Ian R. Penniman
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Dynamic Chef Manager and Regional Operations Leader with strong expertise in overseeing multiple corporate dining facilities and culinary teams. Focused on developing tailored inventory solutions and mentoring staff to enhance service quality while ensuring budget adherence and operational efficiency.
Overview
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Chef/Manager
Corporate Dining Concepts
Eastern Region
04.2024 - 04.2026
- Oversee all operations of 4 corporate dining locations
- Hired, managed, and mentored upper-level staff to strengthen team capabilities and service quality.
- Created and maintained monthly budgets for menu planning and ordering, aligning costs with operational goals for each location.
- Developed product ordering guidelines tailored to the unique needs of each location, ensuring optimal inventory management.
- Oversaw hiring and management of lower-level staff to ensure efficient operations.
- Conduct & enforce all Company SOPs & local guidelines of each cafe
Chef Manager/General Manager
Corporate Dining Concepts-Harris Teeter Dist. Center
Indian Trail, NC
02.2022 - 04.2024
- Coordinated kitchen staff and operations to ensure seamless service delivery
- Planned and budgeted menus to align with fiscal targets and control food costs
- Completed all administrative duties including daily sales cash sheets, flash reports, payroll, weekly & period-end inventory, product ordering
- Conducted & enforced all Company SOPs & state guidelines regarding administrative duties & culinary programs
- Recruited and supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient operations.
- Maintained production records, including daily production plans and prep lists, to optimize kitchen workflow
- Produced daily soups, features, & other prepared items in the kitchen
- Ensured all food was of excellent quality & served in a timely manner
- Organized, inventoried & cleaned all coolers, freezers, & storage areas weekly
Sous Chef
Chartwells Schools-Charlotte Christian School
Charlotte, NC
08.2021 - 02.2022
- Prepared and cooked high-quality food items per standardized recipes, ensuring timely production and service.
- Served and prepared meals for delivery, applying correct portioning and maintaining optimal food temperature.
- Monitored sanitation and cleanliness in kitchen areas, upholding health standards and ensuring safe food preparation.
- Educated staff members in all areas of food production
Assistant Prepared Foods Manager
Earth Fare
Charlotte, NC
11.2020 - 07.2021
- Developed and supervised staff training programs to enhance team skills
- Produced food items for hot bar, salad bar, & deli areas
- Coordinated product ordering and receiving processes to maintain stock availability
- Created staff schedules
- Ensured sanitation & cleanliness standards were met/exceeded
- Managed product inventory to ensure accurate stock levels and minimize waste
Cook
Eurest Dining Services-LPL Financial
Fort Mill, SC
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Prepared & cooked breakfast & lunch to order on grill, ensuring high-quality presentation and taste
- Prepared & cooked daily station specials, contributing to menu variety and customer satisfaction
- Set up cooking stations to streamline meal preparation and enhance service speed
- Completed daily production & temperature logs
Chef
American Food & Vending-Electronic Power Research
Charlotte, NC
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Prepared and cooked food for hot entrées and catering services, ensuring high quality and presentation standards
- Operated grill station during breakfast and lunch shifts, delivering consistent and timely service to customers
- Managed inventory, maintaining accurate stock levels to support kitchen operations
Education
Certificate of Professional Foods -
Essex Center For Technology
Essex Junction, VTSkills
- Proficiency with inventory, scheduling, & food service management systems
- Cost control
- Food safety standards
- Forecasting
- Fast-paced multitasking
- Leadership management
- Organizational communication
Certification
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager April 2022 - Present
- ServSafe Allergens July 2026 - Present
Timeline
Regional Chef/Manager
Corporate Dining Concepts
04.2024 - 04.2026
Chef Manager/General Manager
Corporate Dining Concepts-Harris Teeter Dist. Center
02.2022 - 04.2024
Sous Chef
Chartwells Schools-Charlotte Christian School
08.2021 - 02.2022
Assistant Prepared Foods Manager
Earth Fare
11.2020 - 07.2021
Cook
Eurest Dining Services-LPL Financial
01.2017 - 01.2020
Chef
American Food & Vending-Electronic Power Research
01.2013 - 01.2017
Certificate of Professional Foods -
Essex Center For Technology