Cook

UNC Catering Lead Event CookRocky Top Catering proudly partners with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to provide exceptional food and hospitality throughout UNC Athletics and the Blue Zone at Kenan Stadium.Located inside the iconic Kenan Memorial Stadium, the Blue Zone offers a unique setting for a wide variety of events. Rocky Top Catering serves events throughout spaces including the Concourse Club, Upper Club, Blue Zone Suites, Touchdown Club, and Tar Heel Terraces, ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. The Concourse Club alone can accommodate up to 600 guests.Our UNC operation goes beyond private events. Rocky Top Catering also provides daily food service for UNC student-athletes and supports football and basketball game-day operations, making this a fast-paced culinary environment where no two days are exactly alike.Position SummaryRocky Top Catering is seeking an experienced Lead Event Cook to take ownership of the culinary execution of catered events from preparation through service. This position serves as a lead member of the event kitchen team and is responsible for ensuring food is prepared, transported, and executed according to Rocky Top Catering's standards.Key ResponsibilitiesLead Event ExecutionTake ownership of the culinary side of assigned events from pack-out through completion of serviceLead the kitchen team on-site and delegate tasks to ensure the menu is executed correctly and on scheduleEstablish and manage the culinary timeline for the eventCommunicate with the FOH Event Manager throughout the event to coordinate timing, service, special requests, and changesConduct a complete menu check with the FOH Event Manager before serviceEnsure all menu items are properly prepared, presented, and ready for service at the appropriate timeMake real-time decisions and adjustments when challenges or unexpected changes ariseMaintain control of the kitchen during service and ensure the team stays organized and focusedEnsure proper execution of on-site cooking, finishing, plating, garnishing, and presentationAssist with and oversee culinary load-in and load-outEvent Preparation & Pack-OutReview event menus and production needs prior to each assigned eventLead and complete event pack-outs, ensuring all food, ingredients, equipment, and supplies are accounted forEnsure ingredients and menu items are properly labeled, organized, packed, and transportedVerify that all components needed for successful event execution are ready before leaving the kitchenIdentify potential issues during preparation and address them before they impact the eventKitchen LeadershipLead by example and set the standard for professionalism, teamwork, cleanliness, and food qualityAssign and delegate prep and event responsibilities to kitchen staffMonitor progress and adjust assignments as needed to keep production on scheduleProvide direction and support to Event Cooks and other BOH team membersCommunicate expectations clearly and professionallyHelp train and develop less experienced kitchen team membersMaintain a positive and productive kitchen environment, even during high-pressure eventsFood Quality & SafetyEnsure all food is prepared according to recipes, company standards, and client specificationsProduce high-quality food with attention to taste, consistency, presentation, and portioningEnsure proper food handling, storage, temperature control, sanitation, and safety practicesMaintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen and event workspaceEnsure the team follows all applicable health and food safety standardsQualifications & Requirements2+ years of professional cooking experience; catering experience strongly preferredPrevious lead cook, event cook, or kitchen leadership experience preferredStrong knowledge of professional cooking techniques and kitchen operationsAbility to confidently lead a kitchen team in a fast-paced event environmentStrong communication and delegation skillsAbility to manage timelines and multiple priorities simultaneouslyStrong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions under pressureAbility to work independently and take ownership of assigned eventsFlexible and comfortable adapting to last-minute changes and client requestsStrong attention to detail and commitment to qualityKnowledge of current culinary practices and trendsReliable transportation requiredClean driving record requiredCompensationPart-time position with potential for full-time hours during our busy seasonsBusy seasons are August–December and March–JuneYearly raises based on performanceOpportunities for growth and advancementStrong opportunity to grow within Rocky Top Catering and move into higher-level culinary leadership rolesWe believe in promoting from withinWhat Makes This Role Different?The Lead Event Cook is the culinary leader on the event team. You will be responsible for more than preparing food—you will help organize the kitchen, lead the team, manage the culinary timeline, communicate with FOH leadership, and make sure the food is executed successfully from start to finish.If you are an experienced cook who enjoys taking ownership, leading a team, and seeing an event come together, this is an opportunity to take the next step in your culinary career.Additional InformationThis job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Employees may be asked to perform additional job-related tasks as needed to support Rocky Top Catering's operations and successfully execute events.