General Manager - Offpremise Catering

Proof of the Pudding has spent the past four decades providing innovative menus, services, design expertise and event experiences to clients throughout Atlanta and beyond. As a preferred caterer to over 50 venues in and around Atlanta, our Off-Premise team spearheads event innovations and culinary experiences to a range of events from weddings, holiday parties, corporate retreats, and social gatherings. 

We are seeking an experienced Executive to provide leadership to the Off-Premise Catering team. This position will be responsible for leading and overseeing day-to-day operations of Off-Premise. This position will hold all oversight of events, staffing matrixes, hiring, inter-departmental communications, logistics/operations, and financial management. The ideal candidate has a strong background in catering leadership, is detailed in budget management, and has passion for upscale event execution. 

Responsibilities: 

• Design and implement business operations to ensure maximum efficiency and profitability of the off-premise catering department  
• Drives methods to improve quality, efficiency and productivity, reduce costs, increase profits, and improve control measures.  
• Set comprehensive goals for department performance and growth  
• Oversee daily operations of the department and the work of 15 managers and around 150 hourly employees  
• Lead employees to achieve optimal performance by assessing their results based on clear expectations, data, and metrics, while also promoting engagement to enhance morale and foster a strong sense of collaboration within the team.  
• Organizing frequent meetings and open lines of communication with sales, operations, culinary, and warehouse teams.  
• Monitoring the team and event schedule including reporting status, progress updates, and identifying areas that require corrective actions.  
• Responsible for managing and participating in interviewing new employees, developing strategies for developing talent at all levels, and coaching organizational leaders.  
• Foster a growth oriented, positive and encouraging environment while keeping employees and management accountable to company policies, procedures and guidelines.  
• Practice an open-door policy for employee grievances or dissatisfaction, documenting, addressing and escalating, as needed, appropriately and timely  
• Generate weekly forecasting, ensures adherence to monthly reporting deadlines, oversees and approves all invoices department-wide, while ensuring accurate and comprehensive reporting on the department's operations and finances.  
• Forge strategic partnerships and relationships with clients, vendors, agencies, venue partners and all other professional business relationships. 
• Manage all facilities operations for the corporate building and warehouse, including after-hours oversight to ensure maintenance, safety, and smooth functionality. 
• Performs other related duties 

Required Qualifications:

• 8 years of experience in Hospitality Operations, Food & Beverage Management, Event Coordination, Operations Management, or equivalent.  
• Experience in off-premise catering is preferred.  
• Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality, Organization Leadership, Management, or related field  
• Strong understanding and experience working with relevant softwares.  
• Microsoft 360 proficiency is required  
• Paycom, Caterease/BEO software, and Ottimate invoicing knowledge is strongly preferred  
• Exceptional executive presence, business acumen and presentation skills. 
• Must live near or be willing to relocate to Atlanta, GA .

Specialized Qualifications :

• Extensive experience in reviewing and analyzing financial reports, including P&L, balance sheets, and other key financial documents.  
• Strong technical knowledge, a drive for innovation, and experience with AI tools is preferred. 

Work Environment  

The work environment for this role is dynamic, with an even balance between office and event attendance/execution oversight. While administrative and strategic tasks will be conducted in an office setting, a significant portion of time will be spent in various operational environments, including kitchens, refrigerated areas, warehouses and possibly outdoor settings. This role requires adaptability, as work may take place across multiple venues with varying terrains and conditions. The individual must be comfortable navigating both climate-controlled and outdoor spaces, as well as high-energy, fast-paced food and beverage operations. 

Physical Demands:  

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.  
• The position may require travel between venues and the ability to perform tasks such as bending, lifting, scooping, and carrying equipment or food items.  
• Ability to perform physical tasks; such as but not limited to, lifting approx. 25 lbs. 

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 promotes 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. Promotes truck, kitchen and venue 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: 

• Salary Range of $100,000-$110,000/year opportunity for a 11% annual performance bonus  
• 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  
• Additional Benefits include call phone allotment, daily lunches in the office, car and gas allowance. 

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.