping production records, ensuring operational continuity.

In this role, physical stamina is important due to tasks involving lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and extended periods of standing or walking. The position may also require the use of uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE). Aramark offers an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages professional development and a sense of belonging, ideal for individuals passionate about culinary arts and leadership within the food service industry.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
food safety certification
previous cooking experience
prior supervisory experience preferred
ability to work independently with minimal supervision
physical ability to perform lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and extended standing or walking
willingness to wear uniforms and use personal protective equipment
excellent communication skills
knowledge of food safety and sanitation procedures

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