Damian McDonald
Shepparton,VIC
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Hardworking with customer service, multitasking and time management abilities. Committed job seeker with a history of meeting company needs with consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Chef
Parklake Hotel
Shepparton, Vic
02.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented menus restaurant, catering events, and private parties.
- Created daily specials based on seasonal ingredients and customer feedback.
- Directed kitchen staff in food preparation and presentation to ensure high quality standards were met.
- Supervised the selection, training, scheduling, and performance of kitchen personnel.
- Monitored inventory levels of all food items to ensure adequate supplies are available at all times.
- Reviewed orders from vendors to ensure accuracy and cost effectiveness.
- Controlled labor costs through effective use of staff scheduling techniques.
- Worked closely with purchasing manager to control food costs while maintaining product quality standards.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss menu changes, special events, promotions.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to improve existing recipes or create new ones.
- Established a culture of safety in the kitchen by enforcing strict safety protocols.
- Provided guidance and support for Sous Chefs during peak service hours.
- Tracked sales figures for each dish served in order to identify popular items.
- Assisted in developing marketing strategies designed to increase restaurant revenue.
Head Chef
Degani's Bakery and Cafe
Shepparton, Vic
07.2021 - 01.2023
- Developed menus and recipes for a variety of dishes, including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and specialty items.
- Organized kitchen staff to ensure efficient operations during peak service hours.
- Trained new kitchen staff in food safety regulations and proper cooking techniques.
- Ordered food supplies from vendors to maintain adequate stock levels.
- Monitored food production to guarantee quality standards were met.
- Established portion control guidelines to reduce waste and maximize profits.
- Ensured compliance with health department regulations regarding hygiene and sanitation practices.
- Supervised the preparation of meals according to customer orders in a timely manner.
- Resolved conflicts between kitchen staff members in a professional manner.
- Created weekly work schedules for kitchen personnel based on anticipated business volume.
- Coordinated with suppliers to negotiate favorable prices on bulk purchases of food items.
Chef De Partie
Parklake Hotel
Shepparton, Vic
12.2017 - 07.2021
- Supervised and trained kitchen staff to ensure quality standards of food production.
- Organized the daily mise en place in order to prepare meals efficiently.
- Maintained accurate records of stock levels, ordering new ingredients when needed.
- Monitored food preparation techniques to ensure that high-quality products were served consistently.
- Adhered to health and safety regulations while preparing food items in the kitchen area.
- Assisted with menu planning activities by suggesting creative ideas for dishes based on seasonal ingredients.
- Checked finished plates before they were served to guests, making sure all components met quality standards.
- Responded quickly and efficiently to any customer complaints regarding food quality or service.
- Worked closely with other chefs to coordinate meal preparation activities during busy shifts.
Apprentice Chef
Parklake Hotel
Shepparton, Vic
04.2016 - 12.2017
- Prepared, cooked and served meals according to recipes and menus.
- Assisted in ordering food supplies and maintaining inventories of ingredients.
- Operated kitchen equipment such as mixers, blenders, slicers, ovens, grills and fryers.
- Maintained cleanliness and hygiene standards in the kitchen area.
- Organized workstations with necessary ingredients and cooking equipment.
- Helped experienced chefs prepare dishes for customers.
- Assisted in training junior members of the team in safe working practices within the kitchen environment.
- Worked with head chef to master cutting and preparation techniques.
- Improved performance of team members resulting in high-quality meals produced daily.
Apprentice Chef
Victoria Hotel
Shepparton, Vic
12.2015 - 04.2016
- Prepared, cooked and served meals according to recipes and menus.
- Maintained cleanliness and hygiene standards in the kitchen area.
- Organized workstations with necessary ingredients and cooking equipment.
- Took direction from head chef on menu items and preparation techniques.
- Trained in proper food handling procedures while adhering to health codes.
- Plated dishes according to instructions provided by head chef or sous chef.
- Communicated effectively with other kitchen staff during meal preparation times.
- Carried out basic knife skills including dicing, slicing and chopping vegetables.
- Served food in a timely manner ensuring all orders were correct for customer satisfaction.
Apprentice Chef
Degani's Bakery and Cafe
Shepparton, Vic
07.2014 - 12.2015
- Prepared, cooked and served meals according to recipes and menus.
- Operated kitchen equipment such as mixers, blenders, slicers, ovens, grills and fryers.
- Maintained cleanliness and hygiene standards in the kitchen area.
- Helped experienced chefs prepare dishes for customers.
- Took direction from head chef on menu items and preparation techniques.
- Trained in proper food handling procedures while adhering to health codes.
- Cleaned dishes, pots, pans and other kitchen utensils using appropriate cleaning products.
- Plated dishes according to instructions provided by head chef or sous chef.
Education
GED -
Elizabeth College
Hobart, TAS11-2012
High School Diploma -
Cosgrove High
Glenorchy, TAS12-2010
Skills
- Safe Food Handling
- Food Stock and Supply Management
- Quality Assurance
- Sanitation Guidelines
- Team Leadership
- Restaurant Operations
- Customer Service
- Order Management
- Banquets and Catering
- Hiring, Training, and Development
- Staff Scheduling
- Staff Management
- Creative Thinking
- Staff Training
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Productivity Optimization
- Workflow Optimization
- Attention to Detail
- Decision-Making
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Tongan
Limited
Certification
- Certificate III Commercial Cookery
- Certificate IV Commercial Cookery
- Certificate II Tourism and Hospitality
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Executive Chef
Parklake Hotel
02.2023 - Current
Head Chef
Degani's Bakery and Cafe
07.2021 - 01.2023
Chef De Partie
Parklake Hotel
12.2017 - 07.2021
Apprentice Chef
Parklake Hotel
04.2016 - 12.2017
Apprentice Chef
Victoria Hotel
12.2015 - 04.2016
Apprentice Chef
Degani's Bakery and Cafe
07.2014 - 12.2015
GED -
Elizabeth College
High School Diploma -
Cosgrove High
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