Executive Sous Chef - Gils

Proof of the Pudding has spent the past four decades providing innovative menus, services, design expertise and event experiences to clients throughout Atlanta and beyond. As a preferred caterer to over 50 venues in and around Atlanta, our Off-Premise team spearheads event innovations and culinary experiences to a range of events from weddings, holiday parties, corporate retreats, and social gatherings.   

Proof of the Pudding is seeking an Executive Sous Chef to provide culinary leadership for our Gil’s Elegant Catering team. The Executive Sous Chef is a management position designed to enhance and amplify kitchen efficiency, menu creativity & design, and provide strong support in event food preparations, production and on-site presentation. The perfect applicant has proven experience in high-volume catering, the ability to multi-task, and has a strong culinary background. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Execution of offsite catering culinary operations including planning, ordering, leadership, and logistics for numerous overlapping events.   
• Maintain the highest level of food quality, presentation, and consistency. 
• Capable of producing a consistent product in high volume 
• Lead to ensure proper safety and sanitation of all kitchen/food service areas. 
• Develop, implement, and communicate creative menu items that adhere to the Proof of the Pudding standard. 
• Maintain tracking and reporting of financial goals and food cost while tracking and reporting the culinary budget. 
• Responsible for assisting in interviewing, training, accountability, and scheduling of the culinary staff. 
• Working with the Sales and Operations team to drive sales for the company and expertly, creatively, and flawlessly execute each event. 
• Creating and maintaining the overall moral of the kitchen and culinary team 
• Overseeing and executing client tastings 
• Tasks assigned by the Executive Chef 

Performs other related duties as needed. 

Education and/or Experience 

• 3-5+ years in a lead culinary role with large scale catering experience, off-site catering experience preferred 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, proactive internal and external email communications, and purchasing procedures 
• Familiarity with multiple service styles including plated events, buffets, and stations. 
• A passion for providing innovative and creative culinary experiences. 
• Experience executing multiple BEOs simultaneously.  
• Must live near or be willing to relocate to the Dallas, TX area. 

Specialized Qualifications: 

• Proven experience building and maintaining positive relationships with clients. 
• Excellent listening and communication skills 
• Proven time management and delegation abilities 
• Capable of producing a consistent product in high volume for multiple service times per day 
• Proven leadership ability with the ability to give clear directions to the culinary team and other departments. 

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 for 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 adjust 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 role consists of in-office work and time in the kitchen. Office work consists of long periods of sitting at a desk, interdepartmental meetings, screen and phone usage, and communicating orally and through writing often. This position can work indoors, outdoors, and in temporary structured tents/buildings. 

Physical Demands:  

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Prolonged periods of moving throughout a kitchen and venue, bending, lifting, and reaching. 
• Ability to perform physical tasks, such as but not limited to, lifting approx. 40 lbs. 

Position Salary & Benefits: 

• Competitive pay based on experience with up to an 11% performance bonus. 
• 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.