Lead Cook

Aramark Correctional Services; Richmond, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramark is seeking a driven Lead Cook to oversee kitchen operations, prepare high-quality meals, and work independently where needed. The role emphasizes strong culinary skills, time management, organization, and delivering consistent food service in an offshore environment.

The position requires a minimum of 3 years in a high-volume kitchen, supervisory experience preferred, and a culinary degree or equivalent training.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience as a chef, or similar role, in a high-volume commercial food service operation.
• Previous supervisor experience in a related role preferred.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision required.
• Expertise in food preparation, various cooking methods, menu development, 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.

Skills

Chef experience

Supervisor

Food safety

Independence

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent training

Job description

Job Description

Aramark is seeking a driven and innovative Lead Cook to join our culinary operations. The Lead Cook is a skilled culinary position who is responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, preparing high-quality meals, and often working independently with limited support. Success in this role requires strong culinary skills, time management, organization, and the ability to deliver consistent high-quality food service in an offshore environment. The responsibilities of the position may vary based on client requirements and business needs.

COMPENSATION: The hourly rate for this position is $38.92 to $38.92. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer. This is Aramark's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works.

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance to the extent that those laws apply to the opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

• 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 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.

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

• Minimum 3 years of experience as a chef, or similar role, in a high-volume commercial food service operation
• Previous supervisor experience in a related role preferred
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision required
• Expertise in food preparation, various cooking methods, menu development, and food safety regulations such as proper food handling, sanitation, and storage
• Food safety certification required
• Valid MMC is required
• Demonstrates basic math and counting skills
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal

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.

About Aramark

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 or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.