Jason Cooper
Chef
Canberra,ACT
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven culinary professional with extensive experience as Head Chef at Goodwin Aged Care. Expert in menu development and cost control, fostering teamwork and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Recognized for creating innovative dishes that enhance customer satisfaction and drive repeat business while mentoring junior chefs in advanced techniques.
Experienced with managing high-pressure kitchen environments and creating diverse, appealing menus. Utilizes in-depth understanding of culinary techniques and kitchen logistics to streamline operations. Track record of effective team leadership and maintaining consistent quality standards
A culinary professional with deep commitment to high standards and delivering quality results. Leveraging years of experience in kitchen management to foster collaborative and efficient team environment. Known for adaptability and reliability, with strong emphasis on culinary creativity and leadership.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
Work History
Acting Head Chef
Express Employment Professionals
05.2024 - Current
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to secure fresh, quality ingredients at competitive prices while supporting local businesses whenever possible.
- Trained junior chefs in advanced culinary techniques and food safety procedures, helping them grow professionally within the industry.
- Created unique daily specials that attracted repeat clientele and generated positive word-of-mouth referrals for the restaurant.
- Coordinated employee schedules and developed staff teams to boost productivity.
- Ensured optimal food quality and safety, rigorously adhering to health and sanitation guidelines.
- Engaged with customers to gather feedback, using insights to refine dishes and service.
Head Chef
Goodwin Aged Care
06.2017 - 04.2024
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
- Ensured timely delivery of all orders during busy services by implementing efficient workstations and streamlined plating processes.
- Fostered a positive working environment by promoting teamwork and open communication among all kitchen staff members.
- Maintained strict adherence to health department regulations by enforcing proper food handling practices throughout the kitchen area.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Optimized ingredient usage through meticulous waste tracking procedures, significantly reducing overall food waste levels within the establishment.
- Maintained high standards of kitchen cleanliness, consistently passing inspections with exemplary ratings.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
Sous ChefCanberra
AIS {Australian Institute of Sport}
04.2015 - 05.2017
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Education
CIT Reid Canberra ACT
Canberra, ACT Skills
- Food safety
- Kitchen management
- Team management
- Menu development
- Menu planning
- Food safety regulations
- Kitchen operations
- Leadership qualities
- Cost control
- Cost control and budgeting
- Safe food handling
- Nutritional knowledge
- Creative thinking
- Food preparing, plating, and presentation
Accomplishments
- Oversaw foodservice operations for 5-star Hotels in three different cities in Thailand.
- Re-designed kitchen stations and equipment placement which increased productivity and enhanced workflow processes.
- Ensured safe and efficient kitchen operations while managing a BOH staff of 75 over 9 outlets
- Created the SOP for the Food and Beverage department for a 5 Star .wellness resort in Phuket.
Certification
- CEC - Certified Executive Chef
.
- Certificate 3 in Commercial Cookery
- Food Safety supervisor certificate
Timeline
Acting Head Chef
Express Employment Professionals
05.2024 - Current
Head Chef
Goodwin Aged Care
06.2017 - 04.2024
Sous ChefCanberra
AIS {Australian Institute of Sport}
04.2015 - 05.2017
CIT Reid Canberra ACT
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