Jason Duck
Effingham,IL
Summary
Experienced Catering and Event Management Professional skilled in coordinating logistics and optimizing inventory for high-value accounts. Focused on enhancing service efficiency while upholding health and safety standards. Proven Cook with expertise in grilling, sautéing, and ingredient preparation, excelling in high-pressure kitchen environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sauté Chef
Siegfried's
Teutopolis, Illinois
03.2026 - Current
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in the kitchen workspace.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal service.
- Worked quickly to stay ahead of demanding customer loads during rush periods without sacrificing quality.
- Prepared various sauces to accompany entrées according to established recipes.
Director of Marketing and Events
Thunder Lanes
Neoga, Illinois
12.2024 - 10.2025
- Trained and supervised staff on service standards and compliance procedures.
- Coordinated inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels and reduce waste.
- Maintained health and safety standards across all food service areas consistently.
- Assisted in the recruitment process by conducting interviews with prospective candidates.
- Coordinated logistics for events, ensuring smooth setup and execution.
- Developed vendor relationships to secure catering supplies and services.
- Created event timelines to streamline planning processes and workflows.
FOH Manager
Marios at Seawall
Galveston, Texas
04.2024 - 08.2024
- Managed daily front-of-house operations ensuring smooth service flow.
- Coordinated dining room setup and maintained cleanliness throughout service hours.
- Created weekly schedules for FOH staff that optimized efficiency while meeting labor cost goals.
- Developed and implemented customer service standards to ensure consistent quality of service.
- Ensured the restaurant complied with health regulations by conducting regular inspections of food storage areas, equipment and surfaces.
Assistant Head Baker
H-E-B
League City, Texas
04.2024 - 08.2024
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of baking areas and equipment.
- Assisted in daily production of baked goods and pastries.
- Monitored inventory levels of baking supplies and ingredients.
- Supported training of new staff on baking techniques and safety protocols.
- Monitored daily production of breads, pastries, cakes and other baked goods.
Catering Manager
Centerplate (Sodexo) BJC Center
Birmingham, Alabama
07.2023 - 03.2024
- Coordinated catering services for events at BJC Center.
- Oversaw staff scheduling and training for catering operations; of a 6-million-dollar account.
- Developed menus tailored to client preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Communicated with clients to ensure satisfaction and address concerns.
- Coordinated delivery times with clients and ensured that all items ordered arrived on time.
- Gathered customer requirements and worked with catering team in implementing specifications.
- Assisted in setting up tables, chairs, decorations prior to a catered event.
- Developed strategies to maximize customer satisfaction and increase sales in catering services.
Retail & Concessions Manager
South Dakota State University (Sodexo)
Vermillion, South Dakota
01.2023 - 08.2023
- Managed daily concession operations during events and sporting activities.
- Coordinated inventory management to ensure product availability and quality.
- Trained and supervised staff on food safety and customer service standards.
- Assisted in budgeting and cost control for concession services at events, forecasting at a 2.5 million dollar account.
- Inventoried food and beverage monthly and coordinated stock rotation to avoid spoilage.
- Oversaw concession stand by cooking food, cleaning equipment, and balancing daily receipts.
- Managed finances by maintaining concessions records for sales, expenses, and labor hours.
Senior Catering Manager
Bemidji State University Residential Life
Bemidji, Minnesota
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Managed catering operations for university events and residential life functions.
- Coordinated menu planning and food preparation with culinary team and vendors.
- Collaborated with student organizations to customize catering services for events.
- Facilitated communication between departments to streamline event logistics and execution.
- Planned and organized catering operations for large-scale events such as weddings and corporate functions.
- Utilized cost-effective methods to reduce waste while meeting customer demands within budget parameters.
Food and Beverage Operations Manager
Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
11.2021 - 06.2022
- Managed daily food and beverage operations for high-volume restaurant environment. A 2.8-million-dollar dining facility.
- Trained and supervised staff on service standards and compliance procedures.
- Coordinated inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels and reduce waste.
- Oversaw scheduling to ensure adequate staffing during peak service hours.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline communication and improve service efficiency.
- Assisted in menu planning, ensuring offerings met customer preferences and seasonal trends.
- Assisted in the recruitment process by conducting interviews with prospective candidates.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers that provided favorable terms while meeting operational needs.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining positive relationships with guests.
- Coordinated catering events according to client specifications while adhering to budget restrictions.
Senior Catering Manager
Kansas State University Foundation
Manhattan, Kansas
06.2021 - 11.2021
- Managed catering operations for university events and residential life functions.
- Coordinated menu planning and food preparation with culinary team and vendors.
- Oversaw staff scheduling to ensure adequate coverage during events and peak times.
- Worked closely with clients to provide custom catering services based on their individual needs.
- Planned and organized catering operations for large-scale events such as weddings and corporate functions.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff members to discuss performance evaluations as well as goals for upcoming events.
Bowling & Special Events Manager
Round One Entertainment
Lincoln, Nebraska
11.2018 - 06.2021
- Coordinated logistics for large-scale events and entertainment activities.
- Organized venues, budgets, guest lists, catering, and event timelines.
- Managed vendor relationships to secure services and supplies for events.
- Developed event themes and ensured alignment with company branding.
- Supervised staff members during set-up and execution of events to ensure compliance with established standards.
- Marketed and publicized special events in social calendars.
- Assessed event success and identified improvement areas through client feedback.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
Western Govenors University
Salt Lake City, UT06-2026
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Southeast Community College
Lincoln, NESkills
- Menu development
- Food safety standards
- Food presentation
- Inventory management
- Time management
- Customer service
- Team collaboration
- Event planning
Certification
- ServSafe Manager
- BASSET (IL)
- ServSafe Allergen
- HACCP
Timeline
Sauté Chef
Siegfried's
03.2026 - Current
Director of Marketing and Events
Thunder Lanes
12.2024 - 10.2025
FOH Manager
Marios at Seawall
04.2024 - 08.2024
Assistant Head Baker
H-E-B
04.2024 - 08.2024
Catering Manager
Centerplate (Sodexo) BJC Center
07.2023 - 03.2024
Retail & Concessions Manager
South Dakota State University (Sodexo)
01.2023 - 08.2023
Senior Catering Manager
Bemidji State University Residential Life
08.2022 - 12.2022
Food and Beverage Operations Manager
Emporia State University
11.2021 - 06.2022
Senior Catering Manager
Kansas State University Foundation
06.2021 - 11.2021
Bowling & Special Events Manager
Round One Entertainment
11.2018 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
Western Govenors University
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Southeast Community College