Proof of the Pudding (POP) is the food service partner to Wake Forest University athletics & events. POP is seeking a General & Sales Manager to spearhead the premium hospitality client communications and service execution for events. This position will coordinate the communication between the Wake Forest client, and out interdepartmental culinary, operations, and staffing teams to ensure all expectations and specifications are met and communicated.

Wake Forest University, home of the Demon Deacons, is a bustling campus filled with a variety of athletic and special events. POP is proud to provide services to football, basketball, baseball, soccer, campus concerts, and more!

ESSENTIAL DUITES

• Overseeing the sales and effectively managing the operational duties to ensure that each event is executed flawlessly from start to finish.
  • Football – 7 games per year
    • Premium Hospitality: 26 suites 2 VVIP suites, McCreary Tower Club Seats, Touchdown Club, Pollard Club, plus premium concessions offerings
  • Basketball – 35 games per year
    • Premium Hospitality: 18 suites, multiple club areas
  • Other athletic and special events with varied food and beverage needs
    • Baseball, soccer, tennis, concerts, band competitions, private catering opportunities may arise.
• Acts as the liaison between Proof of the Pudding and the premium hospitality clients
• Meets venue financial objectives by forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.
• Communicating financial statements, P&L Reports, and other requested documents to Proof of the Pudding Corporate.
• Managing existing and developing leadership team, encouraging growth and mentorship with all managers and hourly staff
• Create all BEOs in system, sharing with clients and internal teams.
• Secures financial deposits from clients and initiate the discussions of the contracts and financial timelines
• Prepares client contracts, estimates and forecasts prices for the event. Communicates policies to the client in a pleasant manner making them feel welcome and at ease
• Ensures timeliness and collections of all financial deposits and commitments
• Contacts client to obtain/confirm all final guarantees (final # of guests) for the event, articulate numbers and changes to effected internal teams
• Able to provide quick and timely responses, initiate communication to the properties, develop professional long term business relationships.
• Provide the highest quality of service to the customer at all times.
• Support the planning of and preparation for events according to anticipated attendance, and will provide hands-on management and oversight in the areas of service during events.
• Attend events, connect with clients, coordinate with internal departments to ensure full understanding of sold services.
• Organize billing and final invoice for events. Tracking any added services, guest overages, and updating forecasts and final BEOs in Caterease.
• Responsible for setting the precedence that all staff will follow including but not limited to: uniform expectations, customer service policies, uniformity in buffet aesthetics and creating a positive and productive workplace culture
• Responsible for all ordering and logistics.
• Managing the team that is scheduled to run each event. Leading by example and developing employees to reach their full potential.

Performs other related duties as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, sales, food and beverage management or a related field, and/or appropriate combination of education and experience to support on the job effectiveness.
• 4+ years of sales experience, with at least 2-3 years in a food & beverage operations role
• Knowledge of Catering Operations, preferably in a stadium or high volume setting
• Demonstrated financial acumen with proven track record for generating revenue growth.
• Strong people skills with a kind demeanor.
• Solid and proven track record for sales and leadership success.
• Tech savvy, with high proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs
  • Experience with BEO software, Caterease, is preferred
• Must live near or be willing to relocate to Winston Salem, NC.

Specialized Qualifications:

• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Renowned time management skills
• Strong Customer Service skills with the desire to go above and beyond a client’s needs
• The ability to work alone and as a team
• Strong attention to details with the ability to organize and articulate a high volume of information

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 promote 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. Promote restaurant 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.

Work Environment

This position breakdown will be a variety of office work and event operations. Office work entails computer usage, interdepartmental meetings and communications via email, phone, and in person, and sorting and filing paperwork. Events may be in an indoor or outdoor setting with movement between temporary structures, buildings, and different terrains.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of standing, moving through an event space, and traveling throughout the campus
• Bending, lifting, scooping, and carrying miscellaneous equipment and food items
• At times there will be prolonged times of sitting and computer usage.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, such as but not limited to, lifting approx. 25 lbs.

Position Salary & Benefits:

• This is considered a fulltime position with a starting salary range of $65,000-$80,000
• Benefits include health insurance, dental, vision, life, 401k, short-term & long-term disability, daily meals, cell phone reimbursement.

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.