April Waddington
Roseville,California
Summary
Dynamic Chef De Cuisine with a proven track record at BROOKDALE, specializing in innovative menu creation and team leadership. Expert in seafood preparation and kitchen sanitation, I consistently enhance guest satisfaction through high-quality dishes and effective collaboration, achieving significant waste reduction while maintaining stringent food safety standards.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef De Cuisine
BROOKDALE
Citrus Heights, CA
08.2025 - Current
- Developed innovative menu items aligned with seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
- Oversaw kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to food safety standards and quality control measures.
- Trained and mentored junior chefs, fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Managed inventory and procurement processes to minimize waste and enhance cost efficiency.
- Prepared diverse dishes following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and workspace.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal service during peak hours.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking ingredient usage and minimizing waste.
- Trained junior staff on food safety standards and proper cooking techniques.
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Streamlined kitchen operations by implementing efficient workflow processes for meal prep.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- 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.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
Chef De Cuisine
Eskaton Lodge Granite Bay
Granite Bay, CA
01.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery and guest satisfaction.
- Implemented new cooking techniques that improved dish presentation and flavor profiles.
- Analyzed kitchen workflows, identifying areas for process improvements to increase productivity.
- Led culinary events showcasing restaurant offerings, enhancing brand visibility within the community.
- Maintained high levels of sanitation and cleanliness, adhering to strict health code regulations and ensuring a safe working environment.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by creating innovative and visually appealing dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
- Reduced food waste through careful menu planning, portion control, and regular monitoring of product expiration dates.
- Ensured proper storage of perishable items according to HACCP guidelines, minimizing risks associated with foodborne illness outbreaks or spoilage costs.
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
- Prepared diverse menu items following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen spaces to comply with health regulations.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking stock levels and reporting shortages.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely service during peak hours.
- Trained new staff on kitchen procedures, safety protocols, and equipment usage.
- Developed seasonal menu ideas based on customer feedback and ingredient availability.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Implemented quality control measures to maintain high standards for food safety and freshness.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- 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.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
- 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.
- Conducted regular quality checks on ingredients, ensuring only best were used in meal preparation.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Improved meal presentation with innovative plating techniques, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
Lead Cook
Roseville City School District
Roseville, CA
11.2023 - 09.2025
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure adherence to safety and sanitation standards.
- Developed and optimized menu items to enhance customer satisfaction and dining experience.
- Coordinated food preparation activities, ensuring timely service during peak hours.
- Trained new cooks on cooking techniques and kitchen equipment operation.
- Implemented inventory management practices to reduce waste and control costs.
- Conducted regular quality checks on food presentation and taste consistency.
- Resolved operational issues swiftly to maintain kitchen efficiency during service hours.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
- Consistently met or exceeded health code standards by enforcing strict sanitation practices throughout the kitchen area.
- Taught kitchen staff safety protocols and restaurant standards.
- Implemented effective cross-training initiatives, which allowed team members to seamlessly cover various roles during peak service times.
- Streamlined kitchen operations by creating more accurate prep sheets, standardized recipe files and product-rotation systems.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture through proactive communication with team members at all levels of the organization.
- Oversaw proper storage procedures for perishable items, ensuring freshness and minimizing spoilage risks.
- Managed ordering processes for kitchen supplies and ingredients, optimizing budget allocation while maintaining consistent product quality.
- Mentored junior staff members in culinary techniques, fostering an environment of continuous learning within the team.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
- Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
Office Manager
Arteaga Construction
Roseville, CA
04.2020 - 2023
- Managed daily office operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to company policies.
- Coordinated vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to optimize services and reduce costs.
- Implemented office procedures that improved communication and streamlined administrative tasks.
- Oversaw scheduling of meetings, maintaining calendars for executives to enhance time management.
- Developed and maintained filing systems, ensuring easy access to documents and compliance with regulations.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Enhanced team productivity by delegating tasks effectively and overseeing daily workflow.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
- Streamlined document handling and processing, reducing turnaround time for client inquiries and requests.
- Handled sensitive employee and client information with utmost confidentiality, maintaining trust and integrity.
- Facilitated positive work environment, addressing employee concerns promptly and fostering culture of mutual respect.
- Enhanced office operational efficiency by streamlining filing systems, resulting in easier access to critical documents.
- Oversaw appointment scheduling and itinerary coordination for both clients and personnel.
- Improved office operations by automating client correspondence, record tracking and data communications.
- Managed supervisor itinerary and appointments and streamlined scheduling procedures.
Customer Service Cashier
Target
Pleasant Hill, CA
09.2012 - 02.2013
- Trained new team members on operational procedures and customer service standards.
- Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Processed customer orders and accurately handled payment transactions.
- Answered product questions using knowledge of sales and store promotions.
- Balanced cash registers accurately at the end of each shift, minimizing discrepancies and errors.
- Provided support to fellow cashiers by stepping in during breaks or assisting with complex transactions as needed.
- Utilized strong product knowledge to upsell items when appropriate, boosting overall sales revenue.
- Participated in regular inventory counts, ensuring accuracy in store stock levels.
- Enhanced customer experience by providing prompt and accurate transactions.
- Coordinated with stock team to ensure product availability at checkout area, optimizing customer's shopping experience.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline checkout processes, reducing average customer wait time.
- Conducted inventory counts by adding each item in stock and documenting in computer system.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints, enhancing satisfaction levels.
- Maintained accurate cash drawer, ensuring accountability and precision.
Ad Set Associate
Kohls Department Store
Pleasant Hill, CA
01.2007 - 08.2010
- Developed targeted ad sets across multiple platforms to optimize campaign performance.
- Analyzed audience insights to refine targeting strategies and improve engagement metrics.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align marketing initiatives with business goals.
- Monitored ad performance using analytics tools, providing actionable insights for adjustments.
- Trained junior associates on best practices for ad set creation and optimization techniques.
Price Accuracy Coordinator
Rite Aide Pharmacy
Concord, CA
08.1998 - 04.2003
- Coordinated price verification processes to ensure accurate pricing across all product categories.
- Analyzed pricing discrepancies and implemented corrective actions to enhance accuracy and consistency.
- Trained team members on pricing policies and procedures, fostering a culture of compliance and precision.
- Led audits of pricing data in systems, ensuring alignment with corporate standards and minimizing financial discrepancies.
- Facilitated swift resolution of any pricing disputes between customers and sales representatives, promoting positive client experiences.
- Collaborated closely with merchandising and marketing teams to align promotional activities with accurate product pricing information.
- Ensured compliance with legal requirements related to retail pricing practices through rigorous adherence to established standards and guidelines.
- Streamlined pricing procedures for improved efficiency and accuracy within the department.
- Managed price change requests, ensuring accurate entry into the system for seamless execution across departments.
- Enhanced pricing accuracy by diligently reviewing and updating price changes in the system.
- Resolved customer inquiries regarding price adjustments, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Reduced pricing discrepancies by conducting regular audits on product prices and promotional offers.
- Served customers with knowledgeable, friendly support at every stage of shopping and purchasing.
- Selected correct products based on customer needs, product specifications and applicable regulations.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
- Greeted customers and offered assistance with selecting merchandise, finding accessories and completing purchases.
- Streamlined workflow processes for price updates, reducing turnaround time for implementation across departments.
Education
Pharmacy Technician
Rite Aid School of Pharmacy Technician
Vallejo, CA05.2001
High School Diploma - Gender Studies
Encina High School
Sacramento, CA06.1998
Skills
Seafood preparation
Plating techniques
Vegetable cookery
Leadership qualities
Kitchen sanitation
Food safety
Knife skills
Sanitation protocols
Team management
Kitchen operations
Food presentation
Roasting methods
Culinary expertise
Butchery skills
Allergen awareness
Food safety standards
Food trends awareness
Braising techniques
Frying methods
Dish preparation
Food safety regulations
Inventory rotation
Sanitation standards
Kitchen management
Cost control and budgeting
Equipment maintenance
Waste reduction
Ingredient selection
Signature dish creation
Kitchen equipment safety
Recipes and menu planning
Cleaning and sanitation
Portion and cost control
Kitchen staff management
Food handlers card
Teamwork
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Time management
Attention to detail
Problem-solving abilities
Food preparing, plating, and presentation
Multitasking
Multitasking Abilities
Food prep planning
Timeline
Chef De Cuisine
BROOKDALE
08.2025 - Current
Chef De Cuisine
Eskaton Lodge Granite Bay
01.2024 - Current
Lead Cook
Roseville City School District
11.2023 - 09.2025
Office Manager
Arteaga Construction
04.2020 - 2023
Customer Service Cashier
Target
09.2012 - 02.2013
Ad Set Associate
Kohls Department Store
01.2007 - 08.2010
Price Accuracy Coordinator
Rite Aide Pharmacy
08.1998 - 04.2003
Pharmacy Technician
Rite Aid School of Pharmacy Technician
High School Diploma - Gender Studies
Encina High School