Taylor Duff
Assistant Food Service Leader
Pella,IA
Summary
Professional food service leader with strong track record in high-quality food service operations. Demonstrates effective team collaboration and adaptability to changing needs. Skilled in inventory management, staff training, and customer service. Known for reliability and achieving results in fast-paced environments. Committed to maintaining high sanitation standards and promoting a culture of excellence.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Food Service Leader
Kwik Star
08.2025 - Current
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
- Increased sales through the promotion of daily specials and seasonal menu items.
- Collaborated with Food Service Leader to develop innovative marketing solutions, resulting in increased customer interest and repeat business.
- Supported supply management efforts through accurate inventory counts and diligent vendor communication to maintain adequate stock levels at all times.
- Ensured food safety compliance by regularly conducting thorough inspections of kitchen equipment and work areas.
- Established excellent rapport with coworkers to foster a cohesive team environment that maximized efficiency in all aspects of food service operations.
- Maintained compliance with all company policies, procedures, and local health regulations to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
Fashion Team Lead
Walmart
Pella, Iowa
01.2025 - 07.2025
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities.
- Established clear performance metrics for the team which helped in tracking progress towards set targets effectively.
- Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
Food and Consumables Team Lead
Walmart
Pella, Iowa
01.2021 - 01.2025
- Influenced positive change within the organization through strategic thinking, innovation, problem-solving abilities, and consistent leadership style.
- Collaborated with other department leads to streamline workflows, improve interdepartmental coordination, and achieve business goals collectively.
- Increased customer satisfaction by ensuring timely completion of projects and adherence to high-quality standards.
- Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, training, and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.
- Managed time off requests and found coverage for short shifts.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
Kitchen Manager
Applebee's
Pella, Iowa
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- 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.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, addressing any skill gaps or growth opportunities through ongoing training initiatives.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
- Implemented and maintained food safety and sanitation standards to establish safe handling and preparation of food.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and optimizing staff scheduling.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Increased overall profitability with effective budget management, including cost control strategies for purchasing and labor expenses.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with attentiveness to dietary restrictions and allergen concerns in menu offerings.
- Achieved rapid ticket times during peak service hours by effectively managing workflow distribution across various stations.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
Key Hourly Supervisor
Applebee's
Pella, Iowa
07.2017 - 08.2019
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
- Resolved conflicts among team members promptly, maintaining a harmonious working environment conducive to productivity.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Central College
Pella, IA 05.2001 -
Skills
Food safety compliance
Food handling skills
Knowledge of sanitation standards
Inventory ordering
Workforce scheduling
Allergy management knowledge
Efficient waste minimization
HACCP protocol management
Employee training
Certification
Certified Food Safety Manager (NRFSP)
Timeline
Assistant Food Service Leader
Kwik Star
08.2025 - Current
Fashion Team Lead
Walmart
01.2025 - 07.2025
Certified Food Safety Manager (NRFSP)
05-2024
Food and Consumables Team Lead
Walmart
01.2021 - 01.2025
Kitchen Manager
Applebee's
08.2019 - 08.2020
Key Hourly Supervisor
Applebee's
07.2017 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Central College
05.2001 -