Prep Cook - Mississippi State 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.

We are currently seeking Cooks with experience in meat smoking to join the concessions team at Mississippi State University. This position will support our game day operations by preparing smoked meats and assisting with other culinary prep duties as needed. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Setting up and sanitizing workstations.
• Following prep lists created by lead culinary.
• Measuring ingredients, and seasonings.
• 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.

Responsibilities not limited to this list.

Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

• 1 year of experience working in a kitchen.
• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• ServSafe certified or is available to receive training.

Specialized Qualifications:

• Capable of producing a consistent product in a timely manner.
• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Must understand food safety practices including, but not limited to, TCS, temperature logs, and cleaning/sanitizing.
• Planning and multi-tasking
• Self-motivated with a high energy level and strong verbal communication.

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 role will also be in and out of freezers and coolers and utilizing typical kitchen equipment.

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 moving through an event space, and traveling throughout the stadium
• Bending, lifting, scooping, and carrying miscellaneous equipment and food items
• Manual dexterity able to operate cutting tools and kitchen utensils.
• Must be able to lift up-to 40 pounds at times. 

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:

• This is considered an hourly Part-time position.
• The schedule for this position may range depending on business needs but will often consist of either a morning shift covering breakfast operations or a later shift covering dinner service.
• Benefits include Health insurance, life insurance, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, paid time off, holiday pay, sick days, and a paid day off for your birthday!
• Benefits include daily meals per shift.

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.