Director of Premium - COTA

Job Details: Job Location: COTA - Austin, TX 78617, Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world-class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR, and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit and LiveNation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater.

We are seeking a knowledgeable, organized, and hands-on Director of Premium join our food service team. In this position, you will play a critical role in the success of our business by overseeing the preliminary planning, onsite execution, and end of event conclusions of premium hospitality suites, catering events, and premium food service throughout the year. This position requires knowledge of catering/buffet equipment and operations, experience in high volume Sports & Entertainment catering, and an adaptable and flexible personality.

Responsibilities:

Oversee the planning, execution, and performance of all catering operations, ensuring food quality, service standards, and client satisfaction.
Manage and develop leadership teams, mentoring managers and hourly staff and encouraging growth.
Lead the team scheduled for each event, setting an example and developing employees toward their full potential.
Set the standard for uniform expectations, customer service policies, buffet aesthetics, and a positive, productive workplace culture.
Support budget planning and management by assisting with forecasting requirements, tracking expenditures, and flagging variances to the Senior Premium Hospitality Director.

Assist with purchasing in accordance with BEOs, update the P&L, utilize payment systems (e.g., SageAPA), and communicate deliveries to appropriate parties.
Support oversight of product ordering and logistics.
Help prepare financial statements, reports, and other requested documents for Proof of the Pudding Corporate.

Be the face of the brand on event days — professional, friendly customer service and walkthroughs of food service areas.

Lead regular meetings and maintain open lines of communication with sales, operations, and culinary teams in preparation for each event.
Correspond frequently with Premium and Culinary teams to fully understand BEOs — custom menus, logistics, equipment needs, and execution timelines — across events ranging from a 20-person VIP dinner to a 100,000-guest race day.

Provide input and strategy on service and catering layouts/designs at each venue throughout the grounds.
Prepare organizational documents: pull sheets by venue, specialty equipment distribution, dry product distribution, service charts, menu signage, table orders, linen orders, and captain folders.
Work with the operations team to complete equipment distribution and oversee updates to pack sheets, distribution charts, venue CADs, menu signage, and service charts.
Attend and execute each event start to finish, serving as a hands-on "boots on the ground" manager from setup through breakdown.

Assist with training and organizing event-day staff.
Work with culinary on food timelines, shortages, and specialty needs.

Oversee equipment cleanup — ensure captains are informed and confident in packing up their area, with clear instructions for equipment and leftover product.
Oversee linen return — ensure proper bagging and facilitate pickup.
Gather specialty equipment and maintain a running inventory.
Maintain a safe, secure, healthy environment by establishing, following, and enforcing sanitation standards; complying with legal regulations; securing revenue; and maintaining security systems.
Perform other related duties as needed.

Qualifications: Qualifications

4+ years of Food & Beverage Leadership experience, with at least 2 years in a live entertainment or high-volume catering setting
Experience in raceways, stadiums, or high-volume special events is preferred
Tech savvy, with high proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs

Experience with BEO software, Caterease, is preferred


Must live near or be willing to relocate to Austin, TX.

Specialized Qualifications:

Proven experience building and maintaining positive relationships with clients
Excellent listening and communication skills
Proven time management and delegation abilities
Servant leader mindset with the ability to jump in and help solve challenges
Ability to perform physical tasks; such as but not limited to, lifting approx. 30 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 integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the company’s culture, values and beliefs while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.
Safety & Security - Observe safety and security standards. Use equipment and materials properly. Comply with safety standards and personal protective equipment requirements. Report potential unsafe conditions or practices to appropriate person immediately. Promote restaurant safety, cleanliness and security compliance at all times.
Teamwork - Cooperate and be willing to work as a team player to achieve goals and tasks accurately, efficiently and timely.
Communication - Communicate clearly and effectively with mutual respect, understanding and trust to fellow associates, managers, supervisors and guests. Listen carefully to opinions and views of others; state understanding of what has been heard.
Initiative - Contribute new ideas and suggestions to enhance productivity and efficiency. Be proactive in troubleshooting problems or issues and take action to mitigate potential problems.
Adaptability & Planning - Possess the ability to learn new tasks and adjusts well to new situations. Perform well under tight time schedules and pressures to change direction quickly.
Service Orientation - Demonstrates a sense of urgency. Is welcoming, friendly and smiles when visible to guests.

Work Environment 

This position includes a combination of office responsibilities and event operations.  Office work entails computer usage, interdepartmental meetings and communications via email, phone, and in person, and sorting and filing paperwork. Events may be in an indoor or outdoor setting with movement between temporary structures, buildings, and different terrains. 

Position Salary & Benefits:

· Salary Range of $100,000 - $110,000 per year + 11% performance bonus.

· Benefits include health insurance, dental, vision, life, 401k, short & long term disability, HSA, daily lunches in office

Proof of the Pudding and its affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, and gender.