Sandra Anne Zeleniak
Manalapan
Summary
Dynamic Chef with extensive experience in culinary arts, specializing in creating exceptional dining experiences. Proven track record in training and developing kitchen staff to meet high company standards. Skilled in anticipating ingredient needs and managing inventory to ensure efficient kitchen operations. Committed to fostering a positive work environment that encourages growth and collaboration.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Sous Chef
Sycamore Grille
Manalapan
07.2025 - Current
- Managed kitchen operations to ensure smooth workflow and food quality.
- Supervised kitchen staff, providing training and guidance on cooking techniques.
- Monitored inventory levels, ordering supplies to maintain kitchen efficiency.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective communication and teamwork.
- Performed quality assurance checks on all finished products before they left the kitchen area.
- Maintained accurate records of invoices related to food purchases for accounting purposes.
- Ordered food supplies, maintained inventory, and managed budgeting of resources.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in food preparation areas.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring deadlines were met in a timely manner.
- Oversaw the daily cleaning of all cooking surfaces, utensils, and equipment according to health codes.
- Managed kitchen staff team and assigned tasks for various stages of food production.
- Assessed inventory levels and placed orders to replenish goods before supplies depleted.
- Planned and prepared food product orders to maintain appropriate stock levels.
- Implemented and maintained excellent service to achieve guest satisfaction.
- Put away stock in proper rotation
- Checked in food/ produce delivery orders from vendors
Chef /Assistant Restaurant General Manager
Sciortino’s Harbor Lights & Sciortino’s Pizza Pasta and More
South Amboy
02.2008 - 07.2025
- Assessed inventory levels and placed orders to replenish goods before supplies depleted.
- Managed day-to-day operations of restaurant, including scheduling, budgeting, and inventory control.
- Reconciled daily transactions, balanced cash registers and deposited restaurant's earnings at bank.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Managed food inventory to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline meal preparation processes.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations and equipment.
- Trained junior kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques and safety protocols.
- Prepared high-quality dishes according to established recipes.
- Stored foods correctly using correct storage containers and labelling systems.
- Planned menus, ordered supplies and managed kitchen staff.
- Trained new chefs on proper cooking techniques and menu items.
Graphic Designer and Production Manager
Signs By Tomorrow
Green Brook
02.2006 - 01.2008
- Design and coordinate work assignments from 2 store locations.
- Oversee print and signage production, as well as a staff of 4 others. This entails inspecting for quality control of end product and ensuring deadlines are maintained in an aggressive work environment.
- Extensive contact with new and established clients, as well as responsible for price estimates for new and upcoming assignments.
Graphic Designer
Brain Enhancement Services, Inc.
03.2005 - 01.2006
- Collaborated with doctor and staff in the design of maps to be used in workbook pages for printed resource aiding disabled adults; The Serper Method.
- Designed print materials
Graphics Coordinator
Tri-State Graphics
Bridgewater
03.2004 - 01.2006
- Designed from concept to completion, all graphics and signage needs for a spectrum of clientele, from small home businesses to large corporations. This encompassed creating graphics for vehicles, signage, print, and custom needs.
- Responsible for co-managing the workflow and customer service.
- Performed clerical duties.
Substitute Teacher
Perth Amboy Board of Education
09.2002 - 09.2003
- Responsible for following course material left by teacher for grades Pre-k through High school, overseeing students in a classroom environment.
Intern
Shakti Productions
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Company Overview: Manhattan, NY
- Collaborated with director/ screenwriter in creating a body of artwork featured in independent film “The Tollbooth”.
- Supervised on-set painting scenes.
- Manhattan, NY
Graphic Design Internship
Center for Environmental Indicators, Rutgers University
New Brunswick
09.2003 - 2004
- Created flyers and brochures for academic events.
- Assisted Assistant Director of activities in designing and uploading web content.
Graphic Design Assistant
Creative Print Services
01.2004
- Created and edited packaging and print design in collaborative environment.
- Assisted in marketing company product designs to companies nationally.
- Performed clerical duties.
Education
Certification - Visual Communications Program
Katharine Gibbs School
Piscataway, NJ01.2003
Bachelor of Fine Arts -
Rutgers- Mason Gross School of the Arts
New Brunswick, NJ01.2000
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Special event catering
- Inventory control
- Safe food handling
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Vendor relations
- Inventory management
- Purchasing
- Delegating work
- Health and safety compliance
- Customer service expertise
- Staff training
- Kitchen operations management
Affiliations
- Vocalist and Musician
- Visual Artist
Timeline
Executive Sous Chef
Sycamore Grille
07.2025 - Current
Chef /Assistant Restaurant General Manager
Sciortino’s Harbor Lights & Sciortino’s Pizza Pasta and More
02.2008 - 07.2025
Graphic Designer and Production Manager
Signs By Tomorrow
02.2006 - 01.2008
Graphic Designer
Brain Enhancement Services, Inc.
03.2005 - 01.2006
Graphics Coordinator
Tri-State Graphics
03.2004 - 01.2006
Graphic Design Assistant
Creative Print Services
01.2004
Graphic Design Internship
Center for Environmental Indicators, Rutgers University
09.2003 - 2004
Substitute Teacher
Perth Amboy Board of Education
09.2002 - 09.2003
Intern
Shakti Productions
01.2000 - 01.2002
Certification - Visual Communications Program
Katharine Gibbs School
Bachelor of Fine Arts -
Rutgers- Mason Gross School of the Arts
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