Benja Kongtham
Chermside,Qld
Summary
Dedicated chef, business owner, and lifelong learner with over 14 years of experience in hospitality, culinary arts, and business management. Known for a strong work ethic, Always aim to improve my skills, embrace new challenges, and seek opportunities for growth. While I currently run a food van and a cleaning business, I'm eager to transition into a new career that allows constant learning, challenges and growth. I enjoy the work I do, particularly in cleaning, but I'm ready to take on new opportunities that push me further.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Operator
Benja Aroi Thai
02.2024 - Current
- Run a mobile food catering business that specialises in authentic Thai cuisine, catering for events and private functions
- Handle food preparation, customer service, and stock management, while keeping the food van operations running smoothly
- Manage a small team, coordinating schedules and ensuring food is prepared to a high standard while maintaining good customer relations
- Oversee marketing and business growth, focusing on building relationships with clients and catering for diverse events
- Ensure compliance with health and food safety regulations, keeping high standards of hygiene and food handling
Commercial & Domestic Cleaner
Benja Kongtham
01.2019 - Current
- Manage a cleaning business that services both commercial and residential clients, offering high-quality cleaning services
- Improved client satisfaction by providing thorough and detail-oriented cleaning services.
- Continuously researched and implemented new techniques, tools, and products in the cleaning industry to stay up-to-date with best practices for optimal client satisfaction.
- Coordinate cleaning schedules, ensuring clients are satisfied with the service and maintaining long-term relationships
- Handle business management, including invoicing, payroll, and purchasing cleaning supplies
- Work closely with clients to provide personalised cleaning services and ensure client satisfaction
Chef
Barrow and Bear Cafe
10.2017 - 03.2019
- Worked in the kitchen preparing breakfast and lunch items, focusing on seasonal ingredients and customer favorites
- Assisted with menu creation and daily specials, aiming to bring new dishes to the table
- Supported junior kitchen staff with training, ensuring everyone followed kitchen safety and food handling procedures
- Helped maintain a clean and organized kitchen, always adhering to health standards
- Managed stock levels to keep fresh ingredients available while minimizing waste
Chef
Tannum Sands Hotel
01.2017 - 09.2017
- Cooked lunch and dinner for the hotel restaurant, preparing meals for both regular service and events
- Worked with the head chef to plan daily specials and incorporate fresh local produce
- Provided guidance to kitchen staff to help maintain kitchen cleanliness and follow food safety guidelines
- Assisted with stock management, ensuring the kitchen was well-prepared for daily service
Owner/Head Chef
Benja Aroi Thai
04.2015 - 12.2016
- Handled budgeting, purchasing ingredients, and managing relationships with suppliers
- Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Worked on maintaining health and safety standards in the kitchen and regularly trained staff on food handling procedures
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
Owner/Head Chef
Tumut Commercial Hotel
09.2009 - 09.2014
- Managed the hotel's restaurant, running both the kitchen and front-of-house operations
- Developed the menu, balancing traditional dishes with more modern options
- Led a small team in the kitchen, training them on food preparation techniques and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness
- Handled the financial aspects of the business, including food cost management and supplier negotiations
- Ensured a positive dining experience for guests, working closely with the front-of-house team to coordinate service
Education
Certificate - Food Safety
CTA Training Specialist
Online Studies10-2024
Skills
- Customer Service
- Complaint Handling
- Problem-solving skills
- Attention to Detail
- Client Engagement
- Customer Retention
- Team training and development
- Customer Needs Assessment
- Teamwork and Collaboration
References
- Michelle Van Biljon - 0432 174 875 Commercial Hotel & Gladstone Bowls Club
- Blake Wheller - 0477 315 458 Benja Aroi Thai - Food Catering
Timeline
Owner/Operator
Benja Aroi Thai
02.2024 - Current
Commercial & Domestic Cleaner
Benja Kongtham
01.2019 - Current
Chef
Barrow and Bear Cafe
10.2017 - 03.2019
Chef
Tannum Sands Hotel
01.2017 - 09.2017
Owner/Head Chef
Benja Aroi Thai
04.2015 - 12.2016
Owner/Head Chef
Tumut Commercial Hotel
09.2009 - 09.2014
Certificate - Food Safety
CTA Training Specialist
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