Heather Ekeland
Nampa,ID
Summary
Experienced Food Service Manager with a proven track record of overseeing and optimizing food service operations. Proficient in managing staff, inventory, and budgets to ensure efficient and profitable operations. Skilled in maintaining high standards of food quality, safety, and customer service.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Food Service Manager
Elevate Academy Nampa
Nampa, Idaho
08.2022 - Current
- Supervised daily food service operations and staff activities.
- Trained new staff on food safety and preparation procedures.
- Ordered necessary supplies and ingredients on a regular basis to meet operational needs.
- Hired and trained new food service personnel to maintain high productivity levels of staff.
- Served and maintained all NSLP food service guidelines.
- Created 4 week cycle menus for breakfast and lunch service.
- Developed menus reflecting nutritional guidelines and student preferences.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation standards in food preparation areas.
- Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of food products.
- Supervised daily operations of the kitchen staff to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Adhered to company food, safety, quality and sanitation policies.
Pastry Chef
Sodexo USA
Nampa, Idaho
08.2019 - 07.2022
- Created innovative pastry recipes for diverse menu offerings.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service flow.
- Designed visually appealing dessert presentations for events.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations during service.
- Decorated cakes with intricate designs and patterns.
- Created dessert menus for large catering events.
- Assisted in menu planning for all pastry items.
- Maintained a clean working environment by adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Prepared doughs, fillings and icings according to recipes.
- Created custom cakes for weddings, birthdays and other special occasions.
- Stocked shelves with freshly-baked goods throughout the day as needed.
- Ensured proper storage of products to prevent spoilage or contamination.
- Ordered necessary supplies to maintain adequate inventory levels of baking ingredients.
Cook 3
Sodexo USA
Lakewood, Colorado
08.2015 - 07.2019
- Prepared and cooked a variety of meals in high-volume settings.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen areas and equipment.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently during food preparation.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal service.
- Adapted recipes to accommodate special dietary needs of customers.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Followed established procedures and requirements for safe food handling, storage and service.
- Chopped, diced and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.
- Used standardized recipes and other instructions to prepare food.
- Managed portion control using correct utensils during preparation and plating.
- Adjusted seasonings of dishes during cooking process in order to enhance flavors.
- Prepped, cooked and plated for large caterings.
Pastry Chef
Sodexo USA
Denver, Colorado
08.2013 - 07.2015
- Created innovative pastry recipes for diverse menu offerings.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service flow.
- Managed inventory of ingredients to maintain stock levels.
- Designed visually appealing dessert presentations for events.
- Decorated cakes with intricate designs and patterns.
- Assisted in menu planning for all pastry items.
- Maintained a clean working environment by adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Prepared doughs, fillings and icings according to recipes.
- Created custom cakes for weddings, birthdays and other special occasions.
- Measured, mixed and prepped raw materials according to company specifications and recipes.
- Supervised preparation and presentation of desserts for catered events.
- Ordered necessary supplies to maintain adequate inventory levels of baking ingredients.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
Denver, CO 08.2005 - 05.2007
Skills
- Food safety
- Menu planning
- Inventory management
- Staff training
- Quality control
- Effective communication
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Leadership
- Sanitation standards
- Food preparation
- Food safety management
- Food presentation
- Nutrition
Timeline
Food Service Manager
Elevate Academy Nampa
08.2022 - Current
Pastry Chef
Sodexo USA
08.2019 - 07.2022
Cook 3
Sodexo USA
08.2015 - 07.2019
Pastry Chef
Sodexo USA
08.2013 - 07.2015
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
08.2005 - 05.2007