Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Joshua Mena

Chicago,IL

Summary

Proven leader and skilled culinary specialist in the US Navy, adept at managing high-volume dining operations and leading teams to achieve over 95% in sanitation standards. Excelled in enhancing meal quality and efficiency, significantly reducing food waste. Expert in kitchen organization and team collaboration, with a knack for fostering professional growth among staff. Top-notch professional with expertise in menu development, kitchen management and staff training. Creates unique and delicious dishes while controlling food and labor costs. Collaborative and committed to seeking feedback from customers and staff to improve kitchen workflows. Meticulous Sailor eager to create unique and delicious dishes. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with good understanding of seamless dining experience for customers. Creative and dedicated to staying up-to-date with food trends.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Culinary Specialist

United States Navy, USN
10.2020 - Current
  • CULINARY EXPERT- Assisted in the planning, preparation and serving of 600 meals daily while implementing stringent control measures that minimized food waste by 16%, and reduced the daily food cost by 20%. Effectively adhered to strict sanitation procedures and the cleanliness of galley equipment and spaces resulting in a score 98% or higher.
  • GOAL ORIENTED- As a cook on watch contributed to the cleaning and preservation of a massive $2.8 million, seven galley overhaul, and ensuring on time crew move aboard operational achievability.
  • IMPACT SAILOR- Assisted in the daily maintenance of 92 habitability spaces valued at $1.2M, resulting in a 25% decrease in material condition deficiencies during weekly zone inspections and contributed to a 10% production increase, ensuring the ship remained on track for milestone completion during Refueling Complex Overhaul.
  • Mentored junior culinary staff, fostering professional growth and supporting skill development.
  • Increased overall efficiency by cross-training staff in various cooking techniques and station responsibilities.

Wardroom Supervisor

USN
06.2023 - 06.2024
  • DECKPLATE LEADER- Led 10 culinary specialists and eight Food Service Attendants in the daily preparation and service of 900 meals for 300 officers, while maintaining strict adherence to galley sanitation standards. Played a critical role in 15 Food service events, contributing in the morale of 4200 sailors to include four receptions greatly improving foreign relations.
  • ELITE TEAM BUILDER- spearheaded 40 hours of in-rate, 3M and GMT training sessions for the division. As a Junior Enlisted Association cabinet member, Single handedly increased membership by 30%
  • MISSION FOCUSED- Was a key player in 48 galley events including the set-up and execution of a high profile USO opening celebration dinner, serving 150 visitors. His efforts brought credit and recognition to George Washington's wardroom crew.

Bake Shop Supervisor

USN
07.2021 - 07.2022

DECKPLATE LEADER- As the bake shop supervisor of a large afloat general mess, led three sailors in the preparation of 75 fresh baked items daily for over 2,700 personnel. His attention to detail and high standards of sanitation was instrumental during galley inspections, resulting in a 95% overall.

TEAM BUILDER- Keen player in the 62 galley events to include weekly themed meals, and holiday dinners which greatly improved morale and quality of life for the crew.

COMMAND INVOLVEMENT- Aided in the habitability and daily maintenance of 92 food service spaces, resulting in a 50 percent decrease in material conditions deficiencies during weekly zone inspections. Baked 25 command cakes for special meals and events to boost overall morale and welfare throughout the crew. His professionalism, and expertise has helped and motivated sailors within the food service division!

  • Developed strong team dynamics, fostering a positive work environment for all staff members.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring that all tasks were completed accurately and on time.

Education

High School Diploma -

Lisle Senior High School
Lisle, IL
05.2020

Skills

  • Dining facility management
  • Guest Interaction
  • Kitchen Organization
  • Estimating and ordering inventory
  • Food Preparation
  • Food and Beverage Operations
  • Knife Skills
  • Allergen awareness
  • Workstation Maintenance
  • Employee Scheduling
  • Menu development
  • International Cuisines
  • Recipe creation
  • Cost Control
  • Budget Management
  • Pastry Skills

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Wardroom Supervisor

USN
06.2023 - 06.2024

Bake Shop Supervisor

USN
07.2021 - 07.2022

Culinary Specialist

United States Navy, USN
10.2020 - Current

High School Diploma -

Lisle Senior High School
Joshua Mena