Lead Cook – High-Volume School Kitchen & Mentorship

Aramark; Toronto; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramark is seeking a Lead Cook to prepare balanced, high-quality meals for 50–70 boarding students in a dynamic, global cuisine environment. You will oversee kitchen staff, ensure allergen safety, and maintain strict food-handling standards in a fast-paced school setting.

The role offers full-time hours, a 9:00 AM–7:00 PM window, and competitive hourly pay. Candidates should have 3–5 years in institutional dining, food safety certification, and a collaborative, energetic approach.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in high-volume cooking, institutional dining, or a related culinary role.
• Experience or demonstrated capability in providing guidance, daily oversight, and onboarding to kitchen support staff.
• Strong understanding of standard food preparation principles, diverse global cooking techniques, and strict food safety handling/storage practices.
• Knowledge of food allergens, safe handling procedures to prevent cross-contact, and experience working within a formal food allergy plan.
• Valid Food Safety Certification (or ability to acquire upon hire).

Responsibilities

• Cook and prepare balanced, high-quality lunch and dinner for 50–70 boarding students using fresh ingredients from local suppliers, following established production guidelines and a 3-week recipe rotation featuring diverse global cuisines.
• Set up workstations with necessary ingredients and equipment. Measure, chop, trim, and peel ingredients safely using proper knife skills and culinary equipment (ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers).
• Bake, roast, broil, steam, and execute diverse cooking techniques across various international cuisines. Arrange, garnish, and portion food consistent with portion-control standards.
• Provide daily oversight and guidance to kitchen support staff during shift operations. Foster a positive, supportive work environment, ensure tasks are completed efficiently, and help onboard or train new team members.
• Strictly adhere to the school’s allergy management plan and cross-contamination protocols.
• Identify major allergens in menu items, ingredients, and recipes to ensure safe preparation for students with specific dietary restrictions or food allergies.
• Clearly label allergen-free dishes and maintain transparent communication with the team regarding allergen safety.
• Model strong professionalism, a collaborative mindset, and bring contagious, positive energy to the culinary team and student body while promoting a kind and inclusive environment.
• Adhere to all food safety guidelines, proper food storage, and kitchen sanitation practices. Clean and sanitize workstations, tools, and equipment throughout and after service shifts.
• Assist team members during peak service hours, maintain excellent customer service toward students and staff, and safeguard kitchen assets.

Skills

Leadership guidance

High-volume cooking

Food safety

Allergen handling

Job description

Aramark is seeking a Lead Cook to prepare balanced, high-quality meals for 50–70 boarding students in a dynamic, global cuisine environment. You will oversee kitchen staff, ensure allergen safety, and maintain strict food-handling standards in a fast-paced school setting.

The role offers full-time hours, a 9:00 AM–7:00 PM window, and competitive hourly pay. Candidates should have 3–5 years in institutional dining, food safety certification, and a collaborative, energetic approach.