Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Charma J. Killebrew

Verona,PA

Summary

Effective culinary professional offering 10+ years of experience as Restaurant Line Cook and Banquet Cook. Considered hardworking, talented and well-rounded in various tasks, including plating foods and working efficiently. Recognized for consistency and quality of work. Also promotes proactive management of team activities and store operations. Skillfully monitors processes to meet changing demands, increase efficiency and boost revenue. Focused and enthusiastic demeanor with strong background building successful teams. Proven track record for creating positive working environments. Proven effectiveness boosting revenue by optimizing staff and promotions utilization. Reliable and dedicated approach to incorporating excellent interpersonal skills.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Project Manager

Elior North America
11.2022 - 06.2025
  • Led cross-functional teams to execute project plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
  • Developed comprehensive project schedules using advanced project management software to enhance workflow efficiency.
  • Facilitated stakeholder meetings to gather requirements, assess risks, and communicate progress updates effectively.
  • Mentored junior project managers, fostering skill development and promoting best practices in project execution.
  • Directed strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes.
  • Implemented training programs, fostering professional development among team members.
  • Analyzed workflow systems, identifying areas for improvement and recommending actionable solutions.
  • Spearheaded project management efforts, coordinating resources and timelines for successful execution.
  • Oversaw budget planning and resource allocation to optimize departmental effectiveness.
  • Led culinary team in menu development, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations to enhance efficiency and reduce food waste.
  • Trained staff on food safety standards, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
  • Managed inventory control systems, optimizing supply chain processes and reducing costs.
  • Developed training programs for new hires, fostering skill advancement and team cohesion.
  • Collaborated with nutritionists to create balanced meal options for diverse customer needs.
  • 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.
  • Kept kitchen staff in compliance with safety and food regulations to reduce opportunities for illness or accidents.
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Implemented strict adherence to food safety regulations, ensuring the consistent delivery of safe and delicious meals.
  • Pitched in to work line during busy periods or in place of sick employees.
  • Managed staffing schedules, minimizing labor costs while maintaining optimal kitchen performance during peak hours.
  • Improved operational processes by implementing new technologies such as digital ordering systems or advanced cooking appliances.
  • Established positive relationships with local suppliers to secure fresh produce and support the community economy.
  • Introduced creative specials that catered to customer preferences, contributing to an increase in repeat business.
  • Developed comprehensive menus with a focus on seasonal ingredients and regional flavors, resulting in a unique dining experience.
  • Effectively managed food allergen and cross-contamination concerns, ensuring the safety of patrons with dietary restrictions.
  • Instituted positive kitchen atmosphere for staffers through effective communication, consistent training and skill development.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the kitchen team by providing constructive feedback and professional development opportunities.
  • Produced and plated variety of exotic fruit-based desserts and after-dinner cheese plates.
  • Spearheaded catering efforts for special events, showcasing culinary expertise and generating additional revenue streams.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen and dining area, improving overall service quality.
  • Successfully balanced diverse responsibilities including menu design, staff training, budget management, and event coordination.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating innovative and high-quality dishes tailored to diverse dietary preferences.
  • Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
  • Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
  • Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
  • Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
  • Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
  • Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
  • Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
  • Assisted with menu development and planning.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
  • Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
  • Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.

Line Cook

Urgo Hotels
08.2012 - 11.2022
  • Operated fryers and grills according to instructions to maintain safety and food quality.
  • Carried pans and trays of food to and from work stations, stove and refrigerator.
  • Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
  • Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct food temperature for high scores on health inspections.
  • Maintained hygienic kitchen with regular mopping, disinfecting workspace and washing utensils and glassware.
  • Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
  • Conducted daily inspections and maintained food sanitation and kitchen equipment safety reports.
  • Adhered to portion controls and presentation specifications.
  • Cleaned cooking and refrigeration equipment to sanitize and prevent food-borne illness.
  • Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
  • Cooked multiple orders simultaneously during busy periods.
  • Mentored and trained staff by teaching cooking skills and kitchen maintenance, improving overall quality and performance.
  • Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products.

Personal Cook

NHS Human Services
09.2011 - 08.2012
  • Enforced proper sanitation practices to prevent spoiling or contamination of foods.
  • Replenished food items from inventory and rotated ingredients.
  • Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
  • Trained, managed and guided kitchen staff to improve overall performance, service quality and productivity.
  • Prepared and served meals by reviewing recipes and combining and cooking ingredients.
  • Followed established procedures and requirements for safe food handling, storage and service.
  • Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
  • Performed budget formulation work involving review and preparation of budget estimates and financial plans.
  • Completed monthly operational reviews to check budget compliance and identify areas in need of adjustment.
  • Determined and tracked budget expenses with accuracy and transparency.

Assistant Store Manager

Dots LLC
08.2008 - 08.2009
  • Assisted in continuous development of effective store associates to achieve desired sales and results.
  • Completed frequent walk-throughs and directed team members to correct issues impacting store appearance or professionalism.
  • Coached and developed store associates through formal and informal interactions.
  • Delegated assignments based on team strengths to optimize floor coverage and service levels.
  • Provided mentorship for employees to generate sales, promote effective upselling and cross-sell to improve retail productivity.
  • Interviewed and vetted job applicants to make effective hiring decisions and fill vacancies with strong team members.
  • Handled scheduling for store shifts to achieve adequate staffing.
  • Checked monthly sales and performance reports to support operational planning and strategic decision-making.
  • Oversaw coaching and guidance of store employees to foster advancement in work operations.
  • Handled complaints from customers by empathetically listening, recording details and offering solutions.
  • Supervised cashiers in processing credit, debit and cash payments to streamline sales.
  • Reviewed inventory and sales records to prepare reports for management and budget departments.
  • Answered customer questions and addressed problems and complaints in person and via phone.
  • Oversaw daily operations of store, including inventory and supply restocking, cash-handling and assisting customers.
  • Trained staff on daily duties and supervised and provided feedback, resulting in improved performance and customer satisfaction.
  • Oversaw daily operations by delegating tasks, managing shift changes and conducting keyholder duties to open and close business.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired qualified employees to provide top-quality service.
  • Coordinated merchandising by planning floor layouts and displays, guiding resets and directing sales signage placement.
  • Scheduled staff to assign employee shifts according to departmental and business needs.
  • Assisted customers, answered questions and resolved problems for stellar customer service.

Co-Manager

Ashley Stewart
06.2007 - 08.2008
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Connected with customers to provide assistance and collect feedback to optimize operations.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
  • Staged merchandise and stocked sales floor to stimulate impulse sales.
  • Improved profitability by executing daily, weekly and monthly floor plan changes.
  • Mentored employees in management of complicated sales, complex issues and difficult customers.
  • Organized and updated schedules to optimize coverage for expected customer demands.
  • Managed visual merchandising, maintaining standards and elevating customer experience.
  • Coached, managed and developed teams to provide exceptional service and achieve sales goals.
  • Supported retail associates to drive quality performance and experiences for guests.
  • Met or exceeded fiscal sales goals, maximizing operating budgets.
  • Maintained store staff by recruiting, orienting and training employees.
  • Monitored inventory, cash and payroll processes to keep location running smoothly.
  • Audited store operations, slashing inventory shrinkage and reducing cash discrepancies.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Business Management

Community College of Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, PA

Culinary Arts Diploma - Culinary Arts

Bidwell Training Center
Pittsburgh, PA
08.2011

High School Diploma -

Penn Hills Senior High School
Pittsburgh, PA
06.2001

Cosmetology - Cosmetology

Pittsburgh Beauty Academy
Pittsburgh, PA
10-2003

Skills

  • Ingredient inspection
  • Foodservice sanitation
  • Recipe creation
  • Equipment cleaning and maintenance
  • Food storage
  • Contamination control
  • Food presentation
  • Team-oriented
  • Highly motivated
  • Effective prioritization
  • Recipe preparation
  • Cleaning procedures
  • High volume production capability
  • Hot and cold food preparation
  • Staff training
  • Store Growth Planning
  • Finance and Accounting Oversight
  • Operations Oversight
  • Decision Making
  • Records Organization and Management
  • Staff Scheduling
  • Training Management
  • Management Team Building
  • Recruitment and Hiring
  • Staff Development
  • Quality Assurance
  • Customer Service Management
  • Employee Motivation
  • Goal Setting
  • Financial Statement Review
  • Budget Control
  • Cross-Disciplinary Engagement
  • Critical Thinking
  • Organizational Skills
  • Team Building
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Supervision & Leadership
  • Safety Procedures
  • Documentation and Reporting
  • Coordinating Daily Operations
  • Project management
  • Project scheduling
  • Project planning
  • Project planning and development
  • Schedule management
  • Relationship building
  • Customer relations
  • Staff management
  • Work flow planning
  • Advanced problem solving

Timeline

Project Manager

Elior North America
11.2022 - 06.2025

Line Cook

Urgo Hotels
08.2012 - 11.2022

Personal Cook

NHS Human Services
09.2011 - 08.2012

Assistant Store Manager

Dots LLC
08.2008 - 08.2009

Co-Manager

Ashley Stewart
06.2007 - 08.2008

Culinary Arts Diploma - Culinary Arts

Bidwell Training Center

High School Diploma -

Penn Hills Senior High School

Some College (No Degree) - Business Management

Community College of Allegheny County

Cosmetology - Cosmetology

Pittsburgh Beauty Academy