Executive Chef - Lead Large-Scale Event Catering

Proof of the Pudding; Perry, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

401k

Disability insurance

Cell phone reimbursement

HSA opportunities

Job summary

Proof of the Pudding is seeking an Executive Chef for the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, GA. This role oversees day-to-day kitchen operations and event execution, guiding a culinary team across large-scale catering and premium offerings.

The ideal candidate brings 8+ years of leadership in high-volume cuisine, strong team development skills, and a creative approach to menu design, while maintaining Proof of the Pudding standards at multiple events.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in a leadership culinary role.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, internal and external email communications, and purchasing procedures.
• Must have impeccable integrity for the business, the community and the Proof of the Pudding Team.
• Possess the necessary qualities of self- motivation, desire to learn, and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, demanding, collaborative environment.
• Possess the necessary interpersonal skills and demeanor for maintaining a safe, equitable and inclusive work environment.
• Must live near or be willing to relocate to Perry, GA.

Responsibilities

• Execution of culinary operations including planning, ordering, menu creation, and supervision of all event production and menus.
• Work closely with the GNFA client for menu development, logistical planning, and event day execution.
• Work closely with the sales, operations, and staffing teams to ensure all aspects of service are discussed and understood by all.
• Meets venue financial objectives by forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.
• Create weekly financial reporting, to include declining balance, invoice tracking and labor vs. sales reports.
• Develop, implement, and communicate creative menu items that adhere to the Proof of the Pudding standard.
• Execution of events and food service while maintaining the highest level of food quality and presentation.
• Manage financial goals and food cost of multiple coinciding events while maintaining and tracking the culinary budget.
• Ensure proper safety and sanitation of all kitchen/food service areas.
• Create and maintain the overall moral of the kitchen and culinary team.
• Schedule staff and food production in accordance with the demands of business by working closely with the staffing and sales departments to ensure communication and budgets are kept.
• Responsible for training, accountability, and scheduling of the culinary staff.
• Working with the HR team to ensure schedules for FOH & BOH are concurrent with scheduled events.
• Oversee logistical planning and execution of events including communicating equipment needs and kitchen layouts.
• Develop comprehensive prep sheets, food distribution plans, and efficient culinary event logistics.
• Create relationships and maintain existing relations with subcontractors and 3rd parties.
• Execute 3rd party contracts for events, assist in all logistical planning for partners with the operations team.
• Performs other related duties as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Team management

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Proof of the Pudding is seeking an Executive Chef for the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, GA. This role oversees day-to-day kitchen operations and event execution, guiding a culinary team across large-scale catering and premium offerings.

The ideal candidate brings 8+ years of leadership in high-volume cuisine, strong team development skills, and a creative approach to menu design, while maintaining Proof of the Pudding standards at multiple events.