General Manager - Georgia International Convention Center

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. We are proud to provide the food and beverage services at Georgia International Convention Center. POP offers fine-quality concessions and catering for meetings, exhibit hall booths, conventions, and special events. Georgia International Convention Center includes a 9,800 sq.

ft. state-of-the-art culinary arts center and Georgia's largest ballroom at 40,000 sq. ft.

We are seeking an experienced Executive to provide leadership to the Georgia Internation Convention Center Culinary team. This position will be responsible for leading and overseeing day-to-day operations at The Georgia Internation Convention Center. 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:

• 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

• High school diploma or GED required, associate or bachelor's degree in hospitality, Business, or related field preferred.
• 3-5+ years of food service management experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and inventory systems.
• Experience with budgeting, P&L statements, and cost control.
• Food Safety Certification (e.g., Serv Safe Manager) preferred.
• Must be near or 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, and refrigerated areas. This role requires adaptability, as work may extended hours based on events calendar, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The individual must be comfortable navigating fast-paced food and beverage operations.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• The position may require individuals to have 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. 40 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…