
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Type:
Salary
Rate:
Range $115,000.00 - $130,000.00
Work Schedule
Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) savings plan
401(k) matching
Paid Time Off
bonus eligibility
Job Description
Footprint Center is a premier downtown Phoenix arena renowned for hosting a variety of high-profile events, including the NBA Phoenix Suns, WNBA Phoenix Mercury games, concerts, special events, and large-scale productions. As a central hub for sports and entertainment, Footprint Center offers a dynamic environment where culinary excellence is paramount to the overall guest experience. The venue features multiple premium clubs, luxury suites, concessions, and back-of-house operations catering to a diverse audience that demands high-quality food and beverage services. The management team is committed to maintaining the arena's reputation as a top-tier sporting and entertainment destination by supporting innovative culinary... Show More
Job Requirements
- Minimum 5+ years experience as an Executive Chef or senior culinary leader in a high-volume sports, arena, or hotel/event venue setting
- Proven success managing a large culinary team in a union or non-union environment
- Strong understanding of inventory, food costing, labor controls, and P&L accountability
- Certified Food Manager (ServSafe or equivalent)
- Knowledge of HACCP and OSHA guidelines
- Ability to work a flexible, event-based schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Highly organized, adaptable, and able to perform under pressure in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Job Qualifications
- Minimum 5+ years experience as an Executive Chef or senior culinary leader in a high-volume sports, arena, or hotel/event venue setting
- Proven success managing a large culinary team in a union or non-union environment
- Strong understanding of inventory, food costing, labor controls, and P&L accountability
- Creative and strategic thinker with the ability to develop compelling menus for a variety of audiences including fans, premium guests, athletes, artists, and staff
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook and event-based culinary software systems
- Certified Food Manager (ServSafe or equivalent)
- knowledge of HACCP and OSHA guidelines
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- ability to lead, motivate, and hold team members accountable
- Highly organized, adaptable, and able to perform under pressure in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Ability to work a flexible, event-based schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
- This is a high-impact leadership role ideal for a chef who thrives on delivering excellence at scale and is excited to shape the culinary identity of a nationally recognized sports and entertainment venue
Job Duties
- Serve as the senior culinary leader responsible for all food preparation, presentation, quality, and consistency across all events and outlets within Footprint Center
- Develop, manage, and execute high-volume menus for NBA and WNBA games, concerts, VIP suites, clubs, staff meals, and catered events with a focus on innovation, fan experience, and operational feasibility
- Ensure seamless culinary execution for a year-round calendar of events including 80+ home games, national concerts, corporate events, and back-of-house player dining experiences
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of over 35 culinary professionals including sous chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, and utility staff
- Oversee staffing, hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance evaluations, and professional development of the culinary team
- Foster a positive kitchen culture that emphasizes accountability, empowerment, continuous learning, and high performance
- Develop and maintain food cost targets and labor budgets in collaboration with the Senior Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage
- Ensure adherence to budgeted food cost percentages through effective inventory management, portion control, waste reduction, and purchasing practices
- Monitor payroll, approve timesheets, and optimize labor deployment based on event volume
- Create and implement seasonal and event-specific menus that reflect the culinary brand of the arena while meeting diverse guest expectations, dietary needs, and brand partnerships
- Ensure all food is prepared and served in accordance with Oak View Group's quality, safety, and brand standards
- Conduct regular kitchen walk-throughs and tastings to uphold presentation, taste, and consistency
- Enforce all local, state, and federal food safety and sanitation standards
- Maintain accurate kitchen records including food safety logs, inventory sheets, and production reports
- Ensure cleanliness and safe use of all kitchen equipment and facilities
- Collaborate with the Events, Premium, and Concessions teams to plan, execute, and elevate the culinary experience for VIP clients, team personnel, artists, and sponsors
- Provide on-site leadership during high-profile events and adjust operations in real time to meet service demands
Job Qualifications
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location

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