Nathaniel Smith
Hercules,CA
Summary
Dynamic Lead Line Cook with expertise in kitchen supervision, operations management, and culinary execution. Proven ability to mentor teams and uphold safety standards while delivering exceptional quality in high-volume environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Line Cook
Pixar Animation Studios
Emeryville, CA
05.2018 - 09.2026
- Spearheaded high-volume culinary operations and daily line execution for a corporate campus over an 8-year tenure, consistently delivering exceptional quality under tight timelines.
- Managed kitchen operations, delegated station assignments, and ran line/passed food in absence of head chef to ensure seamless service.
- Mentored, trained, and integrated incoming line cooks, building a cohesive, high-performing kitchen team focused on speed, accuracy, and rigorous safety standards.
- Oversaw inventory and implemented FIFO systems to prioritize older ingredients, protecting profit margins and controlling food costs.
- Mentored and trained incoming line cooks to integrate them into a cohesive kitchen team focused on speed, accuracy, and safety standards.
Line Cook Trainer
Apple Inc.
Cupertino, CA
04.2015 - 05.2018
- Executed high-volume meal service for corporate campus dining, ensuring timely delivery during peak operating hours.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to prep, cook, and plate meals efficiently while managing station inventory.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to efficiently prep, cook, and plate meals while maintaining accurate station inventory.
Lead Cook
Whip Out (Privately Owned Food Truck)
03.2012 - 04.2015
- Oversaw end-to-end mobile kitchen production, including food prep, cooking, and mobile delivery execution.
- Managed bulk food orders to maintain proper inventory and streamline supply tracking.
- Trained and supervised incoming cooks on mobile truck operations, safety regulations, and recipe standards.
- Ensured adherence to health, safety, and truck-specific regulations at high-traffic event locations.
Education
Classic/Modern Food Prep & Restaurant - Culinary
Contra Costa Community College
San Pablo, CA05-2012
Skills
- Culinary Execution: Precision-driven high-volume production, aesthetic presentation, and fine-dining standards
- Kitchen Leadership & Supervision: Team management, shift scheduling, station assignments, running the pass/line, and mentoring incoming cooks
- Operations & Financial Control: Yield management, butchery, high-volume prep parsing, portion control, and bulk ordering
- Safety & Compliance: Strict adherence to health codes, FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory systems, sanitation protocols, and corporate safety regulations
- Menu design: Seasonal menu curation
Certification
ServSafe Food Handler Certification — Renewed 2025
Timeline
Lead Line Cook
Pixar Animation Studios
05.2018 - 09.2026
Line Cook Trainer
Apple Inc.
04.2015 - 05.2018
Lead Cook
Whip Out (Privately Owned Food Truck)
03.2012 - 04.2015
Classic/Modern Food Prep & Restaurant - Culinary
Contra Costa Community College