Executive Chef - Texas

PROOF OF THE PUDDING • Austin, TX

51d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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
• Must live near or be willing to relocate to Texas

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees