Lead Cook - Virginia Commonwealth Univ.

Richmond, VA, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $24.55

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

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 every day across 15 countries. With a mission rooted in service and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Aramark strives to make a positive impact on its employees, partners, communities, and the planet. The company offers a wide variety of career opportunities designed to develop talents, fuel passions, and empower professional growth, making it an excellent place for individuals seeking a fulfilling and dynamic work environment. Aramark values equal employment opportunity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, and other legally protected characteristics.

The Lead Cook position at Aramark plays a critical role in ensuring that food is prepared safely, efficiently, and in accordance with standardized recipes and production guidelines. This role demands strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety protocols, and the ability to supervise and guide kitchen staff effectively. The Lead Cook is responsible not only for preparing and cooking food but also for managing work schedules, delegating tasks to kitchen employees, and maintaining a clean and sanitary work environment. This position requires a thorough understanding of various cooking methods and equipment, such as grills, fryers, ovens, broilers, slicers, and mixers.

As a Lead Cook, you will be expected to handle kitchen knives and tools safely and guide others in following proper food handling and sanitation procedures. This role involves preparing ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling food items to ensure consistency and quality. You will also be responsible for baking, roasting, broiling, steaming, and employing other cooking techniques to prepare meats, vegetables, and other dishes that meet Aramark's high standards.

A key responsibility of the Lead Cook is to maintain excellent customer service by upholding a positive attitude towards guests, customers, co-workers, and clients. The role requires following Aramark's safety policies and procedures rigorously to ensure all food and equipment are stored and used correctly to maintain safety and quality standards. Additionally, you will be in charge of cleaning and sanitizing workstations, equipment, and utensils to comply with food safety regulations.

This position offers an hourly pay rate of $24.55. The Lead Cook role is ideal for candidates with cooking experience and some supervisory skills who are ready to take on more responsibility in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Aramark also provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, work/life resources, retirement savings plans like 401(k), and paid time off such as parental leave and disability coverage. The exact benefits may vary by location and employee eligibility.

Aramark encourages developing new skills and adapting to meet the demands of the job, recognizing that responsibilities may evolve with business needs and client requirements. Whether you are looking to advance your culinary expertise or pursue leadership in the hospitality industry, the Lead Cook position at Aramark offers a rewarding opportunity to be part of a respected global company dedicated to quality and service.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
previous cooking experience required
food safety certification required
ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks including lifting, bending, pushing, and pulling
ability to work independently and supervise staff
strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation procedures
effective communication skills
ability to safely handle knives and kitchen equipment

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