Concessions Manager - Mississippi State University

Proof of the Pudding is an award‑winning catering company that has expanded into sports and entertainment hospitality services, providing elevated concessions and premium offerings to collegiate stadiums, professional golf tournaments, international boat shows, professional sports teams, and more.

We are seeking an Assistant Concessions General Manager to help lead the team and logistics of our concessions operations at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS. This position will supervise day‑to‑day planning and event‑day execution of concessions areas, focusing on team development and operational excellence.

• Oversee and effectively manage day‑to‑day duties to ensure each event is executed flawlessly from start to finish.
• Plan and run events including: football (7‑10 games per year), basketball (35‑40 games per year), and other athletic and special events such as baseball, soccer, tennis, concerts, and band competitions.
• Maintain a safe, secure, and healthy environment by establishing, following, and enforcing sanitation standards and procedures, complying with legal regulations and food‑safety requirements, and meeting Proof of the Pudding standards.
• Manage and develop the leadership team, encouraging growth and mentorship for all managers and hourly staff.
• Assist with hiring and onboarding of new employees.
• Organize frequent meetings and open lines of communication with sales, operations, concessions, and culinary teams in preparation for each event.
• Manage relationships with third‑party vendors, ensuring partners are set up for success in service and operations for every event.
• Set precedence for staff, including uniform expectations, customer‑service policies, buffet aesthetics, and a positive workplace culture.
• Assist with ordering, logistics, and oversight of warehouse inventory.
• Lead by example and develop employees to reach their full potential while managing the team scheduled for each event.
• Attend and execute each event, ensuring smooth operation from set‑up to break‑down.
• Enhance department and organization reputation by accepting ownership of new requests and exploring opportunities to add value.
• Perform other related duties as necessary.

• Degree in Management, Food & Beverage, Hospitality, or a related field.
• Minimum 2+ years of leadership experience in Food and Beverage Operations and/or high‑volume concessions; experience in stadiums or special events strongly preferred.
• Must live near or be willing to relocate to Starkville, MS.

• Strong team‑building and leadership abilities.
• Hands‑on leader with a drive to get the job done.
• Knowledge of POS systems and processes, preferably Square.
• Knowledge of concessions and kitchen equipment.

• Business Acumen: Demonstrate comprehension of job policies, practices, and relationships; possess required expertise and skill levels.
• Dedication: Dependable, reliable, and follow through on projects from inception to completion; exhibit a win‑win attitude.
• Ethics and Integrity: Act with integrity and honesty, promote company culture and values, and maintain the highest professional standards.
• Safety & Security: Observe safety and security standards, properly use equipment, comply with PPE requirements, and report unsafe conditions.
• Teamwork: Cooperate and work as a team player to achieve goals efficiently and timely.
• Communication: Communicate clearly and effectively with respect and understanding, and listen carefully to others.
• Initiative: Contribute new ideas to enhance productivity; be proactive in troubleshooting and mitigation.
• Adaptability & Planning: Learn new tasks and adjust quickly; perform well under tight schedules and changing directions.
• Service Orientation: Demonstrates urgency, welcomes guests, smiles, and provides friendly service.

The workplace involves a mix of office work and event operations, requiring movement throughout campus stadiums and the university grounds. Events may occur indoors or outdoors.

• Prolonged sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged standing and moving throughout a kitchen and…