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 Food & Beverage Services by providing elevated concessions and premium offerings to collegiate stadiums, PGA golf tournaments, International Boat Shows, Professional Sports Teams, & more.

Proof of the pudding/Trident Provisions is seeking an Executive Chef to oversee the culinary program at DUKE University. This position will directly manage all culinary aspects of the premium hospitality and concessions programs during sporting events and the student athlete training table operations. The Executive Chef is charged with the general oversight and leadership of all aspects for food and beverage execution. The Executive Chef will provide hands-on leadership to ensure all aspects of the kitchen performs, operates, and delivers culinary creations that exceed guest expectations, while revenue is maximized, and expenses are effectively controlled. This position will be active and onsite at all events necessary.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute game-day menus for football, basketball, baseball, and the Student Training Table
  • Football program that oversees 22 suites, and 3 premium club areas in Wallace Wade Stadium

• Basketball program that oversees 1 premium club area in Cameron Indoor Stadium
• Student Training table that operates Sunday-Thursday with 2 meal periods a day.
• Catering program that hosts all style of events from wedding to bar mitzvahs.

• Maintain a safe, secure, and healthy environment by establishing, following, and enforcing sanitation standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations; securing revenues; and maintaining security systems.
• Managing and working very closely with Account Executive(s) to fully understand event details including custom menus, event set up, and event specifics.

• Responsible for all culinary aspects of gameday food service areas and the daily Student Athlete Training Table program.
• Total execution of events and food service while maintaining the highest level of food quality and presentation

• Purchasing and inventory management for all operations
• Meets venue financial objectives by forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.
• Create weekly financial reporting, to include declining balance, invoice tracking and labor vs. sales reports

• Develop, implement, and communicate creative menu items that adhere to the Proof of the Pudding standard of innovation and excellence

• Manage financial goals and food cost while maintaining and tracking the venue’s budget
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, internal and external email communications, and purchasing procedures
• Responsible for training, accountability, and scheduling of the culinary staff
  • Working with the HR team to ensure schedules for FOH & BOH are concurrent with scheduled events

Performs other related duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership experience in Sports & Entertainment Premium Hospitality Operations, Food & Beverage, Operations Management – experience in high volume stadiums or special events is necessary.
• A degree/training in the culinary arts, hospitality management, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of budget management, labor, and food costs.
• Must live near or be willing to relocate to Raleigh, NC.

Specialized Qualifications:

• Capable of producing a consistent product in high volume
• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Ability to run a business as if you own it
• Exceptional knife skills, knowledge of a variety of culinary techniques, and the ability to teach these skills

COMPANY 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 necessary to complete tasks.  Demonstrate a win-win attitude: “see it, own it, solve it.”

Ethics and Integrity - Acts with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the company’s culture, values and beliefs while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct. 

Safety & Security - Observe safety and security standards.  Use equipment and materials properly.  Comply with safety standards and personal protective equipment requirements.  Report potential unsafe conditions or practices to appropriate person immediately.  Promote restaurant safety, cleanliness and security compliance at all times.

Teamwork - Cooperate and be willing to work as a team player to achieve goals and tasks accurately, efficiently and timely.

Communication - Communicate clearly and effectively with mutual respect, understanding and trust to fellow associates, managers, supervisors and guests. Listen carefully to opinions and views of others; state understanding of what has been heard. 

Initiative - Contribute new ideas and suggestions to enhance productivity and efficiency.  Be proactive in troubleshooting problems or issues and take action to mitigate potential problems.

Adaptability & Planning - Possess the ability to learn new tasks and adjusts well to new situations.  Perform well under tight time schedules and pressures to change direction quickly.

Service Orientation - Demonstrates a sense of urgency. Is welcoming, friendly and smiles when visible to guests.   

Work Environment 

This position breakdown will include both in office work and kitchen responsibilities. Office work entails computer usage, interdepartmental meetings and communications via email, phone, and in person. Kitchen duties can include using standard kitchen equipment, bending, lifting, pushing, carrying, and moving products, food items, and equipment. Job duties may include movement between indoors, outdoors and structures throughout the campus.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing, moving throughout a kitchen and venue, bending, lifting, and reaching.
• Ability to perform physical tasks; such as but not limited to, lifting approx. 30 lbs.

Position Salary & Benefits:

• The salary range is $70,000-$85,000/year plus opportunity for 11% performance bonus
• Benefits include health insurance, dental, vision, life, 401k, short & long term disability, cell phone reimbursement, and HSA opportunities

Proof of the Pudding and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, s ex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.