Ladrema Freeman
OKLAHOMA CITY
Summary
20 plus years as a Proficient culinary leader with experience as Kitchen Manager and Sous Chef, specializing in high-volume food service and event logistics. Focused on driving operational efficiency, leading kitchen teams, and developing innovative menus while maintaining food quality and presentation. Committed to enhancing dining experiences and supporting team success through strong leadership and strategic inventory management.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Cook
Nced
Norman, Oklahoma
06.2026 - Current
- Led kitchen operations and daily food preparation to ensure smooth workflow.
- Enforced food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards across the kitchen.
- Supervised food preparation and line service staff.
- Coordinated menu preparation and scheduling to align with customer demand.
- Monitored food safety and sanitation standards.
- Trained cooks on kitchen procedures and equipment use.
- Monitored quality of all cooked items throughout the day to guarantee high standards were maintained.
- Supervised staff in daily kitchen duties, including prepping ingredients, cooking meals, and cleaning up after service.
- Ensured compliance with health safety regulations while preparing meals and maintaining a sanitary work environment.
- Provided guidance during meal rushes in order to maintain an organized workflow within the kitchen area.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment, collaborating with teammates to achieve high customer satisfaction.
- Created daily meal offerings to meet customer preferences. for Nced kitchen operations.
- Oversaw food preparation processes to ensure that orders were completed accurately and efficiently.
Kitchen Manager/ Sous Chef
Compass Group
Oklahoma City
10.2015 - Current
- Developed daily production lists to ensure adherence to recipes, portion sizes, and quality standards.
- Managed the operational aspects and personnel for over 18 concession stands located at the Paycom Center.
- Directed daily corporate operations to enhance efficiency and achieve strategic goals while planning for business expansion.
- Oversaw operations and staff for 18 concession stands at Paycom Center, ensuring smooth service during events.
- Created daily production lists, verifying compliance with recipes, portion sizes, and quality benchmarks.
- Created a hygienic kitchen environment to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
- Delivered versatile support to strengthen team performance and operational effectiveness.
Cook 3 - Lead Rounds Cook
Mercy Hospital and Medical Center
Oklahoma City
11.2019 - 12.2021
- Functioned as a lead rounds cook, actively contributing to food preparation and service throughout the kitchen.
- Held responsibility for preparing all diet modification preps for the patient line.
- Managed shifts from early morning breakfast at 4 AM to lunch service at 1:30 PM, ensuring timely and efficient meal preparation.
- Ensured a consistently sanitary and secure working environment for all personnel.
- Trained and guided cooks in line procedures and kitchen operations, enhancing team capabilities and service quality.
- Facilitated grill line operations, enhancing service quality for customers.
- Demonstrated versatility by seamlessly shifting between different kitchen responsibilities. by performing duties in various kitchen roles.
- Supported catering and banquet services for high-profile clients and events, delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Lead Rounds Cook
Norman Regional Health
Norman
06.2016 - 11.2019
- Led kitchen operations as the primary cook, preparing and replenishing items for the cafeteria and doctor's lounge.
- Prepared three distinct entrees and 4-5 side dishes daily, along with two soup selections for lunch and dinner services for employees, guests, and the doctor's lounge, ensuring timely execution.
- Crafted unique menu items from scratch to enhance culinary variety and guest satisfaction.
- Collaborated with colleagues and management across operational areas to improve workflow and productivity.
- Consistently documented temperature logs and managed daily inventory.
- Trained new employees and interns on kitchen procedures and station responsibilities.
- Communicated effectively with management regarding orders and supply needs.
- Assisted with catering, banquets, and employee events to ensure seamless execution and guest satisfaction.
- Cross-trained and supported other kitchen sections, including the grill, patient line, and dietary line, to meet demands or assistance.
- Displayed consistent commitment and an active participation in all kitchen tasks to maintain high standards.
Lead Line Cook
Waterford Hotel
Oklahoma City
02.2014 - 06.2016
- Developed and managed a weekend breakfast buffet featuring custom omelet and waffle stations and self-serve à la carte selections, enhancing guest experience.
- Took the lead in preparing breakfast and lunch dishes for restaurant orders and room service, prioritizing promptness.
- Coordinated with executive chef on catering services, banquet preparations, and menu development to ensure quality and consistency.
- Monitored daily inventory and ensured the kitchen adhered to the highest standards of safety and cleanliness.
- Prepared employee meals and changed the service style from buffet to à la carte.
- Onboarded and trained new kitchen staff on essential responsibilities and menu presentation, streamlining training process.
- Educated team members on all required kitchen workflows and expectations.
Education
Culinary Arts
Edmond North Highschool
Oklahoma CitySkills
- Culinary arts
- Menu planning
- Banquet cooking
- Meal Preparation
- Sous chef
- Kitchen management
- Food Safety
- Food safety
- Portion control
- Kitchen organization
- Restaurant Management
- Time Management
- Customer Service
Timeline
Lead Cook
Nced
06.2026 - Current
Cook 3 - Lead Rounds Cook
Mercy Hospital and Medical Center
11.2019 - 12.2021
Lead Rounds Cook
Norman Regional Health
06.2016 - 11.2019
Kitchen Manager/ Sous Chef
Compass Group
10.2015 - Current
Lead Line Cook
Waterford Hotel
02.2014 - 06.2016
Culinary Arts
Edmond North Highschool