GILLIAN WANDAI
KENYA,NAIROBI
Summary
Top-notch professional with expertise in menu development, kitchen management and staff training. Creates unique and delicious dishes while controlling food and labor costs. Talented kitchen leader and team motivator successful at maintaining staff focus and productivity in high-volume, fast-paced operations.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Chef
Java House Africa
11.2018 - Current
- Coordinated 25 employee schedules and developed staff teams to boost productivity.
- Trained 18 junior chefs in advanced culinary techniques and food safety procedures, helping them grow professionally.
- Maintained well organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Developed 35 kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
Assistant Head Chef
Java House Africa
06.2016 - 10.2018
- Coordinated 46 special events catering services, providing exceptional dining experiences for clients and guests.
- Introduced innovative plating techniques that elevated visual appeal of dishes while adhering to nutritional guidelines.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives that reduced food waste by 37% while maintaining high-quality dishes for guest enjoyment.
- Reduced wait times for customers by optimizing cooking processes for maximum efficiency without sacrificing food quality or taste.
- Collaborated with front-of-house team to ensure seamless communication between kitchen and dining area, enhancing overall guest satisfaction.
- Managed 26 staff scheduling during peak seasons, ensuring adequate coverage and limiting overtime expenses while maintaining high level of service.
- Ensured consistent food quality by implementing strict quality control measures and monitoring inventory levels.
Cook
Secret Garden Cafe
02.2013 - 03.2015
- Maintained clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Enhanced teamwork within kitchen staff by fostering collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
Cook
The Tamarind Carnivore
08.2007 - 12.2012
- Maintained clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to increase productivity.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Assisted in inventory management and ordering supplies, maintaining adequate stock levels for efficient kitchen operations.
Education
Certificate in Food And Beverage Production
Khaime Plannel College
Kenya2004
Methodist Guest House
12.2002
Kianderi Girls High School
11.1999
Kangema Primary School
11.1995
Skills
- Food Safety
- Sanitation Standards
- Culinary expertise
- Menu Supervision
- Leadership Qualities
- Kitchen Management
- Menu development
- Staff Training
- Cost Control and Budgeting
References
- Chef Gacheru, Executive Chef, Tamarind Nairobi Restaurant, 0722 727 831
- Chef Ohomo, Executive Chef, Java house Africa, 0720 284 139
Languages
English
Full Professional
Swahili
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Head Chef
Java House Africa
11.2018 - Current
Assistant Head Chef
Java House Africa
06.2016 - 10.2018
Cook
Secret Garden Cafe
02.2013 - 03.2015
Cook
The Tamarind Carnivore
08.2007 - 12.2012
Certificate in Food And Beverage Production
Khaime Plannel College
Methodist Guest House
Kianderi Girls High School
Kangema Primary School
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