Lead Cook

Aramark Canada; Halifax Regional Municipality; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramark Dal-Catering at Dalhousie University is seeking an experienced Catering Sous Chef to support daily culinary operations for events from campus meetings to large banquets and off-site catering.

The role entails leading culinary staff, preparing diverse menus, and ensuring top-quality food presentation while maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Previous 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 being an effective team leader.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with 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 quality and presentation.
• Follow standardized recipes, portion controls, and catering specifications.
• Assist with event setup, service, breakdown and post-event kitchen operations.
• Maintain food safety standards and proper food handling procedures.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, storage, inventory control and minimizing waste.

Skills

Professional cooking

Food preparation

High-volume service

Team leadership

Attention to detail

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.

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 require 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.

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com [http://www.aramarkcareers.com] or connect with us on Facebook [https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAramarkCareers&data=04%7C01%7CZubarev-Roman%40aramark.com%7Cd95531f1958f4c8be92608d930cd3bed%7Cb1519f0f2dbf4e21bf34a686ce97588a%7C0%7C0%7C637594480295643289%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=FStKmW3AoNZb2vJnR%2FQQ65UlkGbWjN%2B0YzJ0Pl3Vpcs%3D&reserved=0], Instagram [https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Faramarkcareers&data=04%7C01%7CZubarev-Roman%40aramark.com%7Cd95531f1958f4c8be92608d930cd3bed%7Cb1519f0f2dbf4e21bf34a686ce97588a%7C0%7C0%7C637594480295653284%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=kdMgnbALw10003oI5eCv3mUef0FKb%2BAuVM38jJD%2BTEM%3D&reserved=0] and Twitter [https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Faramarkcareers&data=04%7C01%7CZubarev-Roman%40aramark.com%7Cd95531f1958f4c8be92608d930cd3bed%7Cb1519f0f2dbf4e21bf34a686ce97588a%7C0%7C0%7C637594480295653284%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=aDi0EMVcAG61WwWR7WpIUFcvNiqtIRl5d8p%2BKAdrL2c%3D&reserved=0].

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $24.50.