Lead Cook - Philadelphia Zoo

Lead Cook - Philadelphia Zoo

The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in this role should safely handle knives and equipment including grills, fryers, ovens, broilers, etc. The Lead Cook may supervise employees and delegate responsibilities. The responsibilities of the position may vary by location based on client requirements and business needs.

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 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.

Qualifications:

• 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
• 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).