Cook

Job Description

Job Description

One of CEI's largest Energy & Utilities clients is seeking a Cook to join their growing organization! Client/Industry : Energy & Utilities
Job Title : Cook
Location : 100% Onsite | Akron, OH 44308
Work Schedule/Shift : Mon-Fri 6am – 2:30pm | Minimum 40 work hours per week.
Duration/Length of Assignment : 24 Month Contract to Hire
Pay Rate : $19.85 per hour *Must be able to convert to a full-time employee without sponsorship, restrictions, or an additional employer*

1. W2 Employment Only – No Corp to Corp / C2C arrangements.
2. Expected potential for contract extension(s) and/or conversion to Full-Time/Permanent Employment.
3. Optional benefits available during contract (Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401k)

Position Overview :
This role supports the client’s internal Mail & Food Services department located at their Akron, Ohio headquarters, which provides high-quality cafeteria and catering operations for corporate employees and business units. The Cook will play a key role in maintaining the daily meal service and catering events that support employee engagement, on-site operations, and business functions. The department operates as part of the organization’s internal services group, focusing on efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction across all service-related functions. The position works closely with other food service professionals, support staff, and management in a team-oriented environment that values reliability, timeliness, and adherence to food safety standards. The selected candidate will be responsible for preparing and serving a variety of menu items, supporting catering operations, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. This role requires hands-on involvement in daily kitchen activities such as food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and inventory management, along with occasional customer interaction to support menu planning and catering logistics. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to process improvements and enhance service delivery for the internal food service operations team.

Required Skills/Experience/Qualifications :

• High school diploma or GED required; Culinary or related degree preferred
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience in food service or culinary operations
• Strong understanding and application of Food Service fundamentals, including sanitation, procurement, product rotation, menu planning, customer service, knife skills, and hygiene
• Proven ability to manage and execute catering functions, soup preparations, entrée offerings, and salad bar setups
• Experience with line cooking in a fast-paced environment, including setup, order preparation, and proper end-of-shift cleaning and storage
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Demonstrated ability to deliver accurate, quality work within established deadlines
• Effective time management, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and exercise judgment on multiple tasks or projects simultaneously
• ServSafe Manager certification (or ability to obtain within six months of hire)
• Physically capable of performing duties involving bending, stooping, lifting up to 50 pounds, and standing or walking for extended periods
• Proven ability to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team

Preferred Skills (Not Required) :

• Culinary or Hospitality degree or formal training
• Experience in a corporate or institutional food service environment
• Familiarity with inventory management systems and food service ordering applications
• Previous experience assisting with vendor ordering or invoice processing

Day to Day/Responsibilities :

• Apply advanced knowledge of food service operations to prepare and serve daily menu offerings and catering events for internal business units
• Lead and organize all catering functions, coordinating with internal customers on menu design and event logistics to ensure timely and accurate service delivery
• Prepare soups, entrées, salads, and convenience items, maintaining high standards of presentation, portion control, and consistency
• Set up and operate the line cooking station efficiently during meal service hours, preparing items to order specifications in a fast-paced environment
• Perform end-of-shift responsibilities including equipment cleaning, sanitizing operational areas, and safe food storage to maintain compliance with health and safety regulations
• Assist with daily setup and operation of the grill station, ensuring readiness for morning and lunch service
• Manage multiple kitchen processes independently, including product rotation, inventory tracking, and order preparation
• Support menu planning and inventory management during weekly cafeteria and catering meetings
• Utilize the Food Service ordering application to manage internal food requests, communicate with customers, and ensure system accuracy
• Assist with vendor order placement and invoice processing to maintain proper procurement and payment flow
• Monitor all catering and cafeteria functions to ensure punctuality and alignment with scheduled service times
• Provide exceptional customer service and responsiveness to internal departments, ensuring consistent communication and service delivery
• Demonstrate safe kitchen practices by maintaining proper sanitation, food handling, and equipment operation standards at all times
• Recommend process improvements that promote consistency, operational efficiency, and compliance with organizational standards
• Engage in ongoing professional development by pursuing learning opportunities related to food service procedures and industry trends
• Offer guidance, support, and encouragement to team members, promoting a collaborative and productive work environment

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