Lead Cook

Position: Lead Cook

Location:
Montclair, NJ

Job Id: 375

# of Openings: 1

Lead Cook (Full-Time)

Reports to: Executive Chef and Sous Chefs, position is Non-Exempt

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation days, sick time, and holidays.

• Affordable Benefits: Access medical, dental, vision, and even pet insurance at great group rates.

• Support Your Community: Paid volunteer time off to give back to causes that matter to you.

• Hotel Discounts: Enjoy exclusive discounts at Marriott and Aparium Hotel Group for you and your loved ones.

• 401k Savings: Full-time associates can start growing their nest egg with our 401k participation.

• Pet-Friendly Perks: Discounted pet insurance through ASPCA, because your pet deserves the best.

WHO WE ARE

Hotels done differently. It's not a slogan or catchphrase, it is who we are in everything we do. We believe in the power of People, Place, and Character. We ensure our hotels are a place where individuals are valued and celebrated, elevating our associates' pride in who they are, where they live, and who we serve. Our hotel is a tribute to the neighborhoods and the people of the communities where we operate.

The MC Hotel is part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, bringing an authentic experience to the heart of Montclair, New Jersey, for the first time in decades. The 159-room, ground-up development opened in 2019. Complete with a restaurant, a rooftop bar featuring unparalleled views of Manhattan, and a curated lobby market, The MC Hotel serves as a central hub for visitors and residents of Montclair, a city known for the arts and creativity.

The hotel is managed by Aparium Hotel Group. Founded in 2011 and driven by the belief that all hospitality experiences should be fueled by the poetics of their surroundings, Aparium was born with an intense focus on unearthing the amazing moments unique to every city. Since its founding, Aparium has grown into a new kind of hotel brand, one that ventures off the beaten path, both geographically and philosophically. It is a sophisticated hotel brand known for its singular ability to combine the business acumen of large hospitality companies with the charm of boutique hotels, bringing these disparate forces together in bustling, smaller markets.

WHO YOU ARE

Your past experiences have led you to understand that there is an art + science to how and what a hospitality operation professional is responsible for. You delight in the smiles you share and the positive experiences that you create. You feel comfortable when things get busy, and you must make smart, in-the-moment decisions, as it is just natural for you to do so. Above all, it is your mission to spread joy to all you encounter when ensuring the kitchen is tight and spotless clean. You are energized through your own self-awareness to ensure we collectively collaborate to have a spotless kitchen.

THE ROLE

The Lead Cook reports to and works directly with the Executive Chef and Sous Chefs (Culinary Leadership Team), developing and executing scratch-made dishes and recipes. It is critical that you are someone who has been honing your craft and demonstrates basic knowledge in culinary techniques. You are a task-oriented and list-driven individual who is comfortable working alongside your Cook I and Cook III colleagues and under the direction of the Chef. There will be opportunities where collaboration with culinary leadership is key, as your valuable insight is needed for our shared success.

At Aparium, our culinary teams are expected to hold themselves, the guests, and each other in high regard. You will actively develop trusting and transparent relationships with your peers, both in the kitchen and throughout the hotel. You will have the opportunity to work with a phenomenal group of individuals with whom collaboration, humbleness, and open minds are the norm—no egos are allowed. The ability to work with controlled measure and respect for your leadership team and peers is imperative; we have a no-tolerance policy for the "old school way."

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Uphold and role model the company's principles of People, Place, and Character while embodying our values that drive collaboration, intuitive service, and trans-local hospitality.

• Collaborate with culinary leadership, demonstrating a united front as a team committed to providing the best possible guest experience.

• Take pride in the food you prepare for guests, adhering to thoughtfully created recipes, presentation standards, and guest preferences.

• Work in an organized fashion with the utmost respect for your ingredients, equipment, and workspace.

• Demonstrate a professional sense of urgency while simultaneously being mindful of technique to provide an amazing guest experience through the food you create.

• Possess a basic understanding of culinary skills, striving to learn more through constant scientific study of your craft.

• Foster open lines of communication within the department by actively participating in daily line-ups and quarterly culinary all-staff meetings, maintaining a transparent dialogue among the team to voice ideas and concerns while course-correcting any missed opportunities.

• Actively participate in feedback sessions with culinary leadership to further develop your skill set.

• Observe conditions of all physical facilities and equipment in the culinary operation, reporting anything substandard to the Chef, Sous Chefs, and/or engineering department to make corrections and improvements as needed.

• Maintain regular communication with the culinary leadership team to ensure alignment on priorities, understanding that flexibility with your responsibilities is paramount to supporting a successful operation.

Aparium Hotel Group does not discriminate based on disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws. The hotel and company are a smoke-free, drug-free facility and an equal-opportunity employer.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• Passion for culinary arts and experience in a range of cuisines.

• Minimum of two (2) years' experience as a mid-level cook or higher, with at least four (2) years of experience working in a free-standing or hotel restaurant kitchen.

• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety guidelines and requirements; Serve Staff Certificate of Completion or completion within 30 days of hire required.

• Adaptable interpersonal communication skills to address fellow associates at all levels.

• Conversational proficiency in the English language in reading, writing, and verbal communication.

• Ability to calculate basic math principles to meet proper menu ingredients and perform inventory.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment for extended periods to meet high-volume business.

• Ability to lift, balance, and carry up to 25 lbs. to transport dry goods inventory, equipment, etc.

• Ability to lift, balance, and carry (with assistance) up to 100 lbs. to transport dry goods inventory, equipment, etc.

• Ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods to cook required menu items.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Aparium Hospitality Services celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment and sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are, where they come from, and take pride in who we serve.

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