Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Craig Salamone

Wandi,Western Australia

Summary

Proven leader with extensive experience in the culinary and hospitality industry, notably with Carnival Cruise Lines. Expert in strategic planning and operations management, I excel in driving team performance and enhancing customer satisfaction. My innovative approach and effective communication skills have consistently resulted in positive reviews and operational excellence, with a keen focus on budget management and quality assurance. Dynamic Director oversees every facet of production with strong project management and decision-making skills. Brings comprehensive knowledge of catering production writing, planning, and technical operations. Skilled at coordinating production plans and personnel resources to complete work under tight deadlines. Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

42
42
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director

Self-employeed
05.2022 - Current

Control logistics and general running of a transport company

Lawn Mower Contractor

Self-employeed
01.2018 - 04.2022

I was a franchise owner for Jims Mowing

Chef/Propietor

Self-employeed
01.2005 - 03.2018

Chef owner of a Golf Coarse Bar and Restaurant

  • Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
  • Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
  • Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
  • Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
  • Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
  • Assisted with menu development and planning.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
  • Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
  • Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
  • Developed close relationships with suppliers to source best ingredients.
  • Implemented successful cross-marketing strategies such as food and wine pairings.
  • Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.

Chef De Cuisine

Carnival Cruise Lines
01.2002 - 01.2005
  • Optimized kitchen workflow by delegating tasks according to individual strengths, resulting in faster ticket times during peak hours.
  • Maintained high levels of sanitation and cleanliness, adhering to strict health code regulations and ensuring a safe working environment.
  • Participated in regular menu tastings with ownership and management to evaluate dishes for flavor balance, presentation, and ingredient quality.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by creating innovative and visually appealing dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
  • Scheduled and supervised all kitchen employees such as dishwashers and waiters.
  • Implemented successful cross-marketing strategies such as food and wine pairings.
  • Managed budgetary constraints by negotiating favorable vendor contracts without sacrificing ingredient quality or availability during seasonal fluctuations.
  • Increased overall food quality by sourcing premium ingredients from trusted suppliers while managing cost controls effectively.
  • Reduced food waste through careful menu planning, portion control, and regular monitoring of product expiration dates.
  • Implemented creative daily specials to showcase unique ingredients or techniques while maintaining consistent customer favorites.
  • Created menus and designed corresponding recipes for [Business Name].
  • Mentored junior chefs in culinary techniques, fostering their growth and development within the team.
  • Ensured proper storage of perishable items according to HACCP guidelines, minimizing risks associated with foodborne illness outbreaks or spoilage costs.
  • Forecasted seasonal staffing levels and interviewed and hired new staff members.
  • Participated in community events as a representative of the restaurant, enhancing brand reputation through cooking demonstrations and charity dinners.
  • Regularly reviewed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement or adjustments to menu offerings based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
  • Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency by implementing effective inventory and staff management systems.
  • Created lasting relationships with local purveyors, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the foodservice industry.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service and exceptional dining experiences for all customers.
  • Earned accolades from the press, leading to increased reservations and greater visibility for the restaurant by consistently delivering exceptional culinary experiences for guests.
  • Developed seasonal menus with a focus on sustainability and supporting local farmers, resulting in rave reviews from guests and critics alike.
  • Organized staff training sessions to bolster team cohesion and improve overall knowledge of menu items, cooking techniques, and food safety protocols.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Cooked memorable dishes that brought new customers into establishment.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Obtained fresh, local ingredients to lower grocery costs.
  • Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
  • Modernized work processes to reduce guest wait times and boost daily output.
  • Developed and cooked memorable dishes that brought new customers into establishment.
  • Arranged for kitchen equipment maintenance and repair when needed.
  • Planned promotional menu additions based on seasonal pricing and product availability.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Initiated training for new team members on culinary techniques to improve productivity and increase kitchen workflows.
  • Conducted daily pre-shift meetings with kitchen staff to communicate goals, updates, and expectations for each shift effectively.
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Coordinated employee schedules and developed staff teams to boost productivity.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Mentored kitchen staff to prepare each for demanding roles.
  • Collaborated with vendors and suppliers to obtain quality recipe ingredients while adhering to company budgets.
  • Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Obtained fresh, local ingredients to improve dish flavors and limit grocery costs.
  • Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
  • Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
  • Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
  • Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
  • Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
  • Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
  • Developed close relationships with suppliers to source best ingredients.
  • Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
  • Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
  • Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.

Sous Chef

Sheraton Hotel Perth
01.2001 - 01.2002
  • Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
  • Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.

Executive Chef

General Hotel Managment
01.1999 - 01.2001
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
  • Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.

Function Chef

Frasers Restaurant And Pub
01.1998 - 01.1999
  • Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
  • Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.

Sous Chef

Hyatt Regency Perth
01.1997 - 01.1998
  • Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
  • Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
  • Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
  • Mentored kitchen staff to prepare each for demanding roles.
  • Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
  • Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
  • Implemented proper cleaning procedures, ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace compliant with health department regulations.

Executive Sous Chef

The Vines Resort and Country Club
01.1995 - 01.1997
  • Increased customer satisfaction through consistent delivery of exceptional dishes, resulting in positive reviews.
  • Assisted Executive Chef in cost analysis and budget management, optimizing profitability without compromising quality.
  • Ensured compliance with all health department regulations while maintaining a well-organized workspace for optimal efficiency.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly providing guidance towards improvement as necessary.
  • Managed inventory control, reducing food waste and optimizing budget allocation.
  • Promoted teamwork among kitchen staff, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged creativity and collaboration.
  • Collaborated with Executive Chef to design seasonal menus that showcased diverse flavors and techniques.

Chef De Partie

Internationally
01.1987 - 01.1995

Apon completion of my Apprenticeship as a Chef with Ansett International Hotels I departed Australia in1987 and travelled to Europe where I worked in Restaurants and Hotels in

United Kingdom,Switzerland,Russia,Denmark Scandinavia and International Cruise ships working in all aspects of the kitchen from Commis Chef to Head Chef .

the premises ranged form small boutique hotel and restaurant to Large Hotels.

Apprentice Chef

Ansett International Hotel
01.1983 - 01.1987
  • Set up food stations by following chef's orders.
  • Displayed adaptability by quickly learning new menu items as they were introduced into the rotation.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Prepared cooking ingredients for chef.

Education

Cooking

Tafe
Perth, WA
10.1987

Skills

  • Strategic Planning
  • Verbal and written communication
  • People Management
  • Operations Management
  • Project Management
  • Team Management
  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Strategies and goals
  • Project Coordination
  • Staff Management
  • Organizational Development
  • Budget Control
  • Budget Management
  • Staff Development
  • Business Planning
  • Issues Resolution
  • Program Management
  • Negotiation
  • Contract and Vendor Management
  • Hiring and Retention
  • Financial Reporting
  • Rules and regulations
  • Charismatic Leader
  • Business Development
  • Financial Management
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Partnerships and Alliances
  • Crisis Management
  • Government relations
  • Corporate Communications
  • Business Administration
  • Facilities Management
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Contract Management
  • Human Resources Management
  • Content Development
  • Logistics Management
  • Sales management
  • Fundraising Events
  • Company guidelines
  • Capital Spending
  • Information Technology Management
  • Cast and crew supervision
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Team Leadership
  • Relationship Building
  • Effective leader
  • Decision-Making
  • Staff training/development
  • Employee Development
  • Customer Service
  • Performance Evaluation and Monitoring
  • Goal Setting
  • Performance Improvement
  • Customer Relations
  • Business Leadership
  • Quality Assurance
  • Business Growth Initiatives
  • Performance Evaluations
  • Operations Oversight
  • Delegating Work
  • Budget Development
  • Proficient in [Software]
  • Organizational Structuring
  • Data Management
  • Scheduling
  • Schedule Management
  • Cost analysis and savings
  • Sound Judgment
  • Administrative Management

Languages

Danish
Elementary
German
Elementary
Spanish
Elementary

Certification

HR Drivers Licence

Fork lift ticket

Basic First Aid

Load Restraint and Awareness

Fatigue Management

Certificate in Commercial Cooking

Timeline

Director

Self-employeed
05.2022 - Current

Lawn Mower Contractor

Self-employeed
01.2018 - 04.2022

Chef/Propietor

Self-employeed
01.2005 - 03.2018

Chef De Cuisine

Carnival Cruise Lines
01.2002 - 01.2005

Sous Chef

Sheraton Hotel Perth
01.2001 - 01.2002

Executive Chef

General Hotel Managment
01.1999 - 01.2001

Function Chef

Frasers Restaurant And Pub
01.1998 - 01.1999

Sous Chef

Hyatt Regency Perth
01.1997 - 01.1998

Executive Sous Chef

The Vines Resort and Country Club
01.1995 - 01.1997

Chef De Partie

Internationally
01.1987 - 01.1995

Apprentice Chef

Ansett International Hotel
01.1983 - 01.1987

Cooking

Tafe
Craig Salamone