Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
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Elijah Kaio

Elijah Kaio

Salt Lake City,UT

Summary

Dynamic culinary project manager with a proven track record at Newrest, excelling in menu development and team collaboration. Expert in project management and budgeting, I successfully launched diverse flight menus, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Adept at fostering relationships with stakeholders, I drive innovative solutions that elevate dining experiences.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

USA Culinary Project Manager & Chef

Newrest
07.2019 - Current
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Met project deadlines without sacrificing quality or safety.
  • Successfully developed menus and launched multiple flight routes for several key airlines.
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive prices on ingredients and supplies.
  • Created visually appealing plate presentations, enhancing the overall dining experience for patrons.
  • Managed kitchen staff for efficient food production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes.
  • Requisitioned food, selected and developed recipes and standardized production recipes for consistent quality.
  • Developed custom menus for clients with specific dietary restrictions or preferences, ensuring their utmost satisfaction during their dining experience.
  • Collaborated with other Executive Chefs within the company network to share best practices and develop new menu items that showcased each property''s unique offerings.
  • Mentored junior chefs, enhancing team skills and fostering culture of continuous improvement.

Senior Project Director

Ultradent Products
08.2008 - 07.2019
  • Championed change management initiatives that increased adaptability, enabling the organization to thrive amidst evolving industry landscapes.
  • Established strong relationships with stakeholders, maintaining open lines of communication and driving collaborative problem-solving efforts.
  • Optimized resource allocation for successful project delivery within budget constraints.
  • Improved client satisfaction rates through proactive issue resolution practices and consistent stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Implemented process improvements that led to increased productivity and reduced overhead costs.
  • Mentored junior project managers, fostering growth and improving overall team performance.
  • Evaluated emerging technologies for potential integration into existing workflows, enhancing operational capabilities while minimizing risk exposure.
  • Delivered projects ahead of schedule by effectively managing resources and keeping teams focused on key objectives.
  • Coordinated multiple simultaneous projects, ensuring seamless execution and minimal disruption to business operations.
  • Identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies, reducing negative impacts on project outcomes.
  • Managed budgets exceeding $1 million dollars, ensuring financial accountability at all stages of the project development process.

Education

Pacific Rim Culinary Journey, CEC (ACF) - Culinary

University of Hawaii
Honolulu, HI

Taste of Thai, Artisan Pasta & Bread - Culinary

Salt Lake Culinary Education
Salt Lake City, UT

PMP, CBAP, CDMP - Business Management | Project Management

Mountain West College
Salt Lake City, UT
01-2010

Skills

  • Project management
  • Project planning and development
  • Project scheduling
  • Team collaboration
  • Relationship building
  • Client relations
  • Staff management
  • Work flow planning
  • Advanced problem solving
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Risk management
  • Food safety
  • Menu planning
  • Menu development
  • ServSafe certification
  • Kitchen management
  • Safe food handling
  • Operations management
  • Food prep planning

Certification

  • PMP - Project Management Professional
  • CBAP - Certified Business Analyst Professional
  • BMP - Business Management Professional
  • CEC - Certified Executive Chef (WIP)
  • ServSafe Food Manager
  • ServSafe Allergens
  • ServSafe Food Handler

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Samoan
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

USA Culinary Project Manager & Chef

Newrest
07.2019 - Current

Senior Project Director

Ultradent Products
08.2008 - 07.2019

Pacific Rim Culinary Journey, CEC (ACF) - Culinary

University of Hawaii

Taste of Thai, Artisan Pasta & Bread - Culinary

Salt Lake Culinary Education

PMP, CBAP, CDMP - Business Management | Project Management

Mountain West College
Elijah Kaio