Kenya Nixon
Cedar Rapids,IA
Summary
Dynamic Cook Shift Leader with proven expertise at Unity Point-Kingston Hill RCF, excelling in kitchen management and quality control. Enhanced customer satisfaction through innovative meal preparation and effective team leadership. Skilled in food storage and safety compliance, ensuring high standards while fostering a collaborative work environment.
Experienced with managing high-paced kitchen environments and leading cooking teams. Utilizes culinary skills and leadership to ensure smooth operations and quality control. Strong understanding of kitchen safety standards and team coordination.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cook Shift Leader
Unity Point-Kingston Hill RCF
06.2019 - Current
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Assisted in menu planning and development, incorporating guest feedback and industry trends to keep offerings fresh and appealing.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and professionally, maintaining focus on completing tasks efficiently without compromising quality.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between kitchen and dining room teams for optimal guest satisfaction.
- Streamlined food preparation tasks for more efficient service during peak hours.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by implementing streamlined cooking processes and procedures.
- Upheld strict adherence to company policies regarding food handling practices, employee conduct, and dress code requirements.
- Contributed to positive workplace culture by fostering open communication among team members and addressing issues proactively before they escalated.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality meals in a timely manner.
- Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
- Successfully managed inventory and reduced waste by carefully monitoring food usage and rotating stock.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to health department standards for safety and sanitation.
- Demonstrated exceptional multitasking abilities by overseeing multiple cooking stations simultaneously while maintaining quality control standards.
Cook Shift Leader
Unity Point- St. Lukes Living Center West
06.2015 - 06.2019
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to health department standards for safety and sanitation.
- Demonstrated exceptional multitasking abilities by overseeing multiple cooking stations simultaneously while maintaining quality control standards.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Successfully managed inventory and reduced waste by carefully monitoring food usage and rotating stock.
- Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality meals in a timely manner.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and professionally, maintaining focus on completing tasks efficiently without compromising quality.
- Contributed to positive workplace culture by fostering open communication among team members and addressing issues proactively before they escalated.
- Assisted in menu planning and development, incorporating guest feedback and industry trends to keep offerings fresh and appealing.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Streamlined food preparation tasks for more efficient service during peak hours.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between kitchen and dining room teams for optimal guest satisfaction.
Cook Shift Leader
Cottage Grove Place
06.2013 - 06.2015
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to health department standards for safety and sanitation.
- Demonstrated exceptional multitasking abilities by overseeing multiple cooking stations simultaneously while maintaining quality control standards.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Successfully managed inventory and reduced waste by carefully monitoring food usage and rotating stock.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality meals in a timely manner.
- Trained and mentored new cooks, resulting in increased productivity and improved teamwork within the kitchen staff.
Dietary Aide
Sacred Heart Nursing Home
06.2007 - 06.2013
- Kept all kitchen areas clean, tidy and free of hazards.
- Served meals to residents in accordance with established schedules and dietary procedures.
- Washed plates, cups, serving, and eating utensils and kitchen equipment in commercial dishwasher.
- Coordinated with other dietary aides and kitchen staff to ensure efficient workflow and timely delivery of meals, contributing to a smooth-running operation.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace, ensuring timely meal production and delivery according to state policy.
- Cleared tables and removed dishes, trays, and utensils from dining room to dishwashing area.
- Followed all food safety regulations while preparing meals for patients.
- Supported fellow team members during peak times by assisting with tasks such as dishwashing and restocking supplies, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Education
No Degree - General Education
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IASkills
- Team leadership
- Meal preparation
- Food storage
- Kitchen management
- Quality control
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Special diets
- Health and safety compliance
- Food allergy awareness
- Temperature control
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
Certification
- Certified Dietary Manager, Servsafe - 2025
Timeline
Cook Shift Leader
Unity Point-Kingston Hill RCF
06.2019 - Current
Cook Shift Leader
Unity Point- St. Lukes Living Center West
06.2015 - 06.2019
Cook Shift Leader
Cottage Grove Place
06.2013 - 06.2015
Dietary Aide
Sacred Heart Nursing Home
06.2007 - 06.2013
No Degree - General Education
Kirkwood Community College
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