Prep Cook - Carter Presidential Center

Proof of the Pudding (POP) provides exclusive award-winning catering and provisions within the Carter Presidential Center, from small executive retreats to multi-day conferences, and elegant evening receptions and special events. Whether catering professional corporate conferences to upscale weddings, the POPStars at Carter Presidential Center will host it all!

Join our reputable Carter Presidential Center team as a Prep Cook! We are seeking knowledgeable, well-organized, Prep Cooks to help facilitate events and provide culinary support in the Carter Presidential Center kitchen. Prep Cooks are primarily responsible for mass food production, kitchen cleanliness, and assisting the executive and culinary leadership as directed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Setting up and sanitizing workstations.
• Following prep lists created by lead culinary.
• Measuring ingredients and seasonings and preparing cooking ingredients such as soup stock to be used in the cooking process.
• Preparing simple dishes as directed by the Executive Chef.
• Ensuring all food items are properly stored and easily accessible.
• Assisting chefs in preparing food and attending to any culinary tasks that arise.
• Supervising food and cooling room temperatures.
• Accepting or rejecting ingredients from suppliers.
• Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen.
• Maintaining the highest level of food quality with your culinary team.
• Ensure proper safety and sanitation of all kitchen/food service areas.

Performs other related duties as required.

Education and/or Experience:

• 1 year of experience working in a kitchen, experience in catering is preferred.
• Must have knowledge of food preparation/food service with a strong understanding of the execution of BEOs, reading production sheets, and completing tasks.
• Experience in high volume events is preferred.
• Knowledge of upscale/VIP service styles required.

Specialized Qualifications:

• Must be able to pass a background check.
• 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.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Work Environment 

This position will consist of event attendance, preparation, set up, and breakdown. This position works mostly out of and mainly stay within the Carter Presidential Center but may travel to other venues within the region.

Uniform Requirements

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

Non-slip shoes are necessary.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of being in one place and moving through an event space
• 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 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:

• Pay rate starting at $19/hr.
• This is considered a part-time hourly position. Scheduled will fluctuate based on business needs.
• Benefits include daily meals 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. 

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.