Loading Dock Worker - Golf & Special Events

Proof of the Pudding; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily per diem

On-site meals

Travel & lodging covered

Job summary

Proof of the Pudding is seeking a traveling Loading Dock Worker to support high‑volume catering events nationwide. You will assist with stock organization, deliveries, and food distribution across events, working closely with the Culinary and Operations teams.

Ideal candidates are organized, have hospitality or culinary experience, and hold forklift certification; 12–15 hour shifts are common and overtime is available as events demand.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume catering, stadiums or large event centers.
• Willingness to travel domestically year-round.
• Ability to work 12–15 hour days with limited days off.
• Forklift certification preferred.
• Strong organization and communication skills.
• Knowledge of food safety practices.
• Team player with proactive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Monitor stock and inventory during events.
• Organize large deliveries multiple times daily.
• Prepare food storage trucks and distribution.
• Operate food-service equipment safely.
• Label, date and store food per health codes.
• Inventory items to meet production numbers.
• Coordinate with Culinary team for donations post-event.
• Pull stock per culinary sheets and communicate shortages.
• Ensure safe storage post-event and proper cleanup.
• Support safety and sanitation standards.

Skills

Catering experience

Domestic travel

Long shifts endurance

Teamwork

Communication

Initiative

Adaptability

Food safety

Organization

Forklift certification

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

Travel the US with our award-winning Team! Proof of the Pudding is the exclusive food & beverage provider for 8 professional golf tournaments, and 2 races that take place from January-October. Pay is competitive with ample overtime.

We are looking for multiple Loading Dock Workers to join our traveling team. This position is responsible for assisting the moving and organization of product to maximize kitchen efficiency for each event. The Loading Dock Team will work with the Chefs and Operations Team to organize and identify items, prepare kitchen distribution, double check inventories, and breakdown of the loading/distribution dock when the event is over. The ideal applicant should be well organized, have culinary or hospitality experience, be able to work in high pressure situations, have a fork‑lift certification, and be a team player. During events days, this position will often work long hours ranging from 12-15 hour shifts and be on their feet for long periods of time.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist with monitoring stock and inventory throughout the event
• Help organize large deliveries multiple times per day
• Organize the prepared food storage trucks
• Operate food‑service equipment in a safe manner
• Store, label, and date all food items in accordance with health code and the Culinary Team’s instructions
• Receive finished product from Kitchen, safely store in compliance with Proof and Health Department procedures, inventory each item to meet production numbers
• Forklift certified and Off Road Forklift Certified is preferred; training is available
• Pull and organize location’s stock in accordance with Culinary pull sheets, communicating shorts to Culinary lead
• Plan to fill shorts or day‑of menu items and execute distribution of items to locations
• ServSafe certified is preferred
• Clear storage locations post‑event, inventory excess product, separate returns from donations
• Work with the Culinary team to line up donation company for post‑event, oversee process and communication

Qualifications

• Performs other related duties as required

Experience & Specialized Skills

• Experience in a high‑volume catering role is needed; work in stadiums, arenas, concerts, and large‑scale event centers are comparable to this role
• Ability to travel domestically throughout the year
• Trips are usually 2‑5 weeks in length, shifts are often 12‑15 hours a day with no days off

Specialized Qualifications

• Flexibility and a positive attitude
• The ability to work well with others and take initiative to succeed individually
• Knowledge of best food safety practices
• Strong organization and communication skills

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 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 position will be around 10% in office work and 90% event attendance. Office work entails computer usage, interdepartmental meetings and communications via email, phone, and in person, and assisting with event preparation and planning. Event attendance includes traveling to events across the country, leading teams, and being a managerial presence. Events will be in an outdoor setting with movement between temporary structures, buildings, and semi‑loading trucks.

Physical Requirements

• Require standing and walking for long periods of time and the work days can be long and demanding, working sometimes for 30 days straight, 15 hour days with no days off
• Ability to work in the sun and elements the entire shift
• Ability to work in refrigerator and freezer trucks throughout the shift
• Ability to operate heavy machinery
• Must be able to lift up to 80‑pound cases of product throughout the day
• Capable of moving pallets up to 1,000 pounds using a Pallet Jack

Compensation & Benefits

• This is considered a part‑time seasonal role at $20–$22/hour
• Benefits include daily per diem, on‑site meals, and covered travel & lodging costs

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.