Hussein Haji
Calgary,Canada
Summary
A highly skilled chef and culinary manager with over 17 years of experience, seeking to further my career in the hotel and restaurant industry by continuing to lead and enhance food & beverage operations while developing stronger managerial and operational skills.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Chef
Students Union, University of Calgary
08.2021 - Current
- Led the culinary operations for all Food & Beverage functions across the University of Calgary's Students Union
- Assisted with the development of a new café concept, contributing to its overall vision and execution.
- Oversaw front-of-house operations during a three-month transition period, ensuring a seamless changeover and maintaining service standards.
- Designed, priced, and updated menus, ensuring accuracy in food costing and profitability
- Developed and maintained a detailed menu syllabus for all items, ensuring consistency and creativity
- Maintained high standards of food preparation and service delivery, meeting and exceeding industry benchmarks
- Controlled food stock to minimize wastage and ensured the secure management of inventory
- Oversaw weekly ordering of food stock and supplies, maintaining an optimal supply chain
- Monitored food costs and implemented measures to ensure target margins were met
- Actively participated in inventory management and stock level assessments
- Built and led a strong culinary team through recruitment, training, mentoring, and development to support the business objectives
- Trained the culinary team on food safety, handling procedures, and security, ensuring a safe environment for staff and guests
- Managed labor costs and productivity through accurate forecasting, budgeting, and staff scheduling
Executive Chef & Restaurant General Manager
Marriott Hotel, Delta Hotel & TELUS Convention Centre
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Executive Chef for dual properties, overseeing Marriott and Delta Hotels
- General Manager of One18 Empire, responsible for its relaunch in June 2020, leading both front and back-of-house operations
- Established new health and safety protocols and elevated cleaning standards during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Spearheaded the revamp of One18 Empire's website to integrate QR codes and online menus
- Relaunched the OneUp rooftop patio with 112 seating capacity
- Implemented day-to-day operational standards for both front and back of the house, including service, craft cocktail, and beverage programs
- Led comprehensive training programs for servers and bartenders, ensuring a high standard of service
Executive Chef
Marriott Hotel & TELUS Convention Centre
03.2020 - 08.2021
- Directed all culinary operations for a $11.5 million operation, leading a team of kitchen staff and culinary professionals
- Collaborated with associates to ensure seamless operations, handling replacements when necessary
- Monitored performance standards for staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
- Managed department expenses, including food cost, supplies, uniforms, and equipment
- Coordinated large-scale dining events and receptions, hosting up to 3,500 guests across 150,000 square feet of meeting space
- Led the full property renovation, launched a new restaurant concept—One18 Empire—recognized as one of Calgary's top ten new restaurants, and oversaw the opening of Canada's first MClub and a new meetings-imagined space
Education
Journeyman Certification -
Calgary, AlbertaRed Seal Certification -
Calgary, AlbertaHotel & Restaurant Management Diploma -
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Calgary, Alberta01.2001
Professional Cooking Diploma (Honours) -
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Calgary, Alberta01.1999
Skills
- Food Safety
- Menu Planning
- Cost Control
- Menu development
- Operations Management
- Inventory Management
- Purchasing management
- BOH Operations
- Vendor Relations
- Performance Improvement
- Productivity Optimization
- Presentation management
Professionaldevelopmentandachievements
- Co-Lead, MHR Western Canada Culinary Council
- Member, Americas Marriott Culinary Council
- Event Satisfaction Award (Most Improved in North America, 2015)
- Guest Satisfaction Awards (Most Improved, 2007 and 2008)
- AOS Most Improved Award (2007 and 2008)
- WHMIS Certification
- Serve Safe & Food Safe Certification
- Wedding Planner Certification, Marriott Hotels & Resorts
- Harassment & Discrimination Legal Legislation Course
- Standard & Emergency First Aid Certification
- ‘Train the Trainer’ Certification, Marriott Hotels & Resorts
- Service Excellence Certification, Marriott Hotels & Resorts
- Foundations of Leadership & Management Certification, Vancouver, BC
- Marriott Event Management Certification, San Francisco, CA
- WSET Wine Certification, London, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Timeline
Executive Chef
Students Union, University of Calgary
08.2021 - Current
Executive Chef & Restaurant General Manager
Marriott Hotel, Delta Hotel & TELUS Convention Centre
06.2021 - 08.2021
Executive Chef
Marriott Hotel & TELUS Convention Centre
03.2020 - 08.2021
Hotel & Restaurant Management Diploma -
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Professional Cooking Diploma (Honours) -
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Journeyman Certification -
Red Seal Certification -
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