Sous Chef - DUKE University

Proof of the Pudding is a chef-led hospitality company delivering food and beverage experiences at some of North America’s most complex sports, entertainment, cultural, and live-event venues.

Founded in Atlanta in 1979, Proof has built a national reputation for doing hospitality differently — from-scratch cooking at scale, hyper-local sourcing, and a partnership-first approach that treats clients as collaborators, not contracts. The company serves professional and collegiate sports venues, convention centers, cultural institutions, and large-scale destination events across the United States and Internationally.

Proof of the Pudding, operator of DUKE University concessions and premium hospitality, is looking for a Sous Chef to assist the culinary department for game day prep and execution.

This is part-time work as business needs are dictated by athletic events.

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.

cation and/or Experience

• 1 year of experience working in a kitchen, experience in catering is preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Live within or near Durham, NC.
• 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 have an understanding of 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.
• Availability to work all home football games.

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 is seasonal/part-time work as business needs are dictated by athletic events.

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:

• Competitive pay starting at $22-$28/hour
• 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/basketball game days,
• Working at one of the most scenic and iconic facilities in Nort Carolina.

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.

Salary : $22 - $28