Barback - Rice 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. 

Proof of the Pudding, the premier food service provider for concessions at Rice University’s stadium and event facilities, is seeking enthusiastic Barbacks to support beverage setup and service operations during football. If you're looking for an exciting place to work in the heart of the action, this is a great opportunity.

This is seasonal/part-time work based on the university’s athletic and event calendar.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Responsible for both pre & post bar set-up/breakdown responsibilities. 
• Begins shift earlier than the rest of the bartender team to pull all items needed for bar. 
• Pulls all products (alcoholic and non) needed specifically for each night’s event. 
• Gets team and product organized for rollout to venue floor and set-up. 
• Ensure that all items are at the bar in time for the event to begin. 
• Responsible for opening and closing inventory of product. 
• Assist Bartenders with replenishment during shift. 
• Remains pro-active in assisting bartender(s) with shortages. 
• Bussing and keeping bar completely free of trash and glassware during event.
• Refilling ice bins .

Performs other related duties as required. 

Education and/or Experience:  

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent; additional certification in mixology or hospitality is a plus. 
• Minimum of two years’ experience in the role of a Barback.
• Be the legal age to serve alcohol. 
• Strong knowledge of bar menu items and stocking.  
• Must be exceedingly responsible and accountable. 
• Knowledge of upscale/VIP service styles required. 
• Must live in or near Houston, TX.

Specialized Skills: 

• Excellent listening and communication skills. 
• Ability to perform physical tasks, such as but not limited to, lifting approx. 40 lbs. 
• 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. 
• Maintain good grooming and personal hygiene. 
• Must have impeccable integrity for the business, the community, and the Proof of the Pudding team. 

Work Environment   

The work environment for this position will be event operations and working out of the Football Stadium or similar venues. This position will often move throughout campus and stadium grounds on different terrains. This position may work with kitchen equipment including food warmers, heat lamps, coolers, and more.   

Uniform Requirements  

Adherence to Company Uniform Requirements outlined in the Associate Handbook, uniform requirements outlined in your orientation guidelines. 

Physical Demands:  

• Prolonged periods of moving through an event space, and traveling throughout the stadium 
• Bending, lifting, scooping, and carrying miscellaneous equipment and food items  
• Must be able to lift up-to 30 pounds at times.  

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.     

Position Salary & Benefits: 

• Competitive pay based on experience.  
• Benefits include, daily meal per shift.  
• Opportunity for advancement. Proof of the Pudding is consistently seeking to amplify talented team member’s roles. 
• On-the-job training that can be applied industry wide.   
• A flexible work schedule, excluding home football game days, 

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.