Sous Chef - Mississippi State University

Proof of the Pudding; Mississippi; On-site; USD 39,778 - 56,653; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Basic Life and AD&D

Medical, Dental, Vision

Voluntary Hospitality Indemnity

Job summary

Proof of the Pudding, a prominent Southeast catering company, seeks an experienced culinary leader to plan and execute event menus across major sports venues and large-scale events.

You will oversee premium club areas, manage staffing and training, ensure sanitation and safety, and drive creative menu concepts while upholding company standards of innovation and excellence.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of leadership experience in high volume catering or events.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and execution of event menus for football, basketball, baseball, and Lacrosse.
• Oversee football program suites and premium club areas.
• Oversee basketball premium club area.
• Schedule staff and food production according to business demands.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding and training of new culinary staff.
• Develop, implement, and communicate creative menu items.

Skills

Leadership experience

Microsoft Office

Strong communication

Relocation willingness

Education

Culinary arts / hospitality management degree

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Mississippi State University - Mississippi State, MS 39762

Salary Range: $35.00

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the planning and execution of event menus for the football, basketball, baseball, and Lacrosse venues.
• Football program overseeing 22 suites and 3 premium club areas in Wallace Wade Stadium.
• Basketball program overseeing 1 premium club area in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
• Student Training table operating Sunday‑Thursday with 2 meal periods a day.
• Catering program hosting all styles 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 morale of the kitchen and culinary team.
• Schedule staff and food production in accordance with the demands of business, the direction of the Executive Chef, and company policies.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training of new culinary staff.
• Assist the 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.
• Lead in the hiring, training, accountability, and scheduling of the culinary staff.
• Lead and coach the culinary department to develop a strong and growing team.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of leadership experience in high volume catering or events.
• A degree/training in the culinary arts, hospitality management, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, internal and external email communications, and purchasing procedures.
• Must be a leader looking to grow themselves and a team.
• Must live near or be willing to relocate to Starkville, MS.

Specialized Qualifications

• Capable of producing a consistent product in high volume.
• Excellent listening and communication skills.
• Ability to run a business as if you own it.
• Exceptional knife skills, knowledge of a variety of culinary techniques, and the ability to teach these skills.

Company 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.

Work Environment

This position breakdown will include both in office work and kitchen responsibilities. Office work entails computer usage, interdepartmental meetings and communications via email, phone, and in person. Kitchen duties can include using standard kitchen equipment, bending, lifting, pushing, carrying, and moving products, food items, and equipment. Job duties may include movement between indoors, outdoors and structures throughout the campus.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing, moving throughout a kitchen and venue, bending, lifting, and reaching.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting approx. 30 lbs.

Position Salary & Benefits

This is a full‑time hourly position starting at $35.00/hr.

Proof is pleased to provide all full‑time eligible employees with Basic Life and AD&D as well as long‑term disability at no cost to employees. Full‑time eligible employees may choose to enroll in optional benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short Term Disability, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness, and Voluntary Hospitality Indemnity.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.