Lead Cook - Western New England University

Springfield, MA, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $20.00 - $26.00

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid Time Off

Parental leave

Disability Coverage

Job Description

Aramark is a leading global provider of food services, facilities management, and uniform services, proudly serving millions of guests every day across 15 countries worldwide. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, Aramark strives to do great things for its employees, partners, communities, and the planet. With a strong emphasis on equal employment opportunities and inclusion, Aramark fosters a diverse work environment where every employee can participate fully and grow professionally. The company’s commitment to its workforce is reflected in its comprehensive benefit programs, supportive work culture, and focus on employee development. Aramark believes that a career should not only develop talents and fuel passions but also empower professional growth, making it a great place to work whether you seek new challenges, a sense of belonging, or opportunities for career advancement.

The Lead Cook role at Aramark is vital to delivering high-quality food services in compliance with safety and sanitation standards. This position is responsible for cooking and preparing food by following standardized recipes and production guidelines, ensuring consistency and excellence in every dish served. Lead Cooks use various kitchen equipment such as grills, fryers, ovens, and broilers safely and efficiently, demonstrating proficiency in multiple cooking methods including baking, roasting, broiling, and steaming. The role requires not just strong culinary skills but also leadership abilities; Lead Cooks schedule and assign daily tasks to kitchen staff and supervise their work to ensure smooth operations. They train team members on proper food handling, sanitation, and cooking techniques, fostering a culture of safety and quality.

This position may require physical demands such as lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods. It also involves adherence to safety policies to ensure a secure working environment. The hourly compensation for this role ranges from $20.00 to $26.00, reflecting Aramark’s commitment to offering competitive wages that match the skills and experience required. Benefits for eligible employees include medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans like 401(k), along with paid leave options such as parental leave and disability coverage.

Overall, the role of Lead Cook at Aramark offers an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about culinary arts and leadership within a company dedicated to service excellence and employee growth. By joining Aramark, the Lead Cook becomes part of a global team that values integrity, innovation, and inclusivity while making a positive impact through their work. This job is suited for those who can work independently yet collaborate effectively with a team to deliver outstanding food experiences every day.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Previous cooking experience in a food service environment
Food safety certification
Ability to stand, bend, and lift for extended periods
Capacity to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays
Basic math skills
Strong communication skills
Ability to follow 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