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
Oak View Group is a globally recognized leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services within the live event industry. Renowned for providing a comprehensive, 360-degree suite of solutions, Oak View Group oversees an extensive portfolio that includes some of the most prestigious arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions worldwide. The company’s commitment to excellence and innovation positions it as a partner of choice for the leading names in sports and entertainment.
At the heart of this dynamic company, the Footprint Center stands as a premier downtown Phoenix arena. This venue i... Show More
At the heart of this dynamic company, the Footprint Center stands as a premier downtown Phoenix arena. This venue i... Show More
Job Requirements
- Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent
- At least 5 years of executive culinary leadership experience in high-volume, fast-paced settings
- Proven ability to lead and manage a large culinary team effectively
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices
- Demonstrated expertise in cost control, inventory management, and budgeting
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and manage time efficiently
- Excellent communication skills for team leadership and client interaction
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
- Physical stamina to handle demanding kitchen environments and event schedules
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 (fans, premium guests, athletes, artists, staff)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, 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
- Must be 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 F&B
- 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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