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Cook at Aramark

Aramark Kennebunk, ME

Job Description

Job Description

Do you love to cook? Are you passionate about food? As a Cook on our team, you?ll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you?ll be immersed in a world that goes beyond food preparation ? experimenting with different cuisines, flavors, and cooking styles. At Aramark, we care about your health, so we have production guidelines and safety procedures in place to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us!

Job Responsibilities
  • Essential functions and responsibilities of the position may vary by Aramark location based on client requirements and business needs.
  • Cooks and prepare a variety of food according to 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 a variety of utensils including knives
  • Operates equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers, etc.
  • Bakes, roasts, broils, steams, and uses a variety of cooking methods on meat, vegetables, and other foods
  • Arranges, garnishes, and portions food according to established guidelines
  • Properly stores food by adhering to food safety policies and procedures
  • Cleans and sanitizes work areas, equipment, and utensils
  • Maintains excellent customer service and positive demeanor towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.
  • Adheres to Aramark safety policies and procedures including accurate food safety and sanitation
  • Ensures security of company assets

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
  • Experience as a cook or in a related role required
  • Validated knowledge of the basic principles of food preparation, various cooking methods, and food safety regulations such as accurate food handling, sanitation, and storage
  • Must be able to acquire food safety certification
  • Demonstrate basic math and counting skills
  • Demonstrates interpersonal 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).

Education 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 or connect with us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .

Typical mid-level pay: $61k for Chefs and Head Cooks nationally

National salary averages
Expected mid-level
$61k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$36k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $96k

Senior roles pay 61% more than entry—experience is well rewarded.

Strong candidate leverage

Strong hiring activity gives you options. Use competing offers strategically.

Hiring leverage
Candidate-favored
Wage leverage
Balanced
Mobility
Good mobility

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Growth + pay upside

Both the field and your earnings can grow significantly.

+7%
10yr growth
Typical: High school diploma or equivalent

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024