Christopher Carpenter
Chattanooga,TN
Summary
A dual threat when it comes to working with food and working with people. Currently a detailed Produce Manager bringing 6 years of produce management experience. I possess exceptional communication skills, ensuring top-quality service for customers and training highly effective teams for outstanding performance. Prior to this role, I spent 4 years as a Culinary professional, gaining valuable experience in demanding kitchen environments and upscale fine dining establishments. My strengths include menu development, showcasing seasonal ingredients, and upholding the highest standards of food quality and presentation. Recognized for fostering collaboration, adapting to changing needs, and consistently achieving desired outcomes. Dedicated to team leadership, my commitment lies in working together to accomplish set goals, efficient inventory management, and culinary innovation.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Produce Department Manager
Whole Foods Market
11.2020 - Current
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets. Increasing department sales by 30% every year since store opening
- Addressed customer inquiries promptly, providing knowledgeable guidance on product selection and usage recommendations.
- Successfully managed seasonal transitions within the department, offering a diverse range of products yearround.
- Collaborated with store management to achieve overall store goals and targets.
- Led team meetings to communicate updates on company policies or initiatives while promoting open dialogue among staff members for continuous improvement.
Prepared Foods Associate Team Leader
Whole Foods Market
08.2019 - 11.2020
- Fosters team member development, and able to place team members according to their strengths
- Managed daily operations, delegating tasks effectively for smooth workflow and timely completion.
- Delivered high-quality project results by fostering a strong sense of teamwork, dedication, and commitment to excellence within the team.
- Established processes for task delegation, enabling timely completion of responsibilities from all team members
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Adapted menus seasonally, incorporating fresh produce to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.
- Mentored team members and supervisors in culinary techniques, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused work environment.
Chef De Partie
Whole Foods Market
02.2018 - 08.2019
- Promoted from Team Member to Supervisor to Chef De Partie within first year with company
- In charge of the creation of all food bar schematics and their daily execution
- Familiar with coaching team members of proper cooking and presentation of bar and case food items
- With the help of Leadership trusted with leading a weekly production meeting to help minimize spoilage
- Maintained food quality at the highest standard, and mentored team members to observe these same practices
Sous Chef
Sea Level
12.2015 - 01.2018
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards all while grossing sales of near $25,000 an evening
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
- Maintained open lines of communication with front-of-house management teams to address any potential issues before they escalated into larger problems affecting overall guest satisfaction levels.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing guest concerns or special dietary requests, building loyalty among returning clientele.
- Developed strong relationships with local vendors, securing fresh ingredients at competitive prices while supporting community businesses.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Hospitality Management
JOHNSON & WALES
North Miami, FL05.2017
Associates - Culinary Arts
JOHNSON & WALES
North Miami, FL05.2017
Skills
- Proficient in Excel
- Emotional Intelligence
- Results Driven
- Detail Oriented
- Safety Conscience
- Adaptability
- Time Management
- Communication Skills
- Ordering procedures
- Display creation
- Waste reduction
Certification
Certified Food Safety Manager, The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Produce Department Manager
Whole Foods Market
11.2020 - Current
Prepared Foods Associate Team Leader
Whole Foods Market
08.2019 - 11.2020
Chef De Partie
Whole Foods Market
02.2018 - 08.2019
Sous Chef
Sea Level
12.2015 - 01.2018
Associates - Culinary Arts
JOHNSON & WALES
Bachelors of Science - Hospitality Management
JOHNSON & WALES
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