Assistant Cook Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

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 a Lead Cooks to join the team at Mississippi State University. POP provides food service to MSU’s athletic events, special events, and student athletes. This position will assist the culinary department for the daily Athlete Training Table.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day culinary operations.
• Assist in the development of menu items.
• Maintaining the highest level of food quality with your culinary team.
• Ensure proper safety and sanitation of all kitchen/food service areas.
• Maintaining the highest level of service, safety, and food quality for each event.
• Running food on game-days, assisting in the organization of menu items according to BEOs and event information.
• Preparing items according to a recipe.
• Cleaning and organization of kitchen equipment and products.
• Assisting the culinary management team in all assigned tasks.

Responsibilities not limited to this list

Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

• 1+ year of experience working in a kitchen, experience in catering is preferred. 
• High School diploma or equivalent preferred. 
• Must live in or near Starkville, MS.
• ServSafe certified or is available to receive training. 

Specialized Skills:

• Strong leadership qualities.
• Capable of producing a consistent product in a timely manner. 
• Knowledge of cost and labor systems.
• 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.  
• 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 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:

• Competitive pay ranging from $14/hr - $17/hr.
• Benefits include free 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. 

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.