Culinary Coordinator Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

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 (POP) provides exclusive award-winning catering and provisions within the Carter Presidential Center, cafeteria dining and small executive retreats to multi-day conferences, and elegant evening receptions and special events. Whether catering professional corporate conferences to upscale weddings, the team at Carter Presidential Center will host it all! 

Proof of the Pudding is seeking an experienced and dynamic Executive Chef to oversee The Carter Center’s culinary division. The Executive Chef’s responsibilities include developing and executing menus, leading and developing team members, overseeing event logistics and distribution, and department financials. To be successful, the ideal candidate has strong experience in event catering, is a creative and innovative chef ready to push the boundaries of conventional events and has developed leadership qualities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Developing, costing, and executing unique and innovative custom menus
• Collaborating with the Sales Team to set menu prices
• Manage client relationships while ensuring customer satisfaction and alignment with cultural expectations.
• Staying current on developing trends in the Food & Beverage/Catering industry
• Maintaining the kitchen and surrounding areas in conditions that meet Proof of the Pudding standards and health code regulations
• Monitoring inventory and purchasing supplies and food from approved vendors
• Execution of events and food service while maintaining the highest level of food quality and presentation
• Capable of producing a consistent product in a high-volume environment
• Assist in the development and implementation of creative menu items that adhere to Proof of the Pudding standards
• Creating and maintaining the overall morale of the kitchen and culinary team
• Assist with the hiring and training of culinary team members
• Schedules Staff and food production in accordance with the demands of business
• Lead weekly BEO meetings to ensure effective communication across all departments; sales, operations, culinary, and management
• Oversee and coordinate client tastings, staff lunch, on-site mixers, and other events as needed
• Manage and oversee coinciding events including, but not limited to coordinating food prep, distribution, and on-site execution
• Continuous updating and innovating of menus including but not limited to holiday menus, wedding menus, social/corporate event menus, etc.
• Manage and control food costs, labor expenses, and waste to maximize profitability.

Performs other related duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• 4+ years in a leadership/supervisory culinary role
• Expert knowledge of a range of cuisines and cooking techniques
• Must have impeccable integrity for the business, the community and our Proof of the Pudding Team
• Possess the necessary qualities of self- motivation, desire to learn, and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, demanding, and collaborative environment
• Possess the necessary interpersonal skills and demeanor for maintaining a safe, equitable and inclusive work environment

Specialized Qualifications:

• Proven experience building and maintaining positive relationships with clients.
• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Proven time management and delegation abilities
• Capable of producing a consistent product in high volume for multiple service times per day

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 role consists of in-office work and time in the kitchen. Office work consists of long periods of sitting at a desk, interdepartmental meetings, screen and phone usage, and communicating orally and through writing often. This position can work indoors, outdoors, and in temporary structured tents/buildings.

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 but not limited to, lifting approx. 30 lbs.

Position Salary & Benefits:

• The salary range is $75,000-$85,000/year, +11% performance bonus
• 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
• Additional benefits include a cell phone stipend and daily meals

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