Orlando Nava
Lompoc
Summary
Dynamic Culinary Director with a proven track record at Westmont Living, excelling in vendor management and innovative menu development. Expert in food safety compliance and staff training, fostering a high-performing culinary team. Achieved significant improvements in resident satisfaction through tailored dining experiences and effective budget management.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Culinary Director
Westmont Living
Goleta, CA
11.2022 - Current
- Managed vendor relationships to secure high-quality ingredients while controlling costs.
- Maintained a safe and productive work environment by enforcing proper food handling practices, sanitation guidelines, and workplace safety protocols at all times.
- Collaborated closely with other department heads to ensure seamless coordination of events, leading to successful outcomes for all involved parties.
- Developed a strong culinary team through consistent coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations resulting in excellent employee retention rates.
- Enhanced dining experiences by developing innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs and preferences.
- Took inventory of supplies and maintained accurate stock records to minimize losses and support supply ordering.
- Collaborated with marketing teams on promotional campaigns that highlighted signature dishes or special events, driving increased traffic and revenue for the business.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Traveled throughout California to sister communities to assist with culinary department management during periods when a Chef was not in place, assuming the role of culinary Director both at those communities and my own.
Director of Culinary Services
Integral Senior Living
Carpinteria, CA
11.2021 - 11.2022
- Oversaw culinary operations, ensuring high-quality meal preparation and adherence to dietary standards.
- Developed and implemented innovative menu options that enhanced resident satisfaction and engagement.
- Led training programs for kitchen staff, improving food safety practices and operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with nutritionists to design specialized meal plans accommodating various dietary restrictions.
- Promoted a collaborative work environment among team members by encouraging open communication channels between front-of-house staffs and back-of-house personnel.
- Improved overall guest satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary experiences.
- Managed budgets for labor costs, equipment purchases, facilities upgrades, while maximizing return on investment for the organization''s resources.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
Food Service Manager
The Artesian of Ojai
Ojai, CA
10.2020 - 10.2021
- Oversaw daily food service operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed and implemented staff training programs to enhance service quality and efficiency.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing supply chain processes for cost-effective purchasing.
- Collaborated with culinary team to create seasonal menus that met resident preferences and dietary needs.
- Conducted regular audits of kitchen procedures, ensuring adherence to sanitation standards and policies.
- Trained and supervised new staff to enhance customer service skills and comply with food safety standards.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Upheld company policies consistently across all areas of operation while remaining flexible enough to address unique situations as they arose within the workplace setting.
- Enhanced safety protocols for both employees and guests by adhering to strict food handling guidelines, ensuring proper storage of ingredients, and maintaining up-to-date certifications on equipment usage.
- Oversaw training of more than 15 team members.
- Ensured high standards of cleanliness and sanitation with regular inspections and staff training.
- Managed budgetary constraints effectively, allocating funds appropriately across various departments based on prioritized needs assessment.
- Assessed the effectiveness of implemented changes periodically, adjusting strategies as needed based on performance metrics and feedback from staff members.
Chef
Cypress Place Senior Living
Ventura, CA
07.2019 - 10.2020
- Prepared nutritious meals adhering to dietary restrictions and preferences of residents
- Developed seasonal menus emphasizing fresh, local ingredients to enhance dining experience
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Collaborated effectively with front-of-house team for seamless dining experience and positive customer feedback.
Cook
Glenwood Care Center
Oxnard, CA
11.2018 - 06.2019
- Prepared and cooked meals according to dietary requirements and nutrition guidelines.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and adhered to food safety regulations.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
Education
-2 - Culinary Arts
Oxnard College
Oxnard, CAHigh School Diploma - High School Diploma
Nordhoff
Ojai, CA06.2015
Skills
- Vendor management
- Food safety compliance
- Menu development
- Staff training programs
- Budget management
- Culinary team leadership
- Dietary restrictions accommodation
- Sanitation protocols enforcement
- Kitchen operations oversight
- Kitchen management
Certification
Serve safe kitchen management
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Culinary Director
Westmont Living
11.2022 - Current
Director of Culinary Services
Integral Senior Living
11.2021 - 11.2022
Food Service Manager
The Artesian of Ojai
10.2020 - 10.2021
Chef
Cypress Place Senior Living
07.2019 - 10.2020
Cook
Glenwood Care Center
11.2018 - 06.2019
-2 - Culinary Arts
Oxnard College
High School Diploma - High School Diploma
Nordhoff