Sous Chef - DUKE University Athletics

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.

Proof of the Pudding, operator of DUKE University, is looking for seasoned Sous Chef to help lead the concessions and premium hospitality culinary program at DUKE University’s football, basketball, baseball, and Lacrosse venues. The Sous Chef will be a point person in all culinary aspects in the kitchen, will attend all events to ensure efficiency, and assist the Executive Chef with scheduling, purchasing, and invoice management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the planning and execution of event menus:
  • 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.
• Creating and maintaining the overall moral of the kitchen and culinary team
• Schedules Staff and food production in accordance with the demands of business, the direction of Executive Chef and Company policies
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training of new culinary staff
• Assists Executive Chef with logistical planning and execution of events as directed
• Assist with purchasing and inventory management for all culinary operations
• Develop, implement, and communicate creative menu items that adhere to the Proof of the Pudding standard of innovation and excellence
• Be a lead in the hiring, training, accountability, and scheduling of the culinary staff
• Lead and coach culinary department to develop a strong and growing team.

Performs other related duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of leadership experience in high volume catering or events.
• A degree/training in the culinary arts, hospitality management, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, internal and external email communications, and purchasing procedures
• Must be a leader looking to grow themselves and a team.
• Must live near or be willing to relocate to Durham, 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:

• This is a full-time Hourly position with a starting range of $22.00-$28.00/hr.
• Proof is pleased to provide all full-time eligible employees with Basic Life and AD&D as well as long term disability at no cost to employees
• Full-time eligible employees may choose to enroll in optional benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short Term Disability, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness, and Voluntary Hospitality Indemnity

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, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.