Zachary Finch
Tucson,AZ
Summary
Dynamic and adaptable culinary leader, proficient in training new staff and ensuring food safety compliance. Known for enhancing efficiency and maintaining high-quality standards, ready to drive operational success in a collaborative kitchen setting.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Prep Cook
Jockamo's Upper Crust Pizza
Indianapolis, IN
03.2016 - 04.2026
- Oversaw kitchen operations, ensuring timely meal preparation and quality control.
- Trained and mentored junior cooks, enhancing team efficiency and performance.
- Developed recipes and standardized portion sizes for consistent product quality.
- Managed inventory levels, minimizing waste through effective stock rotation practices.
- Collaborated with management to streamline menu offerings based on seasonal ingredients.
- Implemented food safety protocols, maintaining compliance with health regulations.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service during peak hours.
- Analyzed kitchen workflows to identify process improvements, increasing overall productivity.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation processes and implementing effective time management techniques.
- Assumed leadership role when necessary during busy services or staff absences, coordinating team efforts to meet demand without sacrificing quality or speed of service.
- Implemented energy-saving measures such as efficient equipment usage patterns or turning off appliances when not in use, contributing to reduced operational costs.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary work environment, adhering to strict health department guidelines and preventing crosscontamination.
- Increased overall productivity by multitasking between various prep stations while maintaining attention to detail and consistent quality standards.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering dishes that met high standards of taste, presentation, and temperature.
- Provided valuable input during recipe testing sessions, refining dish components for optimal taste and presentation before adding them to the menu.
- Collaborated with other cooks to maintain seamless communication during high-volume shifts, leading to improved workflow and fewer errors.
- Optimized ingredient usage, reducing waste by improving inventory management and portion control practices.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to last-minute changes or special requests, maintaining a positive attitude under pressure.
- Handled the proper storage of perishable ingredients according to food safety regulations, minimizing spoilage risk and upholding freshness standards.
- Assisted in training new team members on kitchen procedures, ensuring consistent quality across all dishes prepared.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new skills or techniques as required to meet evolving menu needs and kitchen demands.
- Maintained clean, hygienic kitchen workspace by sweeping, mopping, and taking out trash.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
- Trained and assisted new kitchen staff members.
- Received shipments and placed items on proper shelves to restock and organize restaurant pantry.
- Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Trained new kitchen staff on food safety, preparation and cooking techniques.
- Developed innovative, creative menu items and recipes.
Shift Leader
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
Indianapolis, IN
05.2015 - 03.2016
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring efficient sandwich preparation and customer service.
- Trained and mentored team members on menu items and operational standards.
- Managed inventory levels, reducing waste through effective stock rotation practices.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to team members.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations during shift activities.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, maintaining high satisfaction levels and repeat business.
- Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment while ensuring all employees adhered to safety guidelines and protocols.
- Completed cash and credit card transactions accurately using POS software.
- Oversaw daily cash handling procedures, maintaining accurate records and minimizing discrepancies.
- Collaborated with other shift leaders to maintain consistent standards across all shifts, promoting a cohesive workplace culture.
- Maintained clean and well-organized production areas to avoid violations or unnecessary work delays due to hazards or inefficient layouts.
- Managed shift operations, supplied resources and monitored team performance to keep business profitable and running smoothly.
- Provided ongoing training for new hires, fostering a positive team atmosphere that encouraged growth and development.
- Served as a reliable point-of-contact for upper management when needed, effectively communicating any issues or successes from daily operations.
- Ensured compliance with all legal and company policies, minimizing risks of fines or sanctions.
- Oversaw cash handling and financial transactions, ensuring accuracy and reducing discrepancies.
Shift Leader
Little Caesars Pizza
Indianapolis, IN
08.2014 - 05.2015
- Resolved customer complaints and issues and offered thoughtful solutions to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through prompt and courteous service, addressing concerns immediately.
- Enforced company policies and regulations with employees.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies to keep location well stocked with necessary supplies.
- Resolved conflicts between employees to maintain positive and productive work environments.
- Prepared shift summary reports for supervisor and communicated regularly on goals and progress.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workspace, adhering to health and safety standards.
- Enhanced team efficiency by leading shift changeovers, ensuring smooth operations without downtime.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation of food, reducing customer wait times.
- Maintained focus during busy times and delegated tasks to employees to keep business running smoothly.
- Maintained clean, adequately stocked, and organized store by streamlining daily operations and introducing new procedures.
- Submitted reports to senior management to aid in business decision-making and planning.
- Trained and mentored team members on menu items and operational standards.
- Managed inventory levels, reducing waste through effective stock rotation practices.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations during shift activities.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment while ensuring all employees adhered to safety guidelines and protocols.
Education
High School Diploma -
Avon High School
Avon, INSkills
- Training new staff, Teamwork and collaboration
- Knife skills, Cooking techniques, Ingredient preparation
- Sanitation procedures, Stock rotation, Food storage
- Food presentation
- Workstation setup, Cleaning and organization
- Sauce making
- Portion control Temperature monitoring
- Batch cooking, Recipe execution, Adapting recipes, Special diets, Allergen awareness
- Prep list creation
- Willingness to learn, Quick-learning, Efficient multitasking
- Dependable and reliable
Certification
- ServSafe
Timeline
Lead Prep Cook
Jockamo's Upper Crust Pizza
03.2016 - 04.2026
Shift Leader
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
05.2015 - 03.2016
Shift Leader
Little Caesars Pizza
08.2014 - 05.2015
High School Diploma -
Avon High School