James symons
North Vancouver
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented culinary professional with a proven track record at Cactus Club Cafe, adept in knife skills and sanitation procedures. Excelled in enhancing kitchen efficiency, leading health and safety programs, and mentoring new staff. A can do attitude and experience revamping prep systems and conducting food cost audits, significantly reducing waste and improving operational productivity.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Prep Cook
BLVD Bistro
06.2023 - 01.2025
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation processes and implementing effective time management techniques.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to last-minute changes or special requests, maintaining a positive attitude under pressure.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through strong teamwork, open communication, and proactive problem-solving efforts.
- Re-vamped the prep chart / order guide system to allow for easy cross training and the ability to track waste and better understand where kitchen funds were being used.
Jr. Sous Chef
Cactus Club Cafe
02.2018 - 06.2023
- Started as a dishwasher and worked my way up to close leader on the night team before moving the day team, I worked my way through every prep station before being promoted to Jr. Sous chef.
- Headed the Health And Safety program throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, consistently checking work place safety measures and conducting food safety audits.
- Conducted weekly food cost / portion audits to ensure proper waste tracking
Line Cook
Brown Socialhouse
10.2016 - 02.2018
- Started as a dishwasher at the tet kitchen location, working my way through the ranks of the kitchen before taking lead of the sushi program.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Headed the prep and execution of multiple catering events whilst working at this location
Education
High School Diploma -
Argyle Secondary School
North Vancouver 06-2018
Skills
- Training new staff
- Knife skills
- Sanitation procedures
- Food presentation
- Stock rotation
- Allergen awareness
- Sauce making
- Portion control
- Menu planning
- Prep list creation
- Cleaning and organization
- Heavy lifting
Accomplishments
Cactus Club Park Royal Peak Performer 2019 - 2021
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- Food Safety Certification – FoodSafe Level 1
Timeline
Lead Prep Cook
BLVD Bistro
06.2023 - 01.2025
Jr. Sous Chef
Cactus Club Cafe
02.2018 - 06.2023
Line Cook
Brown Socialhouse
10.2016 - 02.2018
High School Diploma -
Argyle Secondary School
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