Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Mark Ottman

Topeka

Summary

Food service professional with extensive experience in kitchen management and culinary operations. Known for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety while fostering collaborative team environment. Reliable and adaptable, with strong skills in leadership and problem-solving.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Kitchen Manager

Juli's Coffee And Bistro
Topeka, KS
01.2018 - 01.2026
  • Managed daily kitchen operations, ensuring food quality and safety compliance.
  • Trained and supervised kitchen staff, fostering teamwork and efficiency.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and improving cost control.
  • Developed seasonal menus, aligning offerings with customer preferences and trends.
  • Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
  • Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.

Sous Chef

Ramada Inn-Downtown Topeka
Topeka, KS
09.2014 - 03.2020
  • Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Developed and executed seasonal menu offerings, enhancing guest satisfaction and culinary creativity.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and ensuring optimal stock levels for high-demand items.
  • Coordinated special event preparations, managing multiple orders while maintaining high-quality standards under pressure.
  • Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
  • Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
  • Managed banquet operations, ensuring seamless execution of events and high guest satisfaction.

Executive Chef

Oeno Wine Bar
Wichita, KS
07.2013 - 08.2014
  • Developed and executed seasonal menus, ensuring culinary creativity and consistency across dining services.
  • Streamlined food preparation processes, improving efficiency and reducing waste in high-volume settings.
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment.
  • Collaborated with suppliers to source quality ingredients, optimizing cost-effectiveness while maintaining menu standards.
  • Oversaw inventory management, implementing systems to track supplies and reduce shortages or overstock situations.
  • Conducted regular quality control checks on prepared dishes, ensuring excellence in taste and presentation for guest satisfaction.
  • Coordinated logistics for multiple events, optimizing schedules and resource allocation efficiently.
  • Collaborated with culinary team to create customized menus tailored to client specifications.
  • Analyzed feedback from events to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.
  • Established strong relationships with vendors, negotiating contracts to secure favorable terms and pricing.
  • Delegated tasks to staff members to maximize production under tight deadlines.

Sous Chef

Wichita Country Club
08.2012 - 07.2013
  • Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
  • Participated in menu planning meetings, offering creative input that led to new signature dishes garnering rave reviews from guests.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality dishes and maintaining strict adherence to food safety standards.
  • Enhanced banquet operations by streamlining communication between kitchen and service staff.
  • Increased guest satisfaction by anticipating needs and providing exceptional service during events.
  • Streamlined food preparation processes, reducing waste and improving efficiency in kitchen operations.
  • Developed and executed seasonal menus to enhance customer satisfaction and culinary innovation.

Sous Chef

Ya Ya's Euro Bistro
Wichita, KS
03.2011 - 08.2012
  • Collaborated with front-of-house team to optimize service flow and reduce wait times during peak hours.
  • Mentored junior chefs, fostering skill development and promoting teamwork within the kitchen environment.
  • Implemented training programs on new cooking techniques, improving overall kitchen efficiency and quality of dishes.
  • Evaluated supplier performance, negotiating contracts to secure quality ingredients at competitive prices.
  • Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.
  • Contributed to successful catering events by coordinating meal preparation and execution, exceeding client expectations on each occasion.
  • Ensured consistent quality control of all dishes leaving the kitchen, resulting in a reputation for excellence among patrons.
  • Managed kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality and safety compliance.
  • Streamlined food preparation processes, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency.

Banquet Chef

Holiday Inn-Topeka
Topeka, KS
05.2006 - 08.2009
  • Led menu planning and development for diverse banquet events, ensuring culinary excellence and guest satisfaction.
  • Supervised kitchen staff, providing training and guidance to enhance operational efficiency and teamwork.
  • Coordinated food preparation timelines to meet event schedules, optimizing workflow during high-demand periods.
  • Implemented quality control measures to maintain food safety standards and uphold health regulations consistently.
  • Developed cost-effective recipes while maintaining high-quality presentation for large-scale banquets.
  • Collaborated with event coordinators to customize menus based on client preferences and dietary restrictions.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste while ensuring adequate supplies for events.
  • Practiced safe work habits to avoid possible injury to self or other employees.
  • Analyzed banquet event orders and planned and coordinated functions with catering staff to meet or exceed customer expectations.
  • Managed food inventory, ensuring optimal freshness and minimizing waste for cost-effective operations.
  • Managed production by adhering to preparation, plating, and presentation standards and following safety regulations to deliver top quality food.

Executive Chef

Ramada Inn- Topeka
Topeka, KS
12.2004 - 05.2006
  • Managed kitchen staff, fostering teamwork and enhancing performance through effective training and mentoring.
  • Developed innovative menu items reflecting seasonal ingredients and local culinary trends.
  • Streamlined food preparation processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing waste.
  • Conducted inventory management, optimizing ingredient procurement and storage practices.
  • Implemented cost-control measures, maintaining budget while enhancing menu offerings.
  • Led special events catering, customizing menus to meet diverse client preferences and dietary needs.
  • Actively participated in menu planning meetings with hotel management, providing valuable insights for appealing dishes that catered to a diverse clientele.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations by implementing efficient prep procedures and cooking techniques.
  • Monitored food production at all stages, ensuring consistency in quality and presentation to maintain high standards of service.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by creating visually appealing and delicious culinary dishes.
  • Established positive relationships with vendors, fostering long-term partnerships beneficial for both parties involved.

Chef's Apprentice

Topeka Country Club
Topeka, KS
01.2002 - 12.2004
  • Assisted in preparation of high-quality dishes within a fast-paced kitchen environment.
  • Collaborated with senior chefs to refine food presentation and flavor profiles.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
  • Supported inventory management by tracking ingredient quality and availability daily.
  • Executed daily prep tasks efficiently, contributing to timely meal service and customer satisfaction.

Through Johnson County Community College

Education

Associate of Science - Culinary Arts/Restaurant Managment

Johnson County Community College
Overland Park, KS
01-2005

Skills

  • Multitasking and organization
  • Customer service
  • Food safety
  • Inventory management
  • Staff supervision
  • Food preparation
  • Kitchen management
  • Safe food handling
  • Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
  • Recipes and menu planning
  • Supply ordering
  • Food safety compliance

Timeline

Kitchen Manager

Juli's Coffee And Bistro
01.2018 - 01.2026

Sous Chef

Ramada Inn-Downtown Topeka
09.2014 - 03.2020

Executive Chef

Oeno Wine Bar
07.2013 - 08.2014

Sous Chef

Wichita Country Club
08.2012 - 07.2013

Sous Chef

Ya Ya's Euro Bistro
03.2011 - 08.2012

Banquet Chef

Holiday Inn-Topeka
05.2006 - 08.2009

Executive Chef

Ramada Inn- Topeka
12.2004 - 05.2006

Chef's Apprentice

Topeka Country Club
01.2002 - 12.2004

Associate of Science - Culinary Arts/Restaurant Managment

Johnson County Community College