Pit Master - Raymond James Stadium

LEGENDS & ASM GLOBAL

Two powerhouse companies have joined forces to redefine excellence in sports, entertainment, and live events. Together, we combine unmatched expertise with a global reach, offering end-to-end solutions – from venue development and event booking to revenue strategy and hospitality.

Legends brings a 360-degree, data-driven approach across Global Partnerships, Hospitality, Merchandise, and Attractions, working with top-tier clients to deliver exceptional experiences.

ASM Global, the world leader in venue management and live event production, oversees 350+ iconic venues stadiums, arenas, conventions centers and theaters.

Our organization is committed to building an inclusive, innovative environment where differences drive solutions that benefit our team members, guests, and partners. Guided by our values of respect, integrity, and accountability, we create a workplace where everyone can succeed. Are you ready to be part of the team that is transforming live entertainment? Join us to make legends happen!

GLOBAL HOSPITALITY

We believe that exceptional venue experiences should extend beyond game day and show time. From five-star feasts and craft cocktails to local eats and sizzling chef-inspired creations, we are renowned for our exceptional dining experiences. Our fresh, creative cuisine is just the beginning. We strive to delight guests at every turn: candy walls, in-house bakeshops, and a warm welcome at every turn.

RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM

Legends is the official hospitality partner of Raymond James Stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  The partnership includes overseeing the Raymond James Stadium food and beverage program development and management for concessions, suites and premium areas for all game days, concerts, special events and any food and beverage related activations for the iconic Pirate Ship.  Join us in elevating the fan experience through unparalleled guest service and pride to make Raymond James Stadium one of the best stadiums in the NFL.

Position Summary

The ideal candidate is an experienced barbecue professional who understands live-fire cooking and smoking while also being comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-volume hospitality environment. The Pit Master will work closely with the culinary leadership team to develop and execute barbecue-focused menus that reflect Tampa Bay's culinary culture and deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Essential Responsibilities

Barbecue & Culinary Production

- Lead all aspects of barbecue production, including preparation, seasoning, smoking, cooking, holding, slicing, portioning, and presentation.
- Prepare a variety of smoked meats such as brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, sausage, and other barbecue specialties.
- Maintain consistent cooking temperatures, smoke levels, seasoning, tenderness, moisture, and finished product quality.
- Operate and maintain commercial smokers, pits, grills, and other cooking equipment.
- Monitor long cooks and adjust fire, airflow, temperature, and fuel as needed.
- Develop and maintain standardized recipes, rubs, sauces, marinades, and barbecue preparations.
- Execute products according to established recipes, production schedules, and quality standards.
- Assist with developing seasonal and event-specific barbecue offerings.

Stadium & Event Operations

- Prepare high-volume barbecue production for Buccaneers games, concerts, festivals, private events, premium hospitality, and other stadium functions.
- Plan production quantities based on anticipated attendance, historical sales, event forecasts, and menu requirements.
- Coordinate with the Executive Chef and culinary leadership regarding production schedules and product needs.
- Ensure barbecue is ready for service according to event timelines.
- Work efficiently during high-volume service periods while maintaining product quality and consistency.
- Support multiple service points or concepts when required.
- Assist with special events and premium catering where barbecue is incorporated into the menu.

Quality & Food Safety

- Maintain the highest standards of food quality, sanitation, and food safety.
- Follow all applicable health department, HACCP, ServSafe, and company food-safety procedures.
- Accurately monitor and document cooking, holding, cooling, and reheating temperatures.
- Ensure proper labeling, dating, storage, and rotation of food products.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe pit and production area.
- Properly clean and maintain smokers, grills, prep areas, utensils, and other equipment.
- Identify and communicate food-quality or equipment issues to culinary leadership immediately.

Inventory & Cost Control

- Assist with ordering and maintaining appropriate inventory levels of meat, seasonings, wood, charcoal, sauces, and other barbecue supplies.
- Minimize waste through proper preparation, portion control, storage, and product utilization.
- Monitor yields and portion sizes to support food-cost goals.
- Assist with inventory counts and product receiving as needed.
- Maintain appropriate par levels based on event schedules and anticipated demand.

Team Leadership

- Lead and train cooks and culinary team members assigned to barbecue production.
- Demonstrate proper smoking, grilling, knife skills, food handling, and production techniques.
- Provide direction during event setup, production, and service.
- Promote teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and a positive culinary culture.
- Assist culinary leadership with training and development of team members.

Qualifications

- 3+ years of professional culinary experience, with significant experience in barbecue, smoking, grilling, or live-fire cooking.
- Demonstrated experience cooking brisket, ribs, pork, chicken, sausage, and other smoked proteins.
- Experience operating commercial smokers or large-scale barbecue equipment.
- Experience in high-volume foodservice, catering, hospitality, restaurants, stadiums, arenas, or event venues preferred.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, temperature control, and proper food-handling procedures.
- Ability to read and execute recipes and production specifications accurately.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a culinary team.
- Ability to remain calm and organized in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
- ServSafe certification or ability to obtain certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to stand and work for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry food products, equipment, and supplies weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in hot, humid, smoky, and outdoor environments.
- Ability to bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive culinary tasks.
- Ability to work around hot surfaces, open flames, smokers, grills, and other commercial cooking equipment.
- Ability to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and event days.

Preferred Experience

Preference may be given to candidates with experience in:

- Texas-style, Carolina, Memphis, or Central Florida barbecue
- Large-format barbecue production
- Offset smokers and wood-fired cooking
- High-volume catering or concessions
- Stadium or arena foodservice
- Premium hospitality
- Menu development and barbecue concept creation
- Cooking for crowds of 500+ guests
- Managing long-duration smoking and production schedules

Success in This Role

Success in this position means consistently delivering high-quality, flavorful barbecue at stadium scale while maintaining food safety, production efficiency, cost control, and an outstanding guest experience.

Legends & ASM Global is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and encourages Women, Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, and protected Veterans to apply. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.