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 $18.00. This role also features incredible benefits: health & dental, 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

• Support the Executive Chef in the execution and development of the vision for Contigo Catering's kitchen operations by performing routine kitchen tasks, following the prep list created to align with upcoming events.
• Label and stock all ingredients on shelves so that they are clearly organized and easily accessible. 
• Measure ingredients and seasonings, wash and chop vegetables, fabricate proteins, and whichever other preparations need to be used in the kitchen or on site.
• Setup workstations, ingredients, and materials so that food can be efficiently prepared according to recipes and menu plans.
• Undertake basic cooking duties, such as reducing sauces and parboiling food, and preparing and plating dishes, as well as assisting with more complex methods, including outdoor open fire roasts.
• Maintain knowledge of the ingredients and execution of all recipes that are created on all catering menu items.
• Manage kitchen and personal organization in such a way as to enable the Contigo Catering kitchen to function smoothly and without interruption.  Including detailed notes, clear communication, and procedural consistency.
• Maintain standards of excellence as an example to the kitchen staff, including timeliness, proper equipment, technique, etc.

Inventory Management

• Be aware of the regular inventory for all food products & kitchen/catering equipment in the kitchen.
• Manage and organize all leftovers from recent events, repurposing, freezing, saving, or using what you can.
• Communication with Executive Chef  on inventory, especially in regards to what needs to be sold, what is in excess in the freezer, what is ready/seasonal.  Weigh in on amounts for menus and ordering proactively and when requested.

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:

• Each and every one of our clients is satisfied. You help prepare food that not only tastes amazing, but is beautifully presented, and you do it with consistency. Costs are managed really well, and extra product or waste re-routed with efficiency, quality, and creativity. 
• You stay calm and handle change well. You can take directions without hesitation, but can also be versatile when the situation calls for it. You can even interface with clients and event attendees directly when necessary.
• You are highly productive and have an inherent sense of urgency. You get things done and keep a good attitude while doing it.

Characteristics & Skills

Qualifications

The ideal candidate has:

• 3+ years of prep cook experience; Restaurant experience required. Catering experience is helpful, but not a dealbreaker; we don't want you stuck in old ways of another company.
• Demonstrated experience of quality and consistency is a major plus.
• Proven track record of organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computing skills including Google Drive, Microsoft Office, etc. 
• Passion for good food and drink, events that inspire, and a volition to provide Texas style hospitality every step of the way.
• Ability to integrate into the culture of Contigo Catering, and be a steward for this company no matter where you are.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that matches the above description, sometimes including evenings, holidays, and weekends in accordance with business demands.

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs and engage in medium work, including being on your feet for a full shift
• Ability to type and operate necessary equipment, including cutting, peeling, and other duties that require fingering and dexterity
• Ability to withstand exposure to varying conditions of noise and sound, temperature, and environmental conditions both inside and outside, specifically including heat and cooking over open fire
• Ability to walk amidst varying terrains and perform onside event duties, climbing stairs and ramps, or occasionally stooping, kneeling, pushing, and pulling to assist with event production needs

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

• We review all applications received. If your materials spark interest, we'll send you a brief questionnaire.
• If your responses are promising, we'll send you a link to a Culture Index Assessment. This brief 5-10 minute survey allows us to round out your submitted materials, and convene as a team to decide which candidates might be a good fit.
• If all of your materials above all seem to align and are promising, we'll invite you to an initial, 15 minute phone screening with the hiring manager.
• If the conversation proves fruitful, promising candidates will be invited to a 2nd phone screening with a member of our team.
• If this second conversation also shows alignment, promising candidates will be invited to participate in a full-length interview that lasts approximately 2-3 hours, and which includes WHAT CUSTOM BIT.
• All candidates, whether good or bad news, will receive some form of notice regardless of which stage of the process they progress to.
• The above steps move at a pace that align with candidate response time, team availability, and other components. Generally speaking, we are looking to make a hire as soon as we identify the right fit. We expect to make a hire by WHEN at latest, though details of our timeline are subject to change.

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!