Oscar Hernandez
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic Food Service Manager with a proven track record at Mercy Circle Senior Living, excelling in menu development and staff leadership. Enhanced customer satisfaction through innovative meal offerings and effective training programs, while achieving significant waste reduction. Committed to maintaining high food safety standards and fostering a collaborative kitchen environment.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Food Service Manager
Congregation of St Joseph
09.2020 - 10.2025
- Oversaw daily food service operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing supply chain processes to reduce waste.
- Trained and mentored staff on food preparation and customer service standards.
- Developed menus that aligned with dietary restrictions and preferences of the community served.
- Trained and supervised new staff to enhance customer service skills and comply with food safety standards.
- Tracked food production levels, meal counts, and supply costs.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Controlled labor hours and inventory costs through hands-on management and proactive changes.
- Reviewed and approved employee schedules and timesheets.
- Addressed and resolved customer service issues to establish trust and increase satisfaction.
- Oversaw training of more than Number team members.
- Maintained compliance with company policies and procedures for food safety, sanitation, and quality.
- Ensured high standards of cleanliness and sanitation with regular inspections and staff training.
- Increased overall efficiency by optimizing staff schedules to meet fluctuating business demands.
- Improved customer satisfaction by implementing new menu options and streamlining food preparation processes.
- Prepared weekly schedules and assigned tasks to staff to maintain organized shift and smooth operations.
- Enhanced employee productivity through the development of comprehensive training programs and performance evaluations.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing effective ordering procedures.
- Maintained a high level of quality control by regularly reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established standards.
- Delivered exceptional guest experiences through diligent oversight of daily operations, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Implemented cost-saving measures in areas such as labor management, portion control, and energy usage to maximize profit margins.
Chef Manager
Mercy Circle Senior Living
11.2017 - 04.2020
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
- Developed and implemented seasonal menu offerings based on resident preferences.
- Managed inventory levels, reducing waste through effective purchasing strategies.
- Trained new employees on kitchen operations and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with nutritionists to create balanced meal plans for residents.
- Coordinated special events and catering services for community gatherings.
- Placed food orders with suppliers on weekly basis, taking into account kitchen budget and expected demands.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Kept kitchen staff in compliance with safety and food regulations to reduce opportunities for illness or accidents.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Implemented strict adherence to food safety regulations, ensuring the consistent delivery of safe and delicious meals.
- Pitched in to work line during busy periods or in place of sick employees.
- Continuously updated knowledge of industry trends and incorporated innovative concepts into menu offerings, keeping clients engaged over time.
- Managed staffing schedules, minimizing labor costs while maintaining optimal kitchen performance during peak hours.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Established positive relationships with local suppliers to secure fresh produce and support the community economy.
- Introduced creative specials that catered to customer preferences, contributing to an increase in repeat business.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks to ensure efficient functionality and reduce downtime due to malfunctions.
- Consistently met budgetary goals by carefully monitoring expenses and adjusting menu pricing as needed.
Chef Manager
Victory Center
11.2009 - 12.2019
Education
High School Diploma -
El Salvador
Usulután El Salvador Skills
- Customer service
- Food storage
- Staff supervision
- Staff leadership
- Portion control
- Cross-training staff
- Team development
- Food presentation
- Hiring procedures
- Performance evaluations
- Staff motivation
- Quality control
- Menu development
- Food preparation
- Catering coordination
- Cost control
- Hiring standards
- Allergy awareness
- Ordering supplies
- Equipment management
- Production records
- Promotions planning
- Hiring and firing
- Health inspections
- Special events planning
- Banquet operations
- Cost controls
- Regulatory compliance
- Waste reduction
- Sanitation standards
- Recipe creation
- Purchasing
- Nutrition
- Kitchen operations management
- Food safety management
- Menu pricing
- Service records
- Menu design
- Inventory management
- Sanitation
- Safe food handling
Certification
Manager food sanitation certificate
Timeline
Food Service Manager
Congregation of St Joseph
09.2020 - 10.2025
Chef Manager
Mercy Circle Senior Living
11.2017 - 04.2020
Chef Manager
Victory Center
11.2009 - 12.2019
High School Diploma -
El Salvador