Cook

Our client is seeking a reliable, hardworking, disciplined, and experienced Cook to assist with the daily preparation, cooking, presentation, and service of meals. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining high standards of food quality, cleanliness, hygiene, and operational efficiency while supporting the company's corporate catering, cafeteria operations, private functions, and external events.

The position requires flexibility, teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to perform all kitchen-related duties, including food preparation, cooking, cleaning, washing utensils, and assisting with off-site catering functions. Food Preparation and Cooking Prepare, season, marinate, portion, and cook various food items according to approved menus, recipes, and company standards.

Assist with the preparation of breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and catering orders as required. Wash, peel, chop, slice, and prepare vegetables, meats, seafood, and other ingredients. Ensure meals are properly cooked, attractively presented, and served within established timelines. Maintain consistency in food taste, quality, portion sizes, and presentation.

Follow standardized recipes and portion-control guidelines to minimize food wastage. Assist with food packaging, plating, buffet setup, and meal distribution. Monitor food supplies and report shortages or quality concerns to the supervisor. Kitchen Cleaning and Sanitation Maintain cleanliness and organization of all assigned kitchen workstations throughout the workday.

Wash, sanitize, dry, and properly store cooking utensils, pots, pans, trays, dishes, cutlery, and kitchen equipment. Clean and sanitize countertops, preparation tables, sinks, stoves, ovens, refrigerators, and other kitchen surfaces. Sweep, mop, and maintain kitchen floors and surrounding work areas. Properly dispose of garbage and ensure waste bins are cleaned and sanitized.

Assist with daily and scheduled deep-cleaning activities. Maintain proper storage and organization of cleaning supplies and kitchen equipment. Ensure the kitchen is thoroughly cleaned and properly secured at the end of each shift. Food Safety and Hygiene Comply with company food safety policies, HACCP principles, and applicable public health requirements.

Maintain proper personal hygiene and wear the required uniform, hair restraints, and protective equipment. Follow proper food storage, labeling, dating, and stock rotation procedures (FIFO). Prevent cross-contamination by maintaining appropriate food-handling practices. Monitor food temperatures during preparation, cooking, holding, cooling, and storage.

Immediately report unsafe food-handling practices, equipment defects, and health or safety concerns. Maintain a valid food handler's badge or other required certification where applicable. External Catering Events and Functions Assist with food preparation, packing, loading, transportation, setup, service, and breakdown for external catering events.

Attend off-site functions, including corporate events, private functions, weddings, conferences, and other catering assignments as directed by management. Assist with buffet setup, food replenishment, live cooking stations, and meal service when required. Maintain cleanliness, food safety, and professional conduct at all external venues.

Assist with packing, returning, washing, and storing equipment and utensils following events. Be available to work flexible hours, including weekends, public holidays, early mornings, and evenings, subject to operational requirements and applicable employment arrangements. Inventory and Kitchen Support Assist with receiving, checking, and properly storing food supplies and kitchen products.

Support stock counts and inventory control when requested. Report damaged equipment, spoiled ingredients, and stock shortages. Minimize wastage and ensure efficient use of company resources. Assist with the loading, unloading, and movement of kitchen supplies and equipment, using safe handling practices. Perform other reasonable kitchen and catering-related tasks assigned by management.

Requirements

Previous experience working as a Cook in a commercial kitchen, restaurant, cafeteria, hotel, or catering establishment. Knowledge of local Trinidad and Tobago cuisine and basic international cooking methods. Basic understanding of food hygiene, sanitation, and safe food handling. Ability to prepare meals in moderate to high volumes while maintaining quality.

Ability to follow instructions, recipes, and company operating procedures. Good communication and teamwork skills. Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet strict service deadlines.