Linda Bennett
Mayfield,NSW
Summary
High-performing Cook offering 25 years of working in Aged Care. Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. Talent for building streamlined, cohesive teams. Accountable Cook/Manager successful building effective culinary staff. Interested in promoting positive kitchen environments and willing to pitch in and help with tasks. Background working in Aged Care establishments. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Ambitious Cook/Manager with proven track record of creating successful food service operations, managing staff and increasing profits. Extensive experience in menu design, ordering supplies and creating innovative solutions to food service challenges. Well-versed in hospitality standards and natural knack for building relationships with customers. Driven leader with strong problem-solving and customer service skills. Dedicated to providing highest level of service to customers and creating pleasant work environment for staff. Knowledgeable in food safety and sanitation protocols.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Aged Care Cook/Manager
Catholic Healthcare
Mayfield NSW
04.2016 - 04.2024
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep processes and optimizing ingredient usage.
- Adapted cooking methods to accommodate special dietary requests without compromising dish integrity or taste.
- Reduced food waste by implementing proper portion control techniques and monitoring inventory levels.
- Trained new hires on kitchen procedures, safety protocols, and recipe execution to maintain consistency in service quality.
- Upheld strict food safety guidelines to minimize the risk of contamination or illness resulting from improper handling practices.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing diner concerns promptly and professionally.
- Improved team morale by fostering open communication and encouraging professional growth among staff members.
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings through consistent delivery of delicious meals prepared according to established recipes.
- Maintained a high standard of cleanliness, ensuring a safe and sanitary work environment for staff and customers.
- Collaborated with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations during peak meal times.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Consistently met budgetary goals through careful management of food costs and labor expenses.
- Streamlined kitchen workflow for increased productivity, assigning specific tasks based on individual strengths within the team.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback aimed at improving overall skill set and kitchen efficiency.
- Conducted regular inventory audits to identify discrepancies and prevent stock shortages affecting menu availability.
- Assisted in menu planning by researching industry trends, analyzing customer feedback, and recommending recipe adjustments accordingly.
- Kept kitchen staff in compliance with safety and food regulations to reduce opportunities for illness or accidents.
- Placed food orders with suppliers on weekly basis, taking into account kitchen budget and expected demands.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
- Conducted monthly audits
- Follow Food Safety Program and Food Authority Audits which I have always received an A rating.
- I have conducted many Aged Care Accreditations over the years and am up to date on the new standards that are being introduced.
- Trained in IDDSI preparation.
Cook /Manager
Uniting Care
Mayfield/ Ellamorevale
03.2006 - 02.2016
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Assisted in inventory management and ordering supplies, maintaining adequate stock levels for efficient kitchen operations.
- Supported kitchen staff training and development, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
- Ensured adherence to dietary restrictions like gluten-free or vegan options without compromising taste or presentation.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
Cook
Queensalnd Health
South Burnett District Hospital Kingaroy
01.2004 - 12.2005
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
Education
Year 10 -
Kingaroy State High School
Kingaroy, QLDSkills
- Kitchen Management
- Ingredient Sourcing
- Sanitation Standards
- Temperature Control
- HACCP Knowledge
- Meal Planning
- Food Storage
- Food presentation
- Cross-Contamination Prevention
- Knife Skills
- IDDSI knowledge
Timeline
Aged Care Cook/Manager
Catholic Healthcare
04.2016 - 04.2024
Cook /Manager
Uniting Care
03.2006 - 02.2016
Cook
Queensalnd Health
01.2004 - 12.2005
Year 10 -
Kingaroy State High School