Sous Chef - DUKE University Athletics

Proof of the Pudding is an award-winning catering company that has established a significant presence throughout the Southeast by consistently delivering quality culinary concepts made from scratch. Known for their commitment to excellence and innovation, they have expanded their expertise beyond traditional catering into the realm of Sports and Entertainment Hospitality Services. This expansion highlights their ability to provide elevated concession and premium hospitality offerings to prestigious venues such as collegiate stadiums, PGA golf tournaments, international boat shows, professional sports teams, and numerous other high-profile events. Their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has earned them recognition and respect within the industry.

As the operator of DUKE University’s catering services, Proof of the Pudding is seeking a seasoned Sous Chef to play a critical role in leading their culinary program across multiple elite sporting venues including football, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse. This full-time, hourly position offers a competitive salary range of $22.00 to $28.00 per hour, reflecting the expertise and leadership required for this role. The Sous Chef will serve as a vital member of the culinary team, responsible for overseeing all culinary aspects in the kitchen, ensuring operational efficiency during events, and supporting the Executive Chef with scheduling, purchasing, and invoice management.

The role demands a dynamic culinary professional who thrives in a high-volume catering environment, capable of delivering consistent excellence while fostering a positive and motivated kitchen culture. With responsibilities extending from menu planning and execution to training and staff management, the Sous Chef will work closely with the Executive Chef to uphold the company’s standards of innovation and quality. This position also requires active participation in various events to guarantee seamless culinary operations across DUKE University’s distinguished venues, including managing premium club areas and student training tables.

The successful candidate will be deeply involved in maintaining a safe and compliant kitchen environment, adhering to stringent sanitation standards, legal regulations, and security protocols. In addition to operational oversight, the Sous Chef will be instrumental in developing new menu items that exemplify the company’s culinary excellence while managing food purchasing and inventory effectively. Leadership qualities are essential, as the Sous Chef will lead hiring, training, accountability, and scheduling efforts to build and sustain a strong culinary team. This role not only requires advanced culinary skills such as exceptional knife techniques and a mastery of diverse cooking methods but also demands outstanding communication, business acumen, and a proactive approach to running the kitchen with ownership mentality.

Proof of the Pudding values attributes such as dedication, ethical conduct, safety awareness, teamwork, effective communication, initiative, adaptability, and a strong service orientation. These core values align with their mission to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. The position incorporates both office and kitchen responsibilities, demanding physical stamina and the ability to engage in various tasks such as lifting, moving equipment, and mixing desk work and meetings. This comprehensive role is suited for a culinary leader who is willing to contribute fully to the success of a vibrant sports hospitality operation, live near or relocate to Durham, NC, and is eager to grow both professionally and personally within a distinguished catering company.