Eljyn Rayford
Lafayette,LA
Summary
Dynamic Kitchen Manager with extensive experience at Beach House, excelling in staff training and inventory management. Proven ability to enhance menu offerings and optimize waste reduction, ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Strong multitasking skills and a commitment to quality have consistently elevated customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Kictchen Manager
Beach House
Pompano Beach, FL
03.2021 - 02.2026
- Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Train and mentor kitchen staff on food preparation techniques and service standards.
- Implement cost control measures, optimizing inventory management and waste reduction.
- Collaborate with vendors to source high-quality ingredients, enhancing menu offerings.
- Develop and update menus based on seasonal availability and customer preferences.
- Monitor food quality and presentation, maintaining consistent standards across all dishes.
- Manage scheduling of kitchen staff, ensuring adequate coverage during peak hours.
- Conduct performance evaluations for team members, fostering professional development opportunities.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
Offshore Cook
ESS
Lafayette, LA
06.2012 - 03.2015
- Prepared and cooked meals following standardized recipes and safety guidelines.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment and workstations.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring proper stock levels of ingredients.
- Collaborated with team members to deliver timely meal service during peak hours.
- Adapted to changing menus and dietary requirements, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Trained new kitchen staff on food preparation techniques and safety protocols.
- Implemented efficient workflow strategies to streamline food preparation processes.
- Monitored food quality and presentation, ensuring consistency with culinary standards.
- 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.
Forklift Operator
Bay Ice
Gulfport, MS
02.2018 - 03.2021
- Operated forklifts to transport materials within warehouse efficiently.
- Conducted pre-operational checks to ensure equipment safety and functionality.
- Loaded and unloaded trucks, maintaining accuracy in inventory management.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline loading processes, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Followed safety protocols and procedures, contributing to a safe working environment.
- Assisted in organizing storage areas for optimal space utilization and accessibility.
- Trained new operators on equipment handling and safety practices effectively.
- Monitored stock levels, notifying supervisors of discrepancies or shortages promptly.
Material Handler
Jabri
Mebane, NC
05.2015 - 01.2018
- Operated forklifts and pallet jacks to efficiently transport materials within facility.
- Loaded and unloaded shipments, ensuring accurate inventory records and placement.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of work area to enhance safety standards.
- Monitored stock levels, notifying supervisors of shortages or discrepancies in inventory.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize material handling processes and reduce downtime.
- Conducted routine inspections of equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety compliance.
- Trained new staff on safe material handling techniques and operational procedures.
- Supported quality control efforts by inspecting materials for defects prior to distribution.
- Transported inventory items to appropriate locations.
- Packed items into appropriate containers for shipment.
Offshore Cook
Aramark
Broussard, LA
05.2009 - 06.2012
- 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.
Education
High School Diploma - High School Diploma
Gulfport High School
Gulfport, MS05.2002
Skills
- Multitasking and organization
- Customer service
- Food safety
- Inventory management
- Staff supervision
- Food preparation
- Staff training and development
- Kitchen management
- Inventory control
- Waste reduction
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Safe food handling
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Ordering supplies
- Staff management
Timeline
Kictchen Manager
Beach House
03.2021 - 02.2026
Forklift Operator
Bay Ice
02.2018 - 03.2021
Material Handler
Jabri
05.2015 - 01.2018
Offshore Cook
ESS
06.2012 - 03.2015
Offshore Cook
Aramark
05.2009 - 06.2012
High School Diploma - High School Diploma
Gulfport High School