Lead Cook - Shenandoah University

Aramark - Winchester, VA

Full-time

Winchester, VA

Food Services and Drinking Places

About the position

The Lead Cook at Shenandoah University is a pivotal role within the food service department, responsible for the cooking and preparation of food in accordance with standard recipes and production guidelines. This position emphasizes adherence to food safety, handling, and sanitation procedures, ensuring that all meals are prepared in a safe and hygienic environment. The Lead Cook is expected to handle various kitchen equipment, including grills, fryers, ovens, and broilers, with a strong focus on safety and efficiency. In addition to cooking, the Lead Cook may also supervise kitchen staff, delegating tasks and ensuring that all team members are trained in their responsibilities and the necessary food safety protocols. The responsibilities of the Lead Cook can vary based on the specific needs of the location and client requirements. This role requires a proactive approach to scheduling and assigning daily work activities to staff, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard. The Lead Cook will also be responsible for training staff on job duties, standard food safety and sanitation procedures, and various cooking methods. This includes preparing ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling food items, as well as operating kitchen equipment such as ovens, stoves, and mixers. In addition to cooking, the Lead Cook is responsible for arranging, garnishing, and portioning food according to established guidelines, properly storing food, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen by sanitizing work areas, equipment, and utensils. Excellent customer service is a key component of this role, as the Lead Cook must maintain a positive attitude towards guests, customers, clients, and co-workers. The Lead Cook is also expected to follow Aramark's safety policies and procedures, ensuring the security of company assets and producing work schedules while preparing production records as needed. Overall, this position plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality food service and maintaining a safe and efficient kitchen environment.

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 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.

Requirements

• 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.