Culinary Lead - Mississippi State University

Proof of the Pudding is an award-winning catering company throughout the Southeast with a commitment to creating quality culinary concepts from scratch. This standard was upheld through the expansion into Sports and Entertainment Hospitality Services by providing elevated concessions and premium offerings to collegiate stadiums, PGA golf tournaments, International Boat Shows, Professional Sports Teams, & more.

We are currently seeking an experienced Culinary Lead to join the team at Mississippi State University. POP provides food service to MSU’s athletic events and special events. This position will be a lead on the back of house culinary team focusing on the premium side for game/event day prep and execution.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day culinary operations for event preparations and game day events as scheduled.
• Assist with the coordinate of food and kitchenware orders.
• Assist with inventory and organization of storage areas and oversee checking in and putting away food orders.
• Assist in the development of menu items and game-day packages.
• Be an onsite supervisor during food service times.
• Managing time effectively to ensure all BEO/menu items are completed prior to service times and according to recipe guidelines.
• Managing the team that is scheduled in the kitchen or pantry areas.
• Assist with on the job training of new employees ensuring all staff are set up for success.
• Attending and executing each assigned event to ensure that it runs smoothly from the set-up to the break-down.
• Assisting in post-event tasks including inputting orders and inventory as directed.

Performs other related duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in a lead culinary role with experience in catering or high volume.
  • Experience in a stadium setting is preferred.
• Ability to produce menu items consistently and in high volume.
• Leadership qualities with a focus on team development

Specialized Qualifications:

• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Renowned time management and organization skills
• Strong Customer Service skills with the desire to go above and beyond a client’s needs
• The ability to work alone and as a team
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to learn and adapt quickly

Work Environment 

The work environment for this position will be a variation of kitchen work and event operations and movement. This position will work with common kitchen and concessions equipment including but not limited to grills, ovens, and fryers. This position will often move throughout campus stadiums and travel throughout the university grounds. Events may take place in indoor or outdoor settings.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of standing, moving through an event space, and traveling from venue to venue
• Bending, lifting, scooping, and carrying miscellaneous equipment and food items
• Ability to perform physical tasks; such as but not limited to, lifting approx. 40 lbs.

CORE VALUE AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Business Acumen - Demonstrate comprehension of the job, including policies, practices, and relationships.  Possess the expertise and skill levels required of the job and perform with quality.
• Dedication - Dependable, reliable and follows through on projects from inception to completion.  Willing to put in as much time as necess