Divya Hari
Summary
Experienced with culinary operations, team leadership, and innovative menu development. Utilizes strategic planning and efficient resource management to enhance kitchen performance. Track record of fostering collaborative environments and delivering exceptional culinary experiences.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Culinary Director
Highbell Hospitality Group
10.2024
- Directed culinary operations across multiple kitchens, managing teams of 20-30 staff supporting simultaneous events and daily production
- Led high-end catering for corporate, cultural, and private events ranging from 50 to 6000+ guests, with a focus on seasonal, locally driven menus.
- Designed and launched a custom in-house dessert program, contributing to a 15–20% increase in dessert attachment rate and improved consistency across events
- Headed menu R&D and launch for CookUnity, developing 10–20 production-ready SKUs per cycle, balancing chef creativity with scalability and nutrition standards
- Implemented standardized recipes, prep systems, and plating guides, improving execution consistency, and reducing food waste by ~8–12%
- Oversaw food costing, sourcing, and vendor relationships, maintaining 28–30% food cost targets while prioritizing quality and regional suppliers
- Collaborated with sales and operations to customize menus within client budgets, supporting repeat corporate business and long-term accounts
Kitchen Manager
Delysees
11.2023 - 09.2024
- Managed daily operations, including staff supervision and inventory control.
- Coordinated production, ordering and receiving of ingredients and supplies.
- Trained and mentored staff to improve skills and maintain high standards of quality.
- Hands on experience creating intricate pastries and other baked goods following French recipes and techniques.
- Implemented efficient production schedules resulting in increased productivity.
- Managed and coordinated logistics operations across multiple stores.
Bakery Production Manager
Crave Doughnuts
10.2021 - 05.2023
- Hands on experience in all departments, including pre-production and production.
- Successfully increased production by 20% by initiating changes in operations and streamlining the production process.
- Actively managed a team of 6-8 members, delegating tasks and shifts to maximize output. Providing feedback and conducting performance reviews on a regular basis.
- Developed inventory system, encouraging staff to log low supplies. Ensuring par levels are maintained.
- Liaison between night and day teams to ensure smooth and seamless operations.
- Ensure compliance with company and statutory policies including sanitation and food safety.
Bakery Manager
Frantastic Events
07.2018 - 09.2021
Bakery Manager
Cup of Tea
10.2017 - 07.2018
Education
Advanced Baking and Pastry Arts -
Durham College
Whitby, Ontario04.2018
Bachelor of Culinary Arts -
Manipal University
Manipal, India05-2016
Skills
Culinary Operations High-Volume Catering Dessert & Pastry Programs Menu R&D
Team Leadership Food Costing & Vendor Management Process Optimization Food Safety
Certification
- FOOD HANDLERS’ CERTIFICATION
- Ministry of Health – August 2025
Timeline
Culinary Director
Highbell Hospitality Group
10.2024
Kitchen Manager
Delysees
11.2023 - 09.2024
Bakery Production Manager
Crave Doughnuts
10.2021 - 05.2023
Bakery Manager
Frantastic Events
07.2018 - 09.2021
Bakery Manager
Cup of Tea
10.2017 - 07.2018
Advanced Baking and Pastry Arts -
Durham College
Bachelor of Culinary Arts -
Manipal University