RICKY MANCE
Las Vegas
Summary
- Passionate and results-driven Culinary Professional recognized for a comprehensive knowledge of multiple national and international cuisines and an innovative approach to setting the stage for a customized dining experience.
- Over 19 years of progressive experience managing the provision of fine dining for reputable establishments; refining the art of cooking; developing impressive menus; and preparing culinary dishes influenced by culturally diverse regions around the globe.
- Particularly adept in the ability to cultivate partnerships with service providers in obtaining the freshest and highest quality ingredients; and committed to leaving patrons with an especially memorable dining experience.
- Able to take services to a new professional and successful level by developing consumer-driven and effective kitchen operations, customer service excellence, and execution strategies that improve the business bottom line and propel the company image to the top.
- Innovative thinker, who understands business beyond the numbers, and possesses instinctive ability to drive business strategy and operational excellence.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sous Chef
Palms Casino
Las Vegas
02.2023 - 04.2026
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure smooth daily operations and meal preparation.
- Collaborated with executive chef to create innovative seasonal menus.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies to maintain optimal stock levels.
- Trained new kitchen staff on food preparation techniques and safety standards.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations and sanitation practices in the kitchen.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff for timely food service delivery.
- Monitored food quality during preparation to maintain high culinary standards.
- Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
Food Service Director
Healthcare Services Group
Las Vegas
01.2022 - 02.2023
- Managed daily food service operations in healthcare settings.
- Supervised staff to ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Developed and implemented menus catering to dietary needs.
- Trained team members on food safety and sanitation practices.
- Coordinated inventory management and supply ordering processes.
- Led team meetings to improve service quality and efficiency.
Food Director
Landmark Global
Las Vegas
05.2021 - 11.2022
- Developed and implemented food safety protocols for all culinary operations.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure high-quality ingredient sourcing.
- Oversaw inventory management and ordered supplies for all food services.
- Trained kitchen staff on food preparation and sanitation standards.
- Coordinated menu planning and special dietary needs for diverse clientele.
Head Chef
Monte Nido & Affiliates
Darien
12.2019 - 05.2021
- Developed innovative seasonal menus aligned with nutritional standards.
- Oversaw kitchen staff training on food safety and hygiene practices.
- Coordinated daily meal preparations to ensure timely service for clients.
- Managed inventory control to maintain stock levels and reduce waste.
- Collaborated with dietitians to create specialized dietary plans for patients.
- Maintained compliance with health regulations and industry standards in operations.
Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager
Brookdale Senior Living
Prospect Heights
12.2015 - 12.2019
- Assist the chef with overseeing the day to day operation of the kitchen and maintaining the highest quality food products and service.
- Streamlined kitchen operations by creating more accurate preparation sheets, standardized recipe files, and product-rotation systems.
- Enhanced employee retention and morale by tactfully promoting team environment, emphasizing guest relations, and instituting a positive means of dealing with stress in a high-volume operation.
- Oversee breakfast and lunch for quality assurance meal presentation and portion control.
- Keep stock rooms, coolers and freezers clean and rotated.
- Maintain kitchen cleanliness and food preparation according to state and local health department code requirements.
- Assist with food and supply inventory control systems, collaborate with Food Service Director of all production needs.
- Keep waste to a minimum by utilizing food storage and food recycling techniques. Employ appropriate loss prevention procedures.
- Ensure proper equipment operation and maintenance to ensure proper safety & sanitation in kitchen.
- Implemented new food concepts, assisted in the adherence to maintaining budget compliance for daily food cost.
- Administered employee performance reviews and raises reflecting their evaluation.
- Supervised kitchen staff and ensured adherence to food safety standards.
- Prepared diverse menus catering to residents' dietary needs and preferences.
Chef
Church Creek Five Star Senior Living
Arlington Heights
09.2014 - 12.2015
- Successfully developed new recipes, planned menus, and managed inventory and food supplies.
- Managed budgets and provided internal controls.
- Monitored use of government food commodities to ensure proper procedures are followed.
- Prepared and cooked meats, vegetables, desserts, and other foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions.
- Weighed, measured, and mixed ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment using various kitchen utensils and equipment.
Chef
Friendship Village of Schaumburg
Schaumburg
01.2008 - 12.2015
- Managed employee schedules, created rosters, established internal policies, processes, and procedures; developed roles and key result areas and trained key personnel for better role clarity and enhanced productivity.
- Monitored use of government food commodities to ensure proper procedures are followed.
- Prepared and cooked meats, vegetables, desserts, and other foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions.
- Established cost-effective portion sizes and cost estimates for menu additions or changes.
- Weighed, measured, and mixed ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment using various kitchen utensils and equipment.
- Ensured that all orders are presented in a neat and appetizing manner.
- Compiled and maintained records of food use and expenditures.
- Cleaned and inspected galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure sanitary and functional operation.
Education
Master's Certificate -
Wilton School of Cake Decorating
Darien, ILAssociate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Triton College
River Grove, ILSkills
- Strategic Planning
- Inventory Management/Procurement
- Budget Management
- Kitchen Operations Management
- Special Occasions/Event Management
- Cost Reduction
- Menu Design / Development
- Budget & Financial Management
- Staff Training/Development
- Customer Experience
- Kitchen Design/Layout
- Market Research & Analysis
- Executive Leadership
- Safety/Hygiene/HACCP Compliance
- Excellent Interpersonal Skills
- Inventory management
- Food safety
- Dietary needs adaptation
- Quality control
- Staff training
- Time management
Certification
- Basset Training Program
- ServeSafe Food Handler
Personal Information
Title: Executive Sous Chef
Proficiency Forte
- Strategic Planning
- Inventory Management/Procurement
- Budget Management
- Kitchen Operations Management
- Special Occasions/Event Management
- Cost Reduction
- Menu Design / Development
- Budget & Financial Management
- Staff Training/Development
- Customer Experience
- Kitchen Design/Layout
- Market Research & Analysis
- Executive Leadership
- Safety/Hygiene/HACCP Compliance
- Excellent Interpersonal Skills
Assessments
Preparing food, using cooking equipment, and converting ingredient measurements.
Timeline
Sous Chef
Palms Casino
02.2023 - 04.2026
Food Service Director
Healthcare Services Group
01.2022 - 02.2023
Food Director
Landmark Global
05.2021 - 11.2022
Head Chef
Monte Nido & Affiliates
12.2019 - 05.2021
Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager
Brookdale Senior Living
12.2015 - 12.2019
Chef
Church Creek Five Star Senior Living
09.2014 - 12.2015
Chef
Friendship Village of Schaumburg
01.2008 - 12.2015
Master's Certificate -
Wilton School of Cake Decorating
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Triton College