Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Mark McInnes

Adelaide

Summary

An experienced Executive Chef, Food Auditor and Business Development Manager, with an extensive food, catering and hospitality background. Skills include excellent leadership capabilities and strengths in innovative menu design and development projects. Customer focused to meet KPI objectives supported by the ability to motivate staff to be self directed and achieve positive outcomes and exceptional results whilst delivering a superior food and beverage experience.

Extensive experience in modifying menus to individuals specific dietary requirements and accustomed to working with dieticians as needed. This is combined with excellent professional presentation and communication skills to build and maintain strong customer relationships. A keen sense of awareness for developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, suppliers and clients. Highly skilled at problem solving and trouble shooting catering issues whilst maintaining budgets and food/staffing costs.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Catering Manager

Serco ASPAC
05.2013 - Current
  • Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
  • Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events with chefs to plan menus according to client needs and budgets.
  • Collaborates with detainees and dietician to create customized culturally appropriate menus tailored to their specific preferences and needs.
  • Coordinates logistics for multiple dietary needs simultaneously, maintaining seamless operations and timely execution.
  • Maintains stringent budget controls, minimizing cost without sacrificing quality.
  • Streamlines kitchen operations, ensuring timely preparation and delivery of high-quality dishes.
  • Ensures compliance with all health and safety regulations, maintaining impeccable record.
  • Impeccable audit history with complete HACCP compliance.
  • Reduced waste and optimized resource use by introducing efficient inventory management practices.
  • Enhanced detainee satisfaction by efficiently managing catering schedules and menus and promptly addressing any concerns.
  • Develops and conducts staff training programs, enhancing team skills and service levels.
  • Handles escalated detainee concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction with low complaint record.
  • Motivates staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.


Business Development Manager Hotels and Catering

Oman Air
02.2011 - 11.2013
  • Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decision makers.
  • Facilitated regular communication with clients to ensure their needs were met, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
  • Developed customized solutions for clients based on a deep understanding of their unique requests, delivering exceptional value and driving repeat business.
  • Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, consistently exceeding revenue targets through upselling strategies and exceptional customer service.
  • Established relationships with key decision-makers within customer's organization to promote growth and retention.
  • Designed first class and business class menus and taught staff in multiple countries how to cook the menus with consistency and impeccable quality.
  • Managed approximately 50 staff both front of house and catering team.
  • Recruited and trained all staff for the Business and First Class lounges in Oman and Bangkok.

Group Executive Chef

Al Nahda Resort And Spa
01.2008 - 02.2011
  • Collaborated with marketing team on promotional events and special menus to attract new clientele and boost revenue.
  • Developed a successful employee training program, resulting in improved staff performance and higher retention rates.
  • Mentored junior chefs, providing guidance on technique, presentation, and professional development within the industry.
  • Monitored industry trends to stay ahead of competitors by incorporating innovative ideas into culinary offerings and restaurant operations.
  • Adapted menus for international venues by incorporating local flavors while preserving brand identity and culinary vision.
  • Maintained a safe, clean kitchen environment through vigilant attention to hygiene standards, equipment maintenance, and staff training on best practices.
  • Successfully launched new restaurants from concept development to opening day execution, overseeing all aspects of kitchen setup and staff recruitment.
  • Managed large events up to 2000 people for weddings, conferences, cultural celebrations and special hotel functions/events.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures in inventory management, reducing food waste without compromising quality or guest experience.
  • Achieved outstanding guest feedback through attentive listening to concerns or suggestions regarding menu offerings or service improvements.
  • Led a diverse team of chefs across multiple restaurant locations, fostering collaboration and consistent quality standards throughout the group.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction with innovative menu creation, seasonal dish updates, and attention to dietary restrictions.
  • Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.

Executive Chef

Melbourne Exhibition And Convention Centre
01.2007 - 01.2008
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
  • Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for Exhibition and Convention Centre.
  • Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests.
  • Conducted regular evaluations of kitchen equipment and appliances, ensuring proper maintenance and timely replacement to maintain optimal operational efficiency.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive prices on ingredients and supplies.
  • Created visually appealing plate presentations, enhancing the overall dining experience for patrons.
  • Managed kitchen staff for efficient food production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes.
  • Recruitment and training of all new kitchen staff

Executive Chef

Grand Mecure Hotel Swanston & Mecure Hotel Welcome
03.2004 - 01.2007
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
  • Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
  • Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests.
  • Conducted regular evaluations of kitchen equipment and appliances, ensuring proper maintenance and timely replacement to maintain optimal operational efficiency.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive prices on ingredients and supplies.
  • Maximized profitability by effectively managing food costs through portion control and minimizing waste.
  • Created visually appealing plate presentations, enhancing the overall dining experience for patrons.
  • Managed kitchen staff for efficient food production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes.
  • Requisitioned food, selected and developed recipes and standardized production recipes for consistent quality.

Executive Chef Manager

Sodexo Food Service
02.2001 - 02.2004
  • Managed the catering operations of multiple venues including Montefiore Nursing Home, BHP billiton Head Office, Ormond College, Melbourne University.
  • Fostered a positive work environment where employees felt valued and motivated to perform at their best, contributing to the team''s success.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations for improved efficiency, reducing food waste and increasing overall productivity.
  • Consistently met revenue targets even during challenging economic periods by closely monitoring market trends and adjusting strategies accordingly.
  • Managed budget effectively by carefully tracking expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities within the operation.

Executive Chef

Crown Casino Melbourne
02.2000 - 02.2001
  • Management of 5 venues within Crown Casino Complex, Responsible for budgets and financial targets, sales and marketing, food and labour costs.
  • Managed staff recruitment and training
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.

Sous Chef / Acting Head Chef

Let's Eat
03.1998 - 02.2000

Set up “Let’s Eat” (food and wine emporium) for Coles, menu writing/testing, staff recruitment/training, HACCP plan, and Equipment set-up. Team consisted of 50 chefs, rostering, and food/labour costs, ordering food and equipment.

Chef De Cuisine Banquets

Sheraton Towers
04.1996 - 02.1998

Sheraton Towers, Southgate, Melbourne Five Star

Chef De Partie

Grand Hyatt Melbourne
11.1995 - 04.1996

Grand Hyatt Melbourne Five Star

Chef De Partie

Holland America Line
10.1994 - 04.1995

1995 S.S. Rotterdam-The Grand World Voyage

Chef De Partie

Savoy Hotel
09.1992 - 10.1994

The Savoy Hotel, London Five Star

Chef De Partie

Tower Thistle Hotel
01.1992 - 09.1992

The Tower Thistle Hotel - Four 1/2 Star

Commis Chef

Sherwoods Temporary Personnel London
08.1991 - 12.1991

Hyde Park Hotel, Grosvenor House and The Strand Palace, London

Education

High School Diploma -

Concordia College
Adelaide, SA
12.1987

Certificate IV - Commercial Cookery

Regency Park College of TAFE
Adelaide, SA
01.1991

Woks At Work - Cooking

William Angliss Institute of TAFE
Melbourne, VIC
04.1999

Level 2 & 3 Supervising Food Safety in Catering - Food Safety

Chartered Institute Environmental Health
Melbourne, VIC
02.2012

HACCP Requirements (including HACCP Plans) - Tafe SA, Food Microbiological Techniques &Analysis

BSI
Adelaide, SA
2016

Lead Food Auditors Course - Food Auditing

SAI Global
Adelaide, SA
2018

Skills

  • Event planning proficiency leadership / development of teams
  • Strategic management of research and development projects
  • Quality performance and improvement focused
  • Business development focused
  • Qualified Food & Hygiene Auditing / Analysis
  • Strong customer focus and drive
  • Excellent networking and public relations capabilities
  • Exceptional understanding of food development and dietary needs/adapted dietary plans
  • Creative and trend forward food styling initiatives
  • Teaching and professional development of staff

Affiliations

  • Les Toques Blanches, Victorian chapter
  • International Club and Executive Chefs Association Oman Chef’s Guild

Timeline

Catering Manager

Serco ASPAC
05.2013 - Current

Business Development Manager Hotels and Catering

Oman Air
02.2011 - 11.2013

Group Executive Chef

Al Nahda Resort And Spa
01.2008 - 02.2011

Executive Chef

Melbourne Exhibition And Convention Centre
01.2007 - 01.2008

Executive Chef

Grand Mecure Hotel Swanston & Mecure Hotel Welcome
03.2004 - 01.2007

Executive Chef Manager

Sodexo Food Service
02.2001 - 02.2004

Executive Chef

Crown Casino Melbourne
02.2000 - 02.2001

Sous Chef / Acting Head Chef

Let's Eat
03.1998 - 02.2000

Chef De Cuisine Banquets

Sheraton Towers
04.1996 - 02.1998

Chef De Partie

Grand Hyatt Melbourne
11.1995 - 04.1996

Chef De Partie

Holland America Line
10.1994 - 04.1995

Chef De Partie

Savoy Hotel
09.1992 - 10.1994

Chef De Partie

Tower Thistle Hotel
01.1992 - 09.1992

Commis Chef

Sherwoods Temporary Personnel London
08.1991 - 12.1991

High School Diploma -

Concordia College

Certificate IV - Commercial Cookery

Regency Park College of TAFE

Woks At Work - Cooking

William Angliss Institute of TAFE

Level 2 & 3 Supervising Food Safety in Catering - Food Safety

Chartered Institute Environmental Health

HACCP Requirements (including HACCP Plans) - Tafe SA, Food Microbiological Techniques &Analysis

BSI

Lead Food Auditors Course - Food Auditing

SAI Global
Mark McInnes