Director of Operations

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 Director of Operations to provide leadership to the Gil’s Elegant Catering team. The DO will be responsible for leading and overseeing day‑to‑day operations of Gil’s Elegant Catering. Working directly with the General Manager, this position will manage all events, staffing matrices, hiring, inter‑departmental communications, logistics/operations, budget management, and event day duties. The ideal candidate has a strong background in catering, a mind for event operations, and passion for upscale event execution.

• Managing all day‑to‑day duties to ensure that each event is executed flawlessly from start to finish.
• Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy environment by establishing, following, and enforcing sanitation standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations; securing revenues; and maintaining security systems.
• Supervising and working very closely with account executive(s) or sales team to fully understand event details including custom menus, event set up, décor needs and event timeline.
• Organizing frequent meetings and open lines of communication with sales, operations, and culinary team in preparation for each event.
• Scheduling according to the needs of the business several months in advance and also for last minute “pop‑up” events. Additionally, building relationships with staffing agencies and taking the lead on hiring and recruiting efforts.
• Assisting with the supervision of staff including but not limited to: servers, bartenders, stewards, captains, event coordinators, assistant operations manager, and sales account executive. This will include coaching, counseling and communication.
• Be a point person for communication between Proof of the Pudding and the client. Responsible for nurturing this relationship.
• Creating, editing and updating pack lists and BEOs in preparation for the event.
• Assisting in ordering and event logistics.
• Supervising the team that is scheduled to run each event. Leading the captains of each event and teaching them to also lead their staff.
• Attending and executing events to ensure that it runs smoothly from the set‑up to the break‐down.
• Assisting in post‑event tasks including, inputting payroll and inventory, and scheduling.
• BEO management and overseeing multiple events at the same time.
• Assist with monitoring and maintaining the division’s budget. Assisting in analyzing and strategically implementing policies to ensure growth and measurable success.
• Responsible for interviewing, hiring, and administering orientation to new hires.
• Responsible for ensuring proper staffing levels resulting in smooth operations and total guest satisfaction.
• Ensure events are scheduled according to staffing levels dictated by budget and event, report any variances above budget prior to schedule publication.
• Responsible for training programs for all FOH hourly new hires.
• Ensure staff morale and culture congruent with company values, mission, purpose.
• Practice an open door policy for employee grievances or dissatisfaction, documenting and addressing and escalating, as needed, appropriately and timely.
• Hold staff accountable for fulfilling the job description, conduct performance reviews of direct reports and ensure timely hourly reviews, coach and follow company guidelines for documentation of any lack of performance.
• Oversee the management of all FOH related invoicing and payroll procedures.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality, Management, or related field and/or 6+ years of experience in Hospitality Operations, Food & Beverage/Banquets, Event Coordination, Operations Management, or equivalent.
• Experience in off‑premise catering is necessary.
• Must live near or be willing to relocate to Dallas, TX.

• Excellen…