Prep Cook

Overview
Launched in 2014, Contigo Catering grew out of roots in the Contigo family ranch in Fredericksburg and Contigo Restaurant in Austin. Now our own independent company responding to rapid growth and high demand, we are a leader in custom catering in Central Texas. From backyard gatherings to large corporate banquets, Contigo Catering has the know-how to turn any special day into a memorable celebration... served with a slice of Texas hospitality. Our events are noteworthy for their custom crafted menus, exceptional hospitality, eye for style, seamless coordination, unique bar service, and a special catalog of package additions.

Reporting to the Executive Chef of Catering and working closely with the rest of the Contigo Catering team, the Prep Cook plays a key role in the execution of high quality food prep in our headquarter kitchen as well as the delivery and presentation of excellent meals onsite at events that our clients rave about. As such, the ideal candidate has a strong track record of quality, can execute detailed instructions with consistency, always ensures that cleanliness and quality standards are upheld, and is a team player who gets things done. We are a small, tightly knit team that enjoys good food and values good people. We are seeking a candidate with long-term potential who will feel comfortable growing with us.

Location

Our office, kitchen, and warehouse are located in Southeast Austin at 3709 Promontory Point Drive, Suite B201, Austin Texas 78744. This role works out of this address for all prep duties, but also involves travel to and presence at various event spaces throughout and around Austin, particularly downtown, Westlake, and Dripping Springs. As such, reliable transportation is required. Occasionally, travel to event locations like Marfa is required, and team support for transport is provided.

Schedule
Full-time, 40 hours per week, exempt position. Preparation hours generally fall between 9 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday, though exact hours vary based on event schedules. This individual usually works two events a week on average. Night and weekend availability is definitely required, though it varies and includes nights off unlike usual restaurant commitments.

Compensation

Hourly rate of $20.00 to $22.00, commensurate with experience. This role also features incredible benefits: health & dental, unlimited paid vacation, paid holiday schedule, mileage and parking reimbursements, discretionary bonuses, swag, and more. Delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner are a regular benefit of this role, too. W2 Employee status.

Day-to-Day Ownership

This is an opportunity to impact and elevate the entire company on a daily basis. The Prep Cook's day-to-day will reflect current events and ongoing priorities, but can generally be designated within and held accountable to the following:

> Kitchen Duties

> Inventory Management

> Event Production & Working Events

Assist in preparation and plating of tastings for clients (essentially like running a tiny restaurant for six people at a time).

Perform all prep necessary for upcoming events to run smoothly, in accordance with Executive Chef instructions and event details (breaking down cases of vegetables, packing and labeling ingredients, loading into coolers, etc.).

At the event, assist the Executive Chef or Lead Chef on duty as instructed. Engage in pre-shift meeting led by Sales & Client Service Manager and Onsite Event Manager. Unpack prepped items, set up the kitchen, figuring out what needs doing to stick to the timeline. Work a station throughout the event, ensuring all food is properly plated and sent out. Pack and label any leftovers in accordance with company standards and safety guidelines. Assist with other duties as needed (cutting cake, refreshing stations, sharing menu or process interactively with guests, or otherwise). Clean up and ensure all trash is removed in accordance with company, venue, and rental guidelines.

Lead by example at every event; carry yourself in a way that best represents Contigo Catering in a positive light, at all times. This includes every interaction with not only guests & clients, but all catering staff, front & back of house. Keep in mind those around you and be professional in attitude, language & demeanor. Come dressed & prepared appropriately for every event.

Provide input to the team on amounts served, event execution notes, client feedback, menu planning, etc.

Assist with developing unique menus for any necessary events, and provide food education to staff at events about the menu.

Attend and work events as scheduled. Maintain healthy, productive, and meaningful relations between the FOH and BOH.

Outcomes

A successful candidate in this role embodies the following:

Characteristics & Skills

Characteristic or Skill

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Summary of What's Expected

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Creative & Forward-Thinking

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Part art, you know flavor profiles and standards, but can also come up with new combinations and offerings with enjoyment and ease.

Comfortable with Numbers

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Part science, you don't shy away from analyzing data & numbers, and you use them to help guide decision-making.

Proactive & Self-Motivated

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You have an inherent ability to prioritize, and take action without being asked to do so and encourage others around you to become self-starters as well.

Problem Solver

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You're solution-oriented, all the time, but especially on site for events. You make it happen in ever-changing environments, and come up with creative options when others may be stumped. You have an ability to balance the focus on clients' needs with company needs, seeing the ‘big picture.'

Team player

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You anticipate the needs of your team, are able to hold people accountable without micromanaging them, and consider yourself a mediator.

Detail-oriented

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The little things matter to you; you notice minor discrepancies, unpolished glasses, or things that aren't quite right & dig in to not only understand them but to resolve them.

Finisher

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You finish projects that you start and over-deliver on expectations.

Quality-focused

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You don't call a project done until it's perfect & error-free, and strive to establish protocols to avoid repeating errors in the future.

Hands-on doer

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You have the desire & ability to roll up your sleeves and get in the trenches with event staff as required.

Strong organizational skills

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You're highly organized and have a place for everything that can be interpreted and accessed by others. You're not overwhelmed by shifting gears when needed, or keeping track of multiple clients and events at once.

Excellent planner

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You plan ahead on an hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis to ensure commitments, deadlines, and goals are met whether last-minute or long-term.

Outgoing & Mindful

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You don't have to be that person that befriends everyone, but you're comfortable in a variety of spaces and sensitive to standards of communication with different types of clients. You help contribute to ensuring that our clients and team don't feel like a transaction, and instead like family.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate has:

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements

Please note that Contigo Catering's offices are ADA compliant, and Contigo Catering will do their best to make accommodations for the qualified applicant with mobility limitations or other disabilities. We encourage everyone of differing abilities to apply, but while doing so, please let us know what accommodations are required in your working environment.

Contigo provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage individuals who identify as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ to apply.

The responsibilities and duties listed above are intended to communicate general priorities for this position, but should not be understood as an exhaustive list of all job requirements to be completed through the duration of employment with Contigo Catering.

What to Expect After Applying

Think this job is the fit for you? We encourage you to apply If the listing is still live, we're still looking for the right person. We look forward to hearing from you