TABATHIA A DIAS SOUZA
Wills Point
Summary
Resourceful Kitchen Manager known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in inventory management, staff training, and menu development. Excel in time management, communication, and problem-solving to ensure smooth kitchen operations and team collaboration. Driven Kitchen Manager with expertise in food safety, menu development, and inventory management. Proven track record in optimizing kitchen workflows and fostering teamwork to enhance service quality. Dynamic Kitchen Manager known for strong leadership and communication skills. Experienced in developing menu items, training staff on safety practices, and promoting a collaborative kitchen environment to drive operational success. Seasoned Kitchen Manager with comprehensive experience in overseeing and coordinating all operations in busy kitchen environments. Strengths include strong leadership, maintaining high standards of food quality, and effectively managing staff to ensure smooth operations. Successfully improved operational efficiency in previous roles by implementing streamlined processes. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen Manager
Van Vandt County Country Club
Canton
10.2020 - 11.2023
- Managed kitchen operations ensuring smooth workflow and high-quality food preparation.
- Trained and supervised staff on food safety and sanitation practices.
- Developed menu items in collaboration with culinary team for seasonal offerings.
- Ordered and maintained inventory of kitchen supplies and ingredients efficiently.
- Implemented cost control measures to optimize kitchen budget management.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure timely food service delivery.
- Monitored kitchen equipment for safety compliance and proper maintenance schedules.
- Resolved staff conflicts and fostered a positive team environment in the kitchen.
- Oversaw daily operations of the kitchen including meal preparation, cooking methods, portion sizes and plate presentation.
- Performed weekly inventories of food items stored in refrigerators or freezers.
- Trained new kitchen staff on proper food handling techniques and safety regulations.
- Created weekly schedules for kitchen staff members based on anticipated business volume.
- Promoted an atmosphere of teamwork among kitchen staff members by fostering open communication between team members.
- Ordered ingredients and supplies to maintain adequate inventory levels for the kitchen.
- Supervised food production processes ensuring high quality standards were met throughout each stage of preparation.
- Worked with vendors to establish strong relationships and maintain proper inventory supplies.
- Received, organized and rotated paper goods and food ingredients.
- Evaluated employee performance through observation of work habits, attitude toward customers and adherence to company policies.
- Reviewed vendor invoices for accuracy before authorizing payment transactions.
- Interviewed, hired and supervised back of house staff to clean tables, remove dishes, take food to tables and assist servers and bartenders.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Assisted staff by serving food and beverages or bussing tables.
Kitchen Cook
DownHome Cafe
Canton
10.2013 - 07.2020
- Prepared meals following recipes and restaurant standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in the kitchen area.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal service.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently during food preparation.
- Monitored food quality and ensured compliance with health regulations.
- Trained new kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques and safety protocols.
- Followed health and safety standards when handling food items.
- Organized kitchen storage areas to maintain cleanliness and orderliness.
- Prepared salads, appetizers and cold dishes according to recipes.
- Stocked kitchen with supplies such as food ingredients and cooking utensils.
- Adhered to sanitation regulations when cleaning kitchen surfaces, utensils and equipment.
- Set up workstations with needed ingredients, utensils and cooking equipment.
- Monitored quality of ingredients used in the preparation of food items.
- Plated finished dishes according to presentation guidelines set by head chef.
- Ensured kitchen equipment and utensils were properly sanitized and maintained.
- Provided exceptional attention to detail in garnishing and presenting dishes.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of orders.
- Performed workstation prep prior to shift start.
- Received and stored food and supplies.
- Chopped vegetables and seasoned meats and fish in preparation for grilling, sautéing and braising.
- Reviewed recipes to determine exact measurements and ingredients to create dishes.
- Memorized new menu items and ingredients quickly to help customers select items meeting needs and preferences.
- Handled advanced thawing and food pre-preparation for upcoming meals.
Front Office Manager
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Cleburne
08.2013 - 07.2016
- Managed daily front office operations and guest check-in processes.
- Supervised front desk staff and provided ongoing training for service excellence.
- Coordinated room assignments and ensured accurate availability for guests.
- Handled guest inquiries, complaints, and special requests professionally.
- Maintained inventory of office supplies and managed vendor relationships.
- Implemented hotel policies to enhance guest satisfaction and staff performance.
- Collaborated with housekeeping to ensure timely room readiness for arrivals.
- Assisted in budgeting and forecasting for front office expenses and resources.
- Responsible for managing the daily operations of the front office, including greeting guests, answering phone calls and emails.
- Performed administrative tasks such as filing paperwork, preparing reports or updating databases when needed.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and efficiently while maintaining a professional demeanor at all times.
- Provided leadership to ensure that all Front Office team members are delivering excellent customer service.
- Answered phones to respond to customer inquiries and transferred calls to appropriate staff members.
- Supervised the preparation of guest bills and invoices ensuring accuracy before issuing them to guests.
- Established strong relationships with corporate clients in order to foster repeat business opportunities.
- Analyzed daily reports such as occupancy rate report, revenue report, prepared by subordinates.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to identify areas of improvement.
- Maintained accurate records of financial transactions such as cashiering activities, credit card charges.
- Assisted in recruiting, training, evaluating and developing staff members in order to maintain high standards of performance.
- Ensured proper maintenance of check-in and check-out log books, reservation logs and other related documents.
- Monitored office inventory to maintain supply levels.
- Met budget targets and quality standards by proactively leading team members and monitoring operations.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure smooth running of the entire hotel operation.
- Created and optimized employee schedules for shift coverage.
- Assisted with interviewing job applicants by asking appropriate questions and offering insight and feedback.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff members to discuss new initiatives or changes in existing processes.
- Conducted staff performance evaluations to monitor progress and individual skills.
- Provided support during events held at the hotel premises such as conferences or exhibitions hosted by clients.
- Updated knowledge about current industry trends through research or attending professional development courses.
- Liaised with vendors like housekeeping department, security personnel regarding guest requests or concerns.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and service providers for front office operations.
- Implemented loyalty programs and promotional offers to retain and attract guests.
- Oversaw the coordination of VIP guest arrivals, ensuring personalized service and attention.
- Liaised with sales and marketing team to implement strategies that enhance guest experience and increase occupancy.
Kitchen Supervisor
Bob Harris Oil Co.
Cleburne
09.2012 - 08.2013
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure adherence to safety and sanitation standards.
- Managed inventory levels by tracking supplies and placing orders as needed.
- Trained new employees on kitchen procedures and equipment usage.
- Coordinated meal preparation schedules to optimize workflow in the kitchen.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations during food handling and preparation.
- Assisted in menu planning by providing input on ingredient availability.
- Monitored food quality during preparation and presentation stages.
- Ensured all kitchen staff adhered to food safety and sanitation regulations.
- Maintained a clean working environment by delegating tasks appropriately among staff members.
- Oversaw food preparation, production and presentation according to quality standards.
- Managed kitchen staff team and assigned tasks for various stages of food production.
- Monitored inventory levels of ingredients, supplies and equipment.
- Worked closely with front-of-house personnel during peak hours ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Maintained food costs by using seasonal ingredients, setting standards for portion size and minimizing waste.
- Created daily, weekly and monthly work schedules for kitchen staff.
- Ordered necessary supplies and equipment to maintain efficient operations in the kitchen.
- Assisted with menu planning, budgeting and cost control processes in the kitchen.
- Inspected freezers and refrigerators prior to each shift to check temperature levels and verify proper functionality.
- Reviewed invoices from vendors to ensure accuracy of orders placed.
- Executed hands-on preventive maintenance and repairs to keep equipment functional.
- Planned menus while taking into account special dietary requirements.
Shift Leader
RaceTrac
Canton
05.2010 - 04.2013
- Supervised daily operations and ensured compliance with company policies.
- Trained and mentored new team members on service excellence and safety protocols.
- Managed inventory levels and facilitated restocking of merchandise efficiently.
- Coordinated shift schedules to optimize team coverage and service delivery.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly to enhance overall satisfaction.
- Monitored fuel pumps and ensured proper functioning throughout shifts.
- Conducted regular safety inspections to maintain a secure work environment.
- Assisted in training new employees on shift operations.
- Verified that cash drawers contained correct amounts of money during opening and closing shifts.
- Supervised and led employees to maintain productivity and customer service levels.
- Provided exceptional customer service and maintained a positive attitude throughout the shift.
- Maintained an organized work environment by delegating tasks to staff as needed.
- Checked orders for quality and completeness.
- Supervised the cleaning of dining areas, restrooms, kitchen equipment, and floors in order to maintain a safe and sanitary environment for customers and staff alike.
- Communicated effectively with other departments within the organization regarding staffing needs or operational issues.
- Performed basic maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs or replacing broken equipment parts as needed.
- Assessed reports and adjusted workflows to realign with targets.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Clinical Medical Assisting
Remington College Honolulu Campus
Honolulu, HI08-2007
Skills
- Food safety
- Menu development
- Inventory management
- Cost control
- Staff training
- Kitchen operations
- Customer service
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Problem-solving
- Catering coordination
- Food production management
- Employee scheduling
- Staff supervision
- Kitchen management
- Event planning support
- Health code compliance
- Verbal and written communication
- High volume dining
- Supply ordering
- Equipment maintenance
- ServSafe certification
- Scheduling coordination
- Recipes and menu planning
- Safety audits
- Ordering supplies
- New employee recruitment
- Multitasking and organization
- Food safety compliance
- Kitchen equipment maintenance
- Sanitation
- Food preparation management
- Kitchen staff coordination
- Expediting orders
- Scheduling
- Team building
- Health inspections
- Inventory coordination
- Policy and procedure enforcement
- Recruitment and hiring
- Employee monitoring
- Food plating and presentation
- Vendor relationship management
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Vendor relations
- Staff training and development
- Attention to detail
Timeline
Kitchen Manager
Van Vandt County Country Club
10.2020 - 11.2023
Kitchen Cook
DownHome Cafe
10.2013 - 07.2020
Front Office Manager
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
08.2013 - 07.2016
Kitchen Supervisor
Bob Harris Oil Co.
09.2012 - 08.2013
Shift Leader
RaceTrac
05.2010 - 04.2013
Associate of Applied Science - Clinical Medical Assisting
Remington College Honolulu Campus