Daija James
Waihawa
Summary
Accomplished Culinary Specialist with a proven track record in the Military, enhancing kitchen efficiency and meal quality through innovative cooking techniques and effective team mentorship. Excelled in dining facility management and fostering professional growth, significantly boosting employee morale and customer satisfaction. Expert in sanitation procedures and allergen awareness, ensuring top-notch food safety and diverse menu offerings.
Resourceful United States Army , SPC with three years of experience as Culinary Specialist providing food service and dining facility management. Accomplished in planning, preparing and serving balanced meals under strict deadlines and budget limitations. Focused on proper food handling, safety procedures and maintaining clean food service and dining environment.
Meticulous Culinary Specialist eager to create unique and delicious dishes. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with good understanding of seamless dining experience for customers. Creative and dedicated to staying up-to-date with food trends.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Culinary Specialist
Military
08.2022 - Current
- Increased overall efficiency by cross-training staff in various cooking techniques and station responsibilities.
- Mentored junior culinary staff, fostering professional growth and supporting skill development.
- Conducted regular safety checks on kitchen equipment to ensure proper functionality and minimize downtime due to repairs or replacements.
- Established food preparation procedures and guidelines to promote meal consistency and quality.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary kitchen environment in compliance with health department regulations.
- Upheld the highest standards of quality control throughout all stages of food production from ingredient sourcing to final plating.
- Boosted employee morale through transparent communication regarding performance feedback and opportunities for advancement within the company structure.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing high-quality meals and maintaining timely food service.
- Collaborated with other culinary specialists to create innovative dishes that exceeded customer expectations.
- Minimized wait times for customers during peak hours by quickly adapting to changing demands within the kitchen environment.
- Improved recipe consistency by standardizing measurements and documenting preparation methods for each dish.
- Consistently met strict dietary requirements for guests with allergies or specific preferences by creating customized meal options.
- Expanded culinary offerings by continually learning new techniques and incorporating current trends into menu development.
- Prepared and served food to approximately 650 personnel in upscale urban restaurant.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
Education
High School Diploma -
Goldsboro High School
Goldsboro, NC06.2021
Skills
- Dining facility management
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Guest Interaction
- Kitchen Organization
- Cooking methods
- Food Preparation
- Knife Skills
- Preparing food
- Ingredient Knowledge
- Food Service
- Sanitation Procedures
- Food presentation
- Equipment Inspections
- Food Plating
- Employee Scheduling
- Workstation Maintenance
- Allergen awareness
Timeline
Culinary Specialist
Military
08.2022 - Current
High School Diploma -
Goldsboro High School
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