Veronica Gonzalez
Waukegan,Illinois
Summary
Professional Summary
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Assistant
Sodexo USA
Libertyville, IL
01.2024 - Current
- Assisted in planning and executing catering events, ensuring seamless operations and client satisfaction.
- Coordinated food preparation and presentation, maintaining high standards of quality and hygiene.
- Supported inventory management by tracking supplies and assisting in procurement processes.
- Trained new staff on catering procedures, enhancing team efficiency and service delivery.
- Streamlined event setup processes, reducing preparation time while improving overall service quality.
- Coordinated closely with other staff members during events for smooth service delivery.
- Helped chefs prepare and present food to event guests with strong attention to detail and presentation expertise.
- Maintained strict adherence to food safety guidelines, preventing any potential health risks or violations.
- Offered excellent customer service, addressing client concerns promptly and professionally.
- Maintained professional demeanor under pressure during high-stress situations, contributing to overall success of catered events.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional catering services at various events.
- Set up and broke down event spaces efficiently, ensuring timely completion of tasks while minimizing disruption to guests.
Kitchen Lead
Sodexo
Riverswood, IL
05.2014 - 12.2023
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Place orders for daily production.
- Implemented and maintained food safety and sanitation standards to establish safe handling and preparation of food.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Developed and implemented kitchen policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for kitchen operations and comply with regulations.
- Reviewed and analyzed kitchen performance to verify gaps and observe continuous improvement.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate meal service and special events, executing smooth operations.
- Stocked and rotated food items according to expiration dates.
- Maintained composure and work quality while under stress.
- Followed food safety practices and sanitation guidelines.
- Cleaned and maintained work areas, equipment and utensils.
- Seasoned and cooked food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.
- Washed, peeled and cut various foods such as fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Prepared sandwiches, salads and other specialty items according to customer specifications.
- Trained new staff on food preparation and safety procedures.
- Lifted and carried heavy materials.
- Reduced kitchen accidents by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization.
- Assisted in setting up and breaking down kitchen stations.
- Monitored food temperature, discarding items not stored correctly.
- Loaded dishes, glasses and tableware into dishwashing machines.
- Used manual or electric appliances to clean, peel, slice and trim foods.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Sanitized pots, pans, utensils, kitchen appliances and equipment using company-approved cleaning supplies.
- Operated food slicers, grinders and chopper in accordance with safety guidelines.
- Removed trash and cleaned kitchen garbage containers.
- Maintained high personal grooming standards and uniform presentation.
- Inspected stock to identify shortages, replenish supply and maintain consistent inventory.
Education
GED -
College of Lake County
Grayslake, ILSkills
- Purchasing
- Product Rotation
- Food Safety
- Health Code Compliance
- Quality Assurance
- Kitchen Staff Coordination
- Workflow Planning
- Multitasking and Organization
- Flexible Schedule
- Expediting Orders
- Safe Food Handling
- Cleaning and Sanitation
- Reliability and punctuality
- Allergen awareness
- Food safety
- Food presentation
- Meal delivery
- Quality assurance
- Buffet setup mastery
Timeline
Catering Assistant
Sodexo USA
01.2024 - Current
Kitchen Lead
Sodexo
05.2014 - 12.2023
GED -
College of Lake County