Catering Chef & Menu Planning Specialist

FirstEnergy; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstEnergy is seeking an experienced Cook to plan, prepare and execute daily entrée offerings, catering menus, and inventory management within our food service operation. You will ensure high-quality food production, exceptional customer service, food safety compliance, and operational efficiency.

Work independently while collaborating with leadership to support business objectives, mentor coworkers, and maintain a safe, professional kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; culinary degree, culinary certification, or related education preferred.
• Minimum of four (4) years of food service, culinary, catering, hospitality, or related experience required.
• Experience preparing and serving meals in a fast-paced, high-volume food service, restaurant, cafeteria, catering, or institutional dining environment required.
• Demonstrated experience with menu planning, food production, catering operations, and inventory management.
• ServSafe Manager Certification required or must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with food service ordering systems preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective organizational and time management skills with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, solve problems, and make sound business decisions.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service while building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to deliver quality, accurate work within established deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform physical job duties, including bending, stooping, lifting up to 50 pounds, and standing or walking for extended periods of time.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, food safety, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and execute daily entrée selections and catering menu items, ensuring high standards for food quality, presentation, and customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate the setup, delivery, retrieval, and breakdown of catering events throughout the facility.
• Assist customers with catering menu selection, event planning, and logistical coordination to ensure successful event execution.
• Proactively support leadership and coworkers by identifying, recommending, and implementing process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and customer service.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge and application of food service fundamentals, including: Food safety and sanitation; Inventory management and product rotation; Procurement and ordering practices; Menu planning and development; Customer service; Knife skills and food preparation techniques; Personal hygiene standards.
• Maintain a safe, productive, and professional kitchen environment through proper kitchen operations and adherence to all food safety regulations and company policies.
• Organize and prioritize multiple daily responsibilities, projects, and service commitments while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Utilize food service ordering and catering management systems to process orders, maintain records, and support customer needs.
• Provide exceptional customer service and maintain positive working relationships with employees, leadership, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Independently resolve operational issues and recommend solutions that improve service levels, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Continuously seek opportunities to expand knowledge of culinary techniques, food service best practices, and industry trends.
• Contribute to operational excellence by developing recommendations, improving procedures, and supporting standardization efforts across food service operations.
• Provide guidance, training, and encouragement to coworkers while promoting teamwork and a positive work environment.
• Serve as backup for weekly inventory procurement and vendor ordering activities.
• Assist with weekly cafeteria and catering menu planning, cost control, inventory management, and product utilization.
• Support compliance with FirstEnergy's Core Values and Behaviors by promoting a workplace culture of safety, respect, inclusion, and accountability.

Skills

Food safety

Inventory management

Menu planning

Customer service

Time management

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Culinary degree or certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

FirstEnergy is seeking an experienced Cook to plan, prepare and execute daily entrée offerings, catering menus, and inventory management within our food service operation. You will ensure high-quality food production, exceptional customer service, food safety compliance, and operational efficiency.

Work independently while collaborating with leadership to support business objectives, mentor coworkers, and maintain a safe, professional kitchen environment.