Darren Sills
Goondiwindi,QLD
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience in food safety management and team leadership at Top Cut Meats. Proven track record of enhancing customer satisfaction through innovative menu design and operational efficiency. Recognized for fostering a collaborative kitchen environment, driving productivity, and consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
AFL Umpire and Volunteer Kiosk
Goondiwindi Hawks and Daring Dpwns Umpire Associam
03.2020 - Current
Customer Service Officer
Coles Supermarket
09.2024 - 03.2025
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently addressing and resolving their inquiries and concerns.
- Helped large volume of customers every day with positive attitude and focus on customer satisfaction.
- Addressed customer complaints and mitigated dissatisfaction by employing timely and on-point solutions.
- Maintained a high level of product knowledge to effectively assist customers with accurate information and recommendations.
- Completed data entry to record call notes, suggestions and questions.
- Assisted call-in customers with questions and orders.
- Streamlined communication between customers and internal departments for timely issue resolution.
- Demonstrated adaptability in handling diverse clientele, effectively addressing their unique needs and expectations.
- Collaborated with team members to identify areas of improvement in processes, resulting in more efficient service delivery.
- Exceeded customer expectations by going the extra mile, ensuring a memorable experience that fostered brand loyalty and advocacy.
- Managed payments, updated account balances and discussed subsequent payments with customers to keep accounts on track.
- Developed strong rapport with customers, fostering loyalty and repeat business through personalized service.
- Boosted company reputation by providing exceptional customer service through phone, email, and chat support channels.
- Improved first-contact resolution rate by efficiently handling customer queries during initial interactions.
- Participated in regular meetings with supervisors to discuss challenges faced during daily operations, identifying opportunities for growth and development.
- Increased customer retention with prompt follow-ups on pending issues and proactive problem-solving strategies.
- Contributed to the achievement of departmental targets by meeting key performance indicators consistently.
- Managed escalated cases with diplomacy, skillfully negotiating resolutions that satisfied both the customer and company interests.
- Conducted thorough research to provide detailed solutions to complex customer inquiries, ensuring satisfaction and understanding.
- Reduced response time by managing high call volumes while maintaining a professional demeanor under pressure.
- Provided constructive feedback to peers and management on potential process improvements, aiding continuous enhancement of service quality.
- Assisted in training new hires, sharing best practices for delivering outstanding customer experiences consistently.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Followed up with customers about resolved issues to maintain high standards of customer service.
- Educated customers about billing, payment processing and support policies and procedures.
- Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and complaints quickly.
- Exhibited high energy and professionalism when dealing with clients and staff.
- Delivered prompt service to prioritize customer needs.
- Responded to customer requests, offering excellent support and tailored recommendations to address needs.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to every customer by leveraging extensive knowledge of products and services and creating welcoming, positive experiences.
- Met customer call guidelines for service levels, handle time and productivity.
- Developed highly empathetic client relationships and earned reputation for exceeding service standard goals.
- Provided excellent customer care by responding to requests, assisting with product selection and handling ordering functions.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of product and service changes.
- Promptly responded to inquiries and requests from prospective customers.
- Promoted superior experience by addressing customer concerns, demonstrating empathy, and resolving problems swiftly.
- Responded proactively and positively to rapid change.
- Collaborated with staff members to enhance customer service experience and exceed team goals through effective client satisfaction rates.
- Implemented and developed customer service training processes.
- Created and maintained detailed database to develop promotional sales.
- Managed timely and effective replacement of damaged or missing products.
- Calculated correct order totals, updated accounts, and maintained detailed records for inventory management.
- Optimized customer support by establishing collaborative service environments through targeted operational initiatives.
- Sought ways to improve processes and services provided.
- Increased efficiency and performance by monitoring team member productivity and providing feedback.
- Followed-through on all critical inter-departmental escalations to increase customer retention rates.
- Monitored cash drawers in multiple checkout stations and maintained adequate cash supply.
- Increased efficiency and team productivity by promoting operational best practices.
- Cross-trained and provided backup support for organizational leadership.
- Bolstered customer retention by creating and offering unique discount options and inspiring interest in new product lines.
- Recommended, selected and helped locate and obtain out-of-stock product based on customer requests.
- Identified and resolved discrepancies and errors in customer accounts.
Caretaker and Hourekeeper
Goondiwindi Caravan Park
01.2023 - 03.2025
- Provided compassionate care to residents, assisting with daily tasks such as meal preparation and personal grooming.
- Remained alert to problems or health issues of clients and competently responded.
- Developed strong relationships with residents and families, fostering trust and open communication.
- Monitored and maintained cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assigned station and service areas.
And Chef, Relief On-Site Manager
The Town Touse
09.2019 - 12.2023
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Cultivated a positive work culture among kitchen staff through open communication lines and mutual respect within the team.
- Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
- Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
- Continually improved kitchen safety by enforcing strict hygiene protocols and staff training on equipment usage.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
- Adapted menus seasonally, incorporating fresh produce to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.
- Managed food costs, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers to support community partnerships and sustainable practices.
- Collaborated effectively with front-of-house team for seamless dining experience and positive customer feedback.
- Developed innovative recipes, attracting new clientele and increasing overall sales.
- Implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistent taste and presentation of dishes.
- Mentored junior chefs in culinary techniques, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused work environment.
- Customized meal plans for guests with dietary restrictions, ensuring welcoming and inclusive dining experience.
- Enhanced dining experience by crafting innovative menu items tailored to seasonal ingredients.
- Managed successful kitchen remodel, selecting equipment that increased productivity and met evolving needs.
- Reduced food waste significantly, introducing composting program and revising portion sizes.
- Boosted team morale and productivity with regular training sessions on culinary techniques and customer service standards.
- Instituted mentorship program for junior chefs, providing guidance and support to nurture their professional development.
- Developed signature dish that became bestseller, combining innovative flavors with classic techniques.
- Spearheaded series of cooking workshops for community, building brand loyalty and engaging with wider audience.
- Negotiated with vendors for better pricing on high-quality ingredients, balancing costs without compromising standards.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by introducing feedback system to gather insights and make informed improvements.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organization in kitchen, passing all health inspections with excellent ratings.
- Elevated restaurant's reputation, securing positive reviews through meticulous attention to food quality and presentation.
- Curated wine pairing list that complemented menu offerings, enhancing overall dining experience.
Bottle Scheme Crew Member and Cotton Run Provider
E and E Waste
07.2022 - 01.2023
- Worked front counter, drive-thru and other areas.
- Took orders, prepared meals, and collected payments.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, handling multiple orders simultaneously without compromising quality or efficiency.
- Worked well with teammates and accepted coaching from management team.
- Collaborated with team members to complete orders.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing friendly and efficient service at the register.
- Provided excellent customer service by greeting customers and meeting quality expectations.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing concerns or issues promptly and professionally.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication and teamwork among staff members.
- Assisted other team members to achieve goals.
- Trained new team members on procedures, customer service, and sales techniques.
- Enhanced team productivity by maintaining a clean and organized workspace for crew members.
- Collaborated with fellow crew members for seamless shift transitions, ensuring smooth operations throughout the day.
- Became familiar with products to answer questions and make suggestions.
- Addressed guest needs, questions, or concerns to create optimum experience onboard.
- Exceeded performance expectations consistently, receiving recognition from supervisors for dedication to job responsibilities.
Co-Owner, Manager and Chef
Co-Owner and Manager Tracks Restaurant
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed day-to-day operations efficiently, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Collaborated with co-owner on strategic planning initiatives for long-term business success.
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality products and services.
- Oversaw financial management tasks, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow optimization.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping for financial transactions, maintaining organized documentation for easy reference during audits or other inquiries.
- Mentored employees to improve work performance, promoting professional development and growth within the company.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements through diligent oversight of business practices.
- Developed a strong company culture, fostering teamwork and collaboration among staff members.
- Cultivated a safe working environment by adhering to workplace safety policies and providing necessary resources for employee wellbeing.
- Implemented innovative marketing campaigns to expand customer base and increase brand awareness.
- Enhanced business operations by implementing efficient management strategies and streamlining processes.
- Implemented regular performance reviews for staff members to address concerns proactively and provide constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers, resulting in reduced costs and improved product quality.
- Optimized inventory management systems for streamlined ordering processes and reduced waste levels.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Developed marketing materials and campaigns to boost brand awareness and customer engagement.
- Networked with other businesses and customers to increase sales opportunities and contacts.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired new staff members and developed training materials for employees.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
Consultant Manager and Event Co-Ordinator
Cedar Creek Vineyard
04.2015 - 07.2019
- Streamlined internal processes for improved efficiency and increased team productivity.
- Negotiated favorable contracts on behalf of clients, resulting in cost savings and enhanced value propositions.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by conducting thorough needs assessments and developing tailored strategies.
- Coached junior consultants, promoting professional development and career advancement within the organization.
- Built strong relationships with clients, delivering exceptional service levels that exceeded their expectations.
- Developed key partnerships with industry leaders, strengthening the company''s network and reputation.
Kitchen Manager
Top Cut Meats
03.2013 - 03.2015
Education
No Degree - Fully Qualified Chef, RSA, RVA, RMLV
William Angliss Institute of TAFE
Melbourne, VICNo Degree - Hospitality
William Angliss College
Melbourne, VIC12-1993
Skills
- Food Safety Management
- Culinary Operations Management
- Team Leadership
- Menu Design
Timeline
Customer Service Officer
Coles Supermarket
09.2024 - 03.2025
Caretaker and Hourekeeper
Goondiwindi Caravan Park
01.2023 - 03.2025
Bottle Scheme Crew Member and Cotton Run Provider
E and E Waste
07.2022 - 01.2023
Co-Owner, Manager and Chef
Co-Owner and Manager Tracks Restaurant
01.2021 - 01.2022
AFL Umpire and Volunteer Kiosk
Goondiwindi Hawks and Daring Dpwns Umpire Associam
03.2020 - Current
And Chef, Relief On-Site Manager
The Town Touse
09.2019 - 12.2023
Consultant Manager and Event Co-Ordinator
Cedar Creek Vineyard
04.2015 - 07.2019
Kitchen Manager
Top Cut Meats
03.2013 - 03.2015
No Degree - Fully Qualified Chef, RSA, RVA, RMLV
William Angliss Institute of TAFE
No Degree - Hospitality
William Angliss College
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