Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
travel, experiencing life to maximum positive
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Lindsay Aitken

Alexandra Hills

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented professional with extensive experience at Finncare, excelling in kitchen efficiency and team collaboration. Demonstrated mastery in food preparation and safety, alongside a proven track record in enhancing customer satisfaction through meticulous meal presentation and adherence to high sanitation standards. Skilled in fostering positive team environments and streamlining operations for peak performance.

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience

Work History

KITCHEN ASSISTANT

Finncare
09.2022 - Current
  • Assisted chefs in food preparation tasks, resulting in timely meal service.
  • Cleaned and organized kitchen stations to promote team efficiency.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth workflow during peak hours.
  • Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
  • Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining clean and organized workstations.
  • Helped chefs prepare and present food to event guests with strong attention to detail and presentation expertise.
  • Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
  • Provided backup support to other staff members during busy periods or staff shortages.
  • Made food according to standard recipes with requested changes for customer satisfaction.
  • Accepted opportunities to learn new skills, improve performance and cross-train for other positions.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Ensured proper storage of ingredients to maintain freshness and reduce waste.
  • Maintained strict compliance with food safety regulations, ensuring high-quality meals for patrons.
  • Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
  • Assisted in reducing kitchen waste through careful portion control measures.
  • Operated standard kitchen equipment with focus on safety and sanitation.
  • Reduced cross-contamination risks by strictly adhering to sanitation protocols when handling allergens.
  • Promoted accident prevention through proper and acceptable levels of sanitation and cleanliness of kitchen.
  • Tasked with removal of garbage and refuse, mopping and sweeping floors and washing walls.
  • Streamlined dishwashing processes, enabling a faster turnaround time for serving customers.
  • Maintained swift pace of work to meet business demands for cleaning and supplies storage.
  • Trained new kitchen assistants on standard operating procedures and best practices, leading to a more efficient team overall.
  • Developed strong communication skills by coordinating effectively with front-of-house staff during busy shifts.
  • Followed proper handling and sanitation procedures to comply with food safety standards and protocols.
  • Chopped vegetables, cut up fruit, and prepared sauces when kitchen staff was busy.
  • Plated and presented food following chef requirements.
  • Labeled and stored all food items correctly and checked expiration dates routinely.
  • Followed recipes and chef instructions to prepare food correctly.
  • Transported food items from storage areas to kitchen for prepping.
  • Operated kitchen equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
  • Managed time to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously with ease.
  • Learned other teammates' work tasks to train as backup.
  • Unloaded food deliveries and stored items in proper locations for easy access.
  • Cleaned and maintained work areas, equipment and utensils.
  • Washed, peeled and cut various foods such as fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
  • Maintained composure and work quality while under stress.
  • Prepared sandwiches, salads and other specialty items according to customer specifications.
  • Stocked and rotated food items according to expiration dates.
  • Loaded dishes, glasses and tableware into dishwashing machines.
  • Maintained high personal grooming standards and uniform presentation.
  • Followed food safety practices and sanitation guidelines.
  • Reduced kitchen accidents by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization.
  • Operated food slicers, grinders and chopper in accordance with safety guidelines.
  • Lifted and carried heavy materials.
  • Sanitized pots, pans, utensils, kitchen appliances and equipment using company-approved cleaning supplies.
  • Assisted in setting up and breaking down kitchen stations.
  • Pushed, pulled and transported large loads and objects.
  • Monitored food temperature, discarding items not stored correctly.
  • Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
  • Trained new staff on food preparation and safety procedures.

Cook

Finncare
09.2022 - Current
  • 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.
  • Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • 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.
  • Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
  • Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
  • Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
  • Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
  • 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.
  • Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
  • Collaborated with management team to develop new menu items.
  • Adapted quickly to menu changes and customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
  • Coordinated with front of house to ensure smooth service during busy periods, enhancing customer dining experience.
  • Trained new kitchen staff, ensuring they met restaurant's high standards.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure timely meal preparation, even during peak hours.
  • Fostered culture of teamwork and communication within kitchen, leading to improved efficiency.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep work processes.
  • Streamlined food preparation process, increasing kitchen productivity.
  • 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.
  • Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
  • Prepared and served various food items in fast-paced [Type] environment.
  • Adjusted recipes based on ingredient availability or customer request.
  • Prioritized and re-prioritized kitchen tasks based on fluctuating demands.
  • Trained and supervised cooking staff to expertly meet daily needs.
  • Suggested actionable improvements to streamline training procedures.

Education

Bachelor of Teaching, Primary Education

Griffith University
Brisbane, QLD
06.1990

Skills

  • Chef support
  • Dishwashing
  • Safe Food Handling
  • Kitchen Equipment Operation
  • Food Preparation
  • Ingredient Preparation
  • Food preparation mastery
  • Positive Attitude
  • Dedicated Work Ethic
  • Team Collaboration
  • Punctual and Reliable
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Relationship Building
  • Customer Engagement
  • Problem-Solving
  • Kitchen Staff Support
  • Customer Service
  • Flexible and Adaptable
  • Team contribution
  • Basic Recordkeeping
  • Food Safety
  • Ingredient management
  • Food storage protocol
  • Meal presentation
  • Cleaning and sanitizing
  • Food Storage
  • Allergen awareness
  • Cooking
  • Kitchen Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Cleaning and sanitation
  • Surface cleaning
  • Trash removal
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Food safety understanding
  • Stock Rotation
  • Temperature Monitoring
  • Fire Prevention and Safety

Accomplishments

I have lived a full life, experiencing, situations unexpected and unwanted . I have moved continents, conquered new schooling, university and teaching situations.

Through personal experience, I believe I have a deeper understanding and empathy with our residents.

I am able to adapt to new situations and personalities.

I work independently when necessary. Equally, I can adapt to a team situations, changing roles as required.

Experience in life has helped me achieve what I believe has been a positive influence in the lives of the elderly with whom I come in con tact with.

travel, experiencing life to maximum positive

I was born  in Africa.  Adopted. My earliest memories are driving from Salisbury to Johannesburg, then on to Cape town or perhaps Durban. (Cape wins everytime) This entailed border crossings, patrols, armed convoys, Just to get to the ocean. And wow. Magic. 

To this day the sound of waves is "my space".

I have been privileged enough to travel, with family, as part of a hockey team, independently and with a partner, to many places. (MY PASSION)

I have two wonderful grown sons, have grappled with cancer twice, personally, been at my parents bedside to their final breath ( a privilage) and  consider evrey day....another day. They may not be great but they are... I can hear, hug, talk laugh, cry, swear , breathe.

Additional Information

Ask anything that is pertinent

Timeline

KITCHEN ASSISTANT

Finncare
09.2022 - Current

Cook

Finncare
09.2022 - Current

Bachelor of Teaching, Primary Education

Griffith University

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Lindsay Aitken