Kudakwashe Mandiyanike
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with a solid background in kitchen management and catering coordination. Expertise in multitasking and inventory management, aiming to leverage skills to optimize operational efficiency and enhance guest satisfaction.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen Manager
Flavors From Afar
Hollywood, CA
10.2025 - Current
- Supervised daily kitchen operations to ensure quality and efficiency.
- Trained staff on food preparation techniques and safety protocols.
- Managed inventory levels to maintain stock and minimize waste, coordinated with suppliers and placed orders
- Developed weekly menus in collaboration with culinary team.
- Assisted in budgeting for kitchen supplies and labor costs.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
- Coordinated catering jobs for private and corporate events, worked with Nike, Netflix and Rare beauty among others.
Banquet Food Server
Portofino Hotel and Marina
Redondo Beach
01.2020 - 03.2020
- Delivered exceptional dining experiences by efficiently serving food and beverages at high-profile events.
- Assisted guests with menu selections, enhancing overall satisfaction through attentive service.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate food presentation and service.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of service areas, upholding health and safety standards.
Host
Portofino Hotel and Marina
Redondo Beach, CA
07.2019 - 01.2020
- Welcomed and seated guests, ensuring a positive first impression of hospitality services.
- Provided menu information and recommendations, showcasing knowledge of offerings to assist patrons.
- Managed reservation systems, confirming bookings and accommodating special requests efficiently.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to maintain workflow and enhance guest experiences.
Server Shift Leader
Links
Port Alfred, South Africa
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Managed shift schedules, optimizing staff allocation based on peak hours and team capabilities.
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring efficient service and adherence to quality standards.
- Trained and mentored new staff on restaurant procedures and customer service excellence.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty through effective communication.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Collaborated with management on promotional events, contributing to increased guest engagement and sales growth.
Hotel Management Trainee
My Pond Hotel
Port Alfred, South Africa
07.2016 - 12.2018
- Assisted in managing front desk functions, ensuring efficient check-in and check-out processes.
- Coordinated daily operations to enhance guest experiences and streamline service delivery.
- Implemented guest feedback initiatives to improve service offerings and satisfaction levels.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure seamless guest experience throughout their stay.
- Worked in the Front desk department, housekeeping department, restaurant department and the kitchen to get a good understanding of the complete operations of the department.
Merchandiser
Tradelane
Harare, Zimbabwe
01.2016 - 06.2016
- Developed effective merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and drive sales growth.
- Analyzed market trends and consumer behavior to optimize product placement and inventory levels.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute promotional campaigns and in-store displays.
- Trained and mentored junior merchandisers on best practices and merchandising techniques.
- Managed inventory levels with regular monitoring, ordering, and stock replenishment for optimal product availability.
Education
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts, Social And Behavioral Science
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA06-2025
Associate of Arts - General Science
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA12-2024
Bachelor's of Commerce - Hospitality Management
Stenden South Africa
Port Alfred, South Africa 10-2021
High School Diploma -
Dominican Convent Harare
Harare, Zimbabwe12-2015
Skills
- Food safety
- Sanitation practices
- Food management
- Team leadership
- Menu development
- Beverage managementttttt
- Kitchen operations
- Communication skills
- Vendor management
- Meal preparation oversight
- Budget management
- Guest service management
- Critical thinking
- Reliable and responsible
Accomplishments
- Enhanced team productivity by introducing essential process improvements.
- Hired, trained and oversaw kitchen staff for Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, Flavors from Afar.
- Achieved successful catering contracts by completing prep schedules with accuracy and efficiency.
- Supervised team of 8 staff members.
- Curated culinary experiences, from menu design, to execution is Los Angeles, Dallas and Maryland.
- Curated Airbnb experiences cooking classes with Flavors From Afar.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Shona
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Kitchen Manager
Flavors From Afar
10.2025 - Current
Banquet Food Server
Portofino Hotel and Marina
01.2020 - 03.2020
Host
Portofino Hotel and Marina
07.2019 - 01.2020
Server Shift Leader
Links
01.2018 - 01.2019
Hotel Management Trainee
My Pond Hotel
07.2016 - 12.2018
Merchandiser
Tradelane
01.2016 - 06.2016
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts, Social And Behavioral Science
Santa Monica College
Associate of Arts - General Science
Santa Monica College
Bachelor's of Commerce - Hospitality Management
Stenden South Africa
High School Diploma -
Dominican Convent Harare