Derek Pollard
Newcastle ,WA
Summary
Versatile food service professional with extensive experience and strong expertise in food safety, staff training, customer service and inventory management. I have strong communication skills and a commitment to maintaining standards and contribute to a thriving kitchen environment.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Vendor
Rolling Smoke Barbeque
03.2026 - Current
- Prepared and served high-quality barbeque dishes to customers, ensuring adherence to food safety standards.
- Managed inventory levels, coordinating supply orders to minimize waste and maintain product freshness.
- Streamlined workflow processes, improving efficiency in order fulfillment during peak service hours.
- Interacted with customers to provide exceptional service and address inquiries or concerns promptly.
- Collaborated with team members to implement best practices for food handling and sanitation procedures.
- Sold Food and beverages at sporting events, parades, concerts and other venues.
- Assisted food prep and assembly on line and served 500 customers on average.
- Cut and prepare various meat products to meet customer specifications
Crew
Chipotle
05.2025 - 04.2026
- Adapted quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining standards.
- Followed portion control guidelines to minimize waste and optimize ingredient usage.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations to ensure food safety compliance.
- Assisted in training new crew members on operational procedures and customer service techniques.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely order fulfillment during peak hours.
- Implemented efficient workflow methods, reducing wait times for customers during busy shifts.
- Took orders, prepared meals, and collected payments.
- Kept food preparation area, equipment, and utensils clean and sanitary.
- Operated fryer equipment, ensuring efficient cooking and consistent product quality.
- Prepared ingredients by chopping, slicing, and measuring to ensure efficient cooking processes.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
- Operated industrial dishwashing equipment to maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards.
Grill Cook
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
10.2024 - 04.2025
- Prepared and cooked menu items according to standardized recipes.
- Restocked and rotated food items according to expiry dates to minimize waste.
- Stored and handled goods correctly to maintain freshness and condition.
- Processed customer orders accurately and efficiently at drive-thru window
- Took orders at drive-thru or front counter and accurately processed payments to provide guests with great service.
- Operated kitchen equipment, including grills, fryers, and ovens, with attention to safety protocols.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient service during peak hours.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Completed orders within established timeframes, meeting customer expectations for prompt service.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
- Kept kitchen up to code for health and safety inspections.
Sous Chef
Rolling Smoke Barbeque
11.2023 - 11.2024
- Prepared and cooked a variety of BBQ dishes to meet customer preferences and quality standards.
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient meal preparation and service.
- Maintained high standards of food safety and sanitation in compliance with health regulations.
- Collaborated with head chef on inventory management, reducing food waste through effective ordering practices.
- Trained junior cooks in culinary techniques and kitchen operations for enhanced team performance.
- Assisted in managing daily kitchen operations, ensuring timely service during peak hours.
- Managed food preparation.
- Operated smokehouse equipment to ensure consistent quality and flavor profiles in smoked products.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items.
- Cut and prepare various BBQ meat products to meet customer specifications
- Operated fryer equipment, ensuring efficient cooking and consistent product quality.
- Monitored food temperatures, maintaining safety standards throughout cooking process
- Operated industrial dishwashing equipment to maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards.
- Assisted kitchen staff by efficiently cleaning dishes, utensils, and cookware.
Team Member
Target
09.2022 - 01.2023
- Operated register to process payments and collect cash whilst also provided excellent customer service.
- Executed breakdown of boxes and cartons to facilitate efficient waste disposal.
- Managed inventory, Restocked shelves and participated in truck unloading operations.
- Organized carts for optimal customer access and efficient store flow.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation standards in assigned areas, ensuring safe environments for staff and visitors.
Education
GED -
Renton Technical College
Renton, WA06.2024
Skills
- Food safety knowledge
- Food prep
- Strong communication skills
- Staff training and supervision
- Food safety
- Sanitation and cleanliness
- Cash handling proficiency
- Inventory management
Timeline
Food Vendor
Rolling Smoke Barbeque
03.2026 - Current
Crew
Chipotle
05.2025 - 04.2026
Grill Cook
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
10.2024 - 04.2025
Sous Chef
Rolling Smoke Barbeque
11.2023 - 11.2024
Team Member
Target
09.2022 - 01.2023
GED -
Renton Technical College