Zane Rodriguez
Rochester Hills,MI
Summary
High-energy culinary leader with 3+ years scaling kitchen operations, cutting food costs 18%, and boosting profit margins 14% through menu engineering and waste reduction. Proven in growing teams from 8 to 22 members while maintaining 98% staff retention. Transitioned from diverse technical/sales roles into full-time culinary leadership, bringing logistics, customer experience, and P&L discipline to high-volume kitchens.
Knowledgeable Individual with solid track record in managing kitchen operations and enhancing menu offerings. Proven ability to lead culinary teams while maintaining high standards for food quality and presentation. Demonstrated expertise in streamlining kitchen processes and fostering collaborative work environment.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF
Macedonian Cultural Center
08.2022 - Current
- Elevated banquet kitchen operations for 300–800 guest events; reduced food costs 18% ($42K annual savings) via portion standardization and seasonal sourcing.
- Increased catering profit margins 14% by redesigning high-margin menus and eliminating low performers.
- Lead 22-person team (cooks, stewards, prep); implemented cross-training program, achieving 98% retention and zero call-offs during peak season.
- Provided product information and support to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Trained new team members on company policies, procedures, and best practices in customer service.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints through effective communication and problem-solving techniques.
SOUS CHEF
Royal Park Hotel
03.2022 - 07.2025
- Grew kitchen brigade from 8 to 15 members; trained 12 line cooks to executive standards, reducing onboarding time 40%.
- Managed $1.2M annual food budget; negotiated with 7 vendors to secure 12% better pricing on proteins and produce.
- Executed 150+ events/year (weddings, corporate galas); consistently achieved 4.8/5 guest satisfaction scores.
- Implemented daily waste tracking system, cutting spoilage 28% in first 6 months.
INSURANCE BROKER (Part-Time)
North American Senior Benefits
12.2021 - 04.2022
- Secured Michigan Life Insurance License; built self-sustaining book of business with 42 policies in 5 months.
- Ranked Top 15% in regional sales; averaged $9,200 monthly premium volume.
HYUNDAI SALES CONSULTANT
Elder Hyundai
12.2021 - 04.2022
- Sold 18 vehicles/month; mastered customer journey from lead to delivery, earning 97% CSI score.
- Leveraged hybrid vehicle expertise to close 68% of eco-conscious buyers.
MECHANIC APPRENTICE – HYBRID SYSTEMS
Heidebreicht Chevrolet
01.2020 - 11.2021
- Diagnosed and repaired hybrid powertrains (Volt, Bolt EV); completed 300+ service orders with 100% first-time fix rate.
- Collaborated with engineers on battery calibration protocols; reduced diagnostic time 22% via custom checklists.
- Managed parts logistics for 3-bay shop; maintained 99% inventory accuracy.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Political Science And Government
Oakland Community College
Rochester Hills, MI10-2024
Michigan Life Insurance License - undefined
State of Michigan
01.2022
Skills
- Kitchen: Toast POS, ChefTec, Menu Engineering, Excel (P&L modeling)
- Tools: Hybrid diagnostics (GM MDI), CRM (VinSolutions), Insurance platforms
- Sanitation standards
- Cost control
- Inventory management
- Meticulous attention to detail
Certification
- Licensed Chef ServSafe Certifiued
- Certified Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana Life insurance Broker
- CPR certified both infant and Adult
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF
Macedonian Cultural Center
08.2022 - Current
SOUS CHEF
Royal Park Hotel
03.2022 - 07.2025
INSURANCE BROKER (Part-Time)
North American Senior Benefits
12.2021 - 04.2022
HYUNDAI SALES CONSULTANT
Elder Hyundai
12.2021 - 04.2022
MECHANIC APPRENTICE – HYBRID SYSTEMS
Heidebreicht Chevrolet
01.2020 - 11.2021
Michigan Life Insurance License - undefined
State of Michigan
Associate of Applied Science - Political Science And Government
Oakland Community College