Lead Cook

Aramark Canada; Halifax; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Dal-Catering, operated by Aramark at Dalhousie University, is seeking an experienced and motivated Catering Sous Chef to join our culinary team. The Sous Chef will support day-to-day operations, helping execute high-quality food service for events ranging from campus meetings and receptions to large-scale banquets.

This role requires professional cooking experience and strong kitchen knowledge. The successful candidate will lead culinary staff, ensure food quality, and thrive in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Professional cooking experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen operations.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently while also leading a team.
• Attention to detail and commitment to food quality and presentation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends when required by event schedules.
• Ability to work on campus and at off-site catering locations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, preparation, production and execution of catering menus.
• Lead and support culinary staff during events and high-volume service periods.
• Prepare and cook a wide variety of menu items with consistent quality and presentation.
• Follow standardized recipes, portion controls, production sheets and catering specifications.
• Assist with event setup, service, breakdown and post-event kitchen operations.
• Ensure food is prepared, held, transported and served to safety standards.
• Monitor food temperatures and maintain proper food-handling procedures.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, storage, inventory control and minimizing waste.
• Maintain a clean, organized and safe kitchen and catering work environment.
• Collaborate with Catering Manager, Executive Chef and event staff for successful event execution.
• Provide hands-on leadership to cooks and catering staff when required.
• Assist with off-site catering events including transportation, setup, service and breakdown.

Skills

Professional cooking

Food prep knowledge

High-volume service

Organizational skills

Team leadership

Food quality/presentation

Flexibility (evenings/weekends)

Campus/off-site catering

Job description

Job Description

Dal-Catering, operated by Aramark at Dalhousie University, is seeking an experienced and motivated Catering Sous Chef to join our culinary team. The Catering Sous Chef will play an important role in supporting the day-to-day culinary operations of our catering department, helping execute high-quality food service for events ranging from campus meetings and receptions to large-scale banquets, conferences, VIP functions, and off-site catering events. This is an excellent opportunity for a chef who enjoys a fast-paced environment, takes pride in food quality and presentation, and is comfortable working in a variety of catering settings.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist with the planning, preparation, production, and execution of catering menus.
• Lead and support culinary staff during catering events and high-volume service periods.
• Prepare and cook a wide variety of menu items while maintaining consistent quality and presentation.
• Follow standardized recipes, portion controls, production sheets, and catering specifications.
• Assist with event setup, service, breakdown, and post-event kitchen operations.
• Ensure food is prepared, held, transported, and served according to food safety standards.
• Monitor food temperatures and maintain proper food-handling procedures.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, storage, inventory control, and minimizing food waste.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen and catering work environment.
• Work closely with the Catering Manager, Executive Chef, culinary team, and event staff to ensure successful event execution.
• Provide hands-on leadership and direction to cooks and catering staff when required.
• Assist with off-site catering events, including transportation, setup, service, and breakdown.
• Help troubleshoot culinary and operational issues during events.
• Maintain a professional and positive attitude when interacting with clients, guests, and team members.
• Follow all Aramark and Dalhousie University health, safety, sanitation, and operational policies.

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications

• Previous professional cooking experience.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen operations.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently while also being an effective team leader.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality and presentation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends when required by event schedules.
• Ability to work both on campus and at off-site catering locations.

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also requires uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.