Karen Hander
Council Bluffs,IA
Summary
Food Service Director with expertise in food safety protocols and menu development, achieving enhanced customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Proven track record in budget management and service improvement.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Food Service Director
Saint Albert Catholic Schools
Council Bluffs, Iowa
08.2017 - 01.2026
- Implemented best practices for food preparation techniques, storage methods, and portion control.
- Assisted in menu planning and recipe development according to customer preferences.
- Developed diverse menus that catered to dietary restrictions and seasonal ingredients to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Managed food service sales, costs and budget administration to keep operations in line with financial targets.
- Developed budget forecasts and monitored expenditures to ensure alignment with financial objectives.
- Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly in a professional manner.
- Supervised the daily operations of the kitchen, cafeteria, and catering services.
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance team performance, improve processes and boost results.
- Developed menus that promote nutrition and student preferences.
- Managed daily food service operations at Saint Albert Catholic Schools.
- Organized events to promote community engagement in school meal programs.
- Maintained accurate records of sales, labor costs, food costs, and waste management data.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Added new menu options by consulting with talented chef to develop new recipes based on local, seasonal ingredients.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure seamless service delivery across the organization.
- Coordinated with event planners for catering services, menu selection, and execution.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
Chef Instructor
Iowa Western Community College
Council Bluffs, Iowa
01.2010 - 08.2017
- Conducted on-the-job training classes and demonstrated principles, techniques, procedures and methods of diverse subjects.
- Designed and implemented culinary curriculum for diverse student groups.
- Encouraged students to improve skills and develop professionally.
- Cultivated collaborative and innovative learning environment to meet each student's unique educational needs.
- Facilitated open discussions to enhance student engagement and understanding of culinary concepts.
- Developed and implemented standardized and unique courses for aspiring chefs and laypeople.
- Maintained student records detailing progress, attendance and program requirements.
- Designed and implemented culinary curriculum for diverse student groups.
- Instructed students in food safety and sanitation practices.
- Kept kitchen areas clean, organized and sanitized accounting to proper procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Administration And Management
Le Cordon Blue
Scottsdale, AZ05-2011
Skills
- Food preparation
- Menu development
- Budget management
- Vendor negotiation
- Food safety
- Customer service
- Event planning
- Team collaboration
- Quality control
- Conflict resolution
- HACCP protocols
- Foodservice recordkeeping
- Cost control
- Allergen awareness
- Strategic planning
- Food presentation
Certification
ServSafe Mangers License
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Food Service Director
Saint Albert Catholic Schools
08.2017 - 01.2026
Chef Instructor
Iowa Western Community College
01.2010 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Administration And Management
Le Cordon Blue