Executive Chef

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.

Proof of the Pudding is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Chef to oversee our culinary operations in Texas, including premium hospitality areas, and concessions. This role is responsible for leading the culinary vision, ensuring operational excellence, and driving innovation in food offerings that cater to a diverse audience; from high-end corporate suites to smaller family-friendly events.

Key Responsibilities:

Culinary Leadership & Menu Innovation

• Develop and execute a multi-tiered culinary program spanning high-end hospitality and large-scale concessions.
• Curate seasonal, on-trend menus that balance premium experiences and approachable, engaging fare for guests.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all food offerings, from luxury dining to high-volume concessions.
• Develop signature dishes and exclusive VIP experiences for high-end events.

Operations & Execution

• Lead a large culinary team across multiple venues, ensuring efficient kitchen operations and maintaining food safety and quality standards.
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for foodservice operations.
• Oversee production and execution of catering menus for corporate events, private suites, and event days.
• Ensure all kitchen operations align with cost control measures, food waste reduction strategies, and sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborate with the POS team to streamline kitchen operations and optimize speed of service across our venue.

Team Development & Leadership

• Recruit, train, and mentor a team of Sous Chefs, Kitchen Managers, and hourly culinary staff to maintain high standards of execution and efficiency.
• Foster a culture of innovation, teamwork, and accountability within the culinary department.
• Lead pre-shift meetings and tastings to ensure staff knowledge and engagement with the menu.
• Provide ongoing training and development to ensure high standards of food preparation, presentation, and safety.

Financial & Vendor Management

• Manage food cost and labor budgets, ensuring profitability while maintaining high-quality offerings.
• Work closely with vendors and suppliers to source premium ingredients while maintaining cost efficiency.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local purveyors, artisanal producers, and Texas-based farms to enhance menu authenticity.
• Oversee inventory control, purchasing, and vendor negotiations to ensure seamless kitchen operations.

Performs other related duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of culinary leadership experience, with at least 5 years in an Executive Chef or high-level culinary management role.
• Experience in large-scale event catering, premium hospitality, and entertainment venue food service.
• Strong culinary vision and creativity, with the ability to develop diverse menus across multiple food outlets.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with experience managing high-volume, multi-unit kitchen operations.
• Expertise in food and labor cost controls, menu engineering, and operational efficiency.
• Deep understanding of kitchen technology, POS systems, and operational workflows for high-traffic venues.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP protocols, and sustainability initiatives.
• Experience in launching new food & beverage concepts or themed dining experiences is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred
• Must live near or be willing to relocate to Texas

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

Work Environment 

The Executive Chef is charged with assisting in the general oversight and leadership of all aspects for food and beverage execution. The Executive Chef will provide hands-on leadership to ensure all aspects of the kitchen performs, operates, and delivers culinary creations that exceed guest expectations, while revenue is maximized, and expenses are effectively controlled. This position will be active and onsite at all events as necessary and office out of the venue on the day to day.

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.

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.   

Position Salary & Benefits:

• This is considered a full-time salary position.
• 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 

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.