Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Eljyn Rayford

Margate

Summary

Dynamic Lead Chef with extensive culinary expertise at Island View Casino Resort, recognized for developing seasonal menus that enhanced guest satisfaction. Proven ability in kitchen management and staff training, fostering collaboration and reducing turnover. Skilled in food safety standards and cost control, consistently delivering high-quality dining experiences.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Chef

Island View Casino Resort
01.2023 - 09.2025
  • Supervised kitchen staff to ensure adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Developed and implemented seasonal menus featuring local ingredients, enhancing guest dining experiences.
  • Trained culinary team on new cooking techniques and presentation standards to improve service quality.
  • Coordinated with suppliers for inventory management, ensuring fresh ingredients availability at all times.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations by optimizing workflow, reducing prep time, and improving dish consistency.
  • Led weekly team meetings to discuss menu changes, address challenges, and promote collaboration among staff.
  • Designed signature dishes that increased customer satisfaction and contributed to positive dining reviews.
  • Ensured compliance with health regulations through regular kitchen inspections and staff training sessions.
  • Collaborated with management to develop seasonal menus, considering guest preferences and market trends.
  • Mentored junior chefs, promoting skill development and fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly to provide constructive feedback, acknowledging strengths and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Reduced staff turnover through effective training, mentoring, and performance evaluations.
  • Streamlined communication between front-of-house staff members and the kitchen team, improving order accuracy rates.
  • Managed inventory control systems to reduce waste and maintain optimal stock levels for daily operations.
  • Fostered an inclusive work environment where employees from diverse backgrounds felt valued.
  • Continuously improved culinary techniques through professional development opportunities such as workshops, seminars, and industry conferences.
  • Coordinated catering services for off-site events, ensuring seamless logistics planning.
  • Established strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring the consistent delivery of fresh ingredients at competitive prices.

Material Handler

Jabra
2020 - 2023
  • Operated forklifts and pallet jacks to transport materials efficiently throughout warehouse.
  • Loaded and unloaded shipments, ensuring accurate inventory management and quality control.
  • Maintained clean and organized work environment, adhering to safety protocols at all times.
  • Assisted in receiving and inspecting incoming materials for damage or discrepancies.
  • Collaborated with team members to optimize workflow and improve overall efficiency.
  • Implemented best practices for material handling, reducing waste and improving processing times.
  • Trained new hires on equipment operation, safety procedures, and company policies.
  • Conducted regular inventory audits to ensure accuracy in stock levels and reporting.
  • Transported inventory items to appropriate locations.
  • Packed items into appropriate containers for shipment.
  • Maintained a safe work environment by following proper safety protocols and conducting regular inspections.
  • Kept storage areas organized, clean, and secure to fully protect company assets.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure timely completion of tasks and high-quality work standards.
  • Operated forklifts and pallet jacks to transfer large products from one area of warehouse to another, allowing for easier accessibility.
  • Used hand-held scanners and physical logs to accurately track item movements.
  • Increased productivity, utilizing forklifts and other material handling equipment effectively.
  • Read production orders, work orders, shipping orders and requisitions to determine items to be moved, gathered, or distributed.
  • Prevented product damage by carefully loading and unloading materials using appropriate equipment.
  • Listened closely during team meetings to gain complete understanding of duties required for each shift, completing priority tasks first.
  • Facilitated smooth operations, coordinating with various departments to fulfill material requests promptly.
  • Conducted routine maintenance checks on material handling equipment to ensure optimal functioning throughout daily operations.
  • Performed cycle counts and inventory control to accurately track product levels.
  • Expedited order fulfillment by accurately picking, packing, and shipping products to customers.
  • Attached identifying tags to containers to mark with identifying shipping information.
  • Supported production goals, ensuring that all necessary materials were available when needed on the manufacturing floor.
  • Alerted supervisors and coworkers of hazards and other issues for quick resolutions.
  • Enhanced warehouse efficiency by organizing materials and implementing inventory management systems.
  • Managed inventory levels with precision, performing regular audits and adjusting as necessary.
  • Unloaded incoming shipments to verify accuracy of deliveries and check possible damages.
  • Monitored warehouse to identify missing items, spills, and unusual activity.

Offshore Cook

BP Offshore
06.2010 - 07.2020
  • Prepared and cooked a variety of dishes in compliance with safety standards.
  • Assisted in menu planning and ingredient selection to enhance meal quality.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
  • Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes and improve efficiency.
  • Trained new staff on cooking techniques, food safety practices, and kitchen equipment usage.
  • Developed new recipes that increased customer satisfaction and expanded menu offerings.
  • Oversaw inventory management, ensuring proper stock levels and minimizing waste through careful planning.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures by optimizing ingredient usage and improving preparation methods.
  • Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
  • Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
  • Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
  • Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
  • Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
  • Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.

Education

Gulfport High School
Gulfport, MS

Skills

  • Cooking techniques
  • Sanitation practices
  • Food presentation
  • Kitchen management
  • Culinary expertise
  • Allergen awareness
  • Food pairing
  • Food safety standards
  • Menu development
  • Waste reduction
  • Nutritional advice
  • Food safety
  • Food safety regulations
  • Team management
  • Sanitation standards
  • Kitchen operations
  • Menu supervision
  • Cost control and budgeting
  • Staff training
  • Banquets and catering
  • Customer retention
  • Workflow coordination
  • Equipment maintenance

Timeline

Lead Chef

Island View Casino Resort
01.2023 - 09.2025

Offshore Cook

BP Offshore
06.2010 - 07.2020

Material Handler

Jabra
2020 - 2023

Gulfport High School
Eljyn Rayford