Chris ( Krzysztof Robert) Pekowski
chef FIFO
Gosford,NSW
Summary
Dynamic FIFO Chef with extensive experience at Techforce Australia, excelling in high-pressure environments. Proven expertise in food safety compliance and innovative menu development, enhancing dining experiences for up to 1,000 clients. Strong leadership and communication skills foster effective teamwork, ensuring exceptional culinary standards and operational efficiency.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
FIFO CHEF
Techforce Australia
08.2023 - Current
- Executed bulk catering and buffet-style cooking for 300 to 1,000 miners across NSW and QLD.
- Operated effectively as solo chef or within larger teams based on site requirements.
- Oversaw food safety compliance and demonstrated thorough knowledge of kitchen operations.
- Monitored preparation methods and portion sizes to maintain quality standards.
- Innovated menu offerings by incorporating culinary trends and client feedback.
- Instructed kitchen staff on food preparation, garnishing, and presentation techniques.
- Managed ingredient purchasing while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Exhibited strong time management and attention to detail under pressure.
Chef
Troy’s Hospitality, Clifton Wallace Hospitality Agency
11.2013 - Current
- Regularly plan, cost/budget, stocktake and order, preparation of food items and set up of private functions within the Aged Care Facility
- Preparing and cooking of all-day meals for Aged Care clients
- Menu Assistant & Recipe management
- Allergy Management & procedures
- Food safety supervisor
- Stocktaking and ordering of produce
- Excellent knowledge of OH&S requirements
- Knowledge and adherence to food safety standards Australia
- Daily preparation of meals, organising breakfast, lunch & dinner requirements
- Working the cold larder section, preparation of cold food options
Community Support Worker / Café Supervisor & Chef
Wingap Foundation
Sydney, NSW
08.2019 - 06.2021
- Delivered person-centered support to individuals with mental disabilities.
- Facilitated social employment opportunities to promote independence.
- Enhanced quality of life through activities aligned with individual passions and goals.
- Supervised food safety protocols as a certified food safety supervisor.
- Managed café operations while overseeing daily supervisory tasks.
Chef
Catholic Healthcare – Brigadine House
Sydney, NSW
02.2016 - 12.2020
- Oversaw budgeting, planning, and ordering of supplies within the aged care facility.
- Cooked nutritious meals throughout the day for aged care residents.
- Facilitated menu planning and recipe management to cater to diverse dietary needs.
- Implemented allergy management procedures to safeguard health of clients.
- Supervised adherence to food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with Australian standards.
- Demonstrated expertise in OH&S requirements to promote workplace safety.
- Managed daily meal prep for all dining services including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Prepared a variety of cold food options in the larder section to enhance dining experience.
Chef
The Cyrenians – Tackling Homelessness – Aberdeen, UK
Aberdeen-UK, UK
06.2012 - 10.2013
- Planned, budgeted, and ordered food items to ensure optimal inventory levels.
- Prepared and cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner services.
- Managed menu and recipe documentation to maintain consistency and quality.
- Executed allergy management procedures to minimize risk for diners.
- Maintained compliance with OH&S requirements for a safe working environment.
- Ensured adherence to food safety standards during meal preparation and service.
- Organized daily meal preparations, focusing on efficiency and presentation.
- Specialized in cold larder section, preparing a variety of cold food options.
Chef
Mushroom Catering, Sydney
Sydney
06.2007 - 01.2011
- Planned, budgeted, and ordered supplies for catering events serving up to 400 people.
- Prepared and cooked buffet-style meals to meet diverse client needs.
- Managed menu and recipe development to ensure high-quality offerings.
- Implemented allergy management procedures to maintain guest safety.
- Oversaw food supply management, including stocktaking and ordering produce.
- Ensured compliance with OH&S requirements to promote workplace safety.
- Adhered to food safety standards in accordance with Australian regulations.
- Coordinated daily meal preparations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.
Chef
Various Chef Work – Scotland, Antarctica, Polar Station Arctic Spitsbergen , UK
10.2002 - 02.2007
- Delivered professional catering services during XXVII Antarctic Expedition from 2002 to 2004.
- Provided catering support for Arctic expeditions from 2004 to 2006.
- Ensured adherence to food safety standards and maintained kitchen hygiene consistently.
- Managed food storage and inventory control for expeditions to optimize supply use.
- Created balanced menus addressing varied dietary needs, ensuring nutritional adequacy.
- Maintained kitchen equipment in optimal condition while enforcing safety protocols.
- Coordinated meal preparation for breakfast, lunch, and dinner efficiently.
- Supported expedition community life through various general assistance tasks.
Chef
Kings Like Shipping Company – Malta & Germany
01.1997 - 12.2000
- Planned, budgeted, and ordered supplies while conducting regular stocktakes.
- Prepared and cooked meals for passengers, ensuring quality and satisfaction.
- Managed menu development and recipe organization to enhance culinary offerings.
- Actively participated as a sailor on deck, contributing to team operations.
Chef
Military Base - Poland( Szczecin)
, Poland
09.1986 - 08.1993
- Conducted regular stocktakes to optimize budgeting and ordering processes.
- Maintained strict compliance with food safety standards across all operations.
- Organized meal preparation for breakfast, lunch, and dinner services catering to 2,000 individuals daily.
- Instructed kitchen staff in food preparation, cooking techniques, garnishing, and presentation.
- Prepared high-quality dishes following established recipes to ensure consistency.
- Developed new and flavorful dishes through experimentation with ingredients and cooking methods.
Education
Food & Safety Supervisor Training - Food & Safety
NSW Government/Food Authority
Sydney, NSW01.2023
Advanced Diploma of Business & Marketing -
Kent Institute
Sydney01.2010
Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management - Hospitality And Tourism Management
Sydney Business Academy
Sydney01.2008
Technical High School of Cooking Trade Qualification - Hospitality
Hospitality And Large Scale Catering School
Poland-Szczecin01.1989
High School Diploma -
Hospitality And Large Scale Catering School
Poland /Szczecin06-1986
Skills
- Broad knowledge and understanding of relevant workplace health and safety regulations and legislation
- Broad knowledge of relevant food handling and legislation surrounding food standards in Australia
- Proven experience traveling to remote places and working in extreme conditions, suitable for the mining and army industries
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
- High attention to detail, business sense, cleanliness, culinary expertise, fast-paced decision-making, and ability to effectively multitask
- Demonstrated ability to work within specified timeframes in high-pressure environments
- Accustomed to working effectively within a team environment, to following instructions, and to working without supervision
- Adaptable and flexible, with excellent planning, prioritization, and problem-solving skills
- Leadership skills and supervisory experience
- Attention to detail, precision in food preparation and service
- Cleanliness and adherence to food safety standards, requirements, and laws
- Effective communication skills
- Able to withstand challenging work environments, remote living
- Excellent safety knowledge and adherence to workplace health and safety regulations
References
References available upon request
Accomplishments
- Cooking for the homeless – St. Canice Kitchen, Kings Cross, Sydney – volunteer work
- Cooking for alcohol and drug addicted homeless people in Scotland and Poland
- Prize-winning artist
- 1 of 2 employees who reached the top 2 in coping skills for working in extreme environments in remote locations such as Antarctica, Arctic, and military bases, tested by a psychiatrist
Timeline
FIFO CHEF
Techforce Australia
08.2023 - Current
Community Support Worker / Café Supervisor & Chef
Wingap Foundation
08.2019 - 06.2021
Chef
Catholic Healthcare – Brigadine House
02.2016 - 12.2020
Chef
Troy’s Hospitality, Clifton Wallace Hospitality Agency
11.2013 - Current
Chef
The Cyrenians – Tackling Homelessness – Aberdeen, UK
06.2012 - 10.2013
Chef
Mushroom Catering, Sydney
06.2007 - 01.2011
Chef
Various Chef Work – Scotland, Antarctica, Polar Station Arctic Spitsbergen , UK
10.2002 - 02.2007
Chef
Kings Like Shipping Company – Malta & Germany
01.1997 - 12.2000
Chef
Military Base - Poland( Szczecin)
09.1986 - 08.1993
Food & Safety Supervisor Training - Food & Safety
NSW Government/Food Authority
Advanced Diploma of Business & Marketing -
Kent Institute
Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management - Hospitality And Tourism Management
Sydney Business Academy
Technical High School of Cooking Trade Qualification - Hospitality
Hospitality And Large Scale Catering School
High School Diploma -
Hospitality And Large Scale Catering School
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