Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Software
Timeline
Sebastian Galavis

Sebastian Galavis

Summary

A highly skilled and versatile Culinary Arts Instructor and Chef with extensive international and onboard experience. With a strong foundation in both culinary arts and hospitality management, the instructor brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the classroom, offering students a hands-on, industry-relevant education. Expertise spans diverse cooking techniques, menu development, food safety, and the unique operational requirements of working in maritime environments. As a chef, the instructor has worked in prestigious kitchens worldwide, bringing a global perspective to teaching. Known for fostering an engaging and professional learning environment, the instructor guides students to refine their culinary skills, adapt to various work settings, and excel in high-pressure roles within the hospitality and cruise industries. A passionate mentor committed to preparing the next generation of culinary professionals for success onboard and beyond.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Chef

Bytown Catering
Ottawa, Ontario
05.2022 - Current
  • On charge of ordering ingredients for production, Provide customer service
  • Balanced multiple tasks simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines during high volume periods.
  • Managed inventory levels and placed orders for ingredients, maintaining sufficient stock levels while minimizing waste.
  • Scaled out and mixed ingredients according to recipes and procedures.
  • Maintained cleanliness and proper food safety standards, ensuring a safe working environment for all staff members.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
  • Enhanced team productivity by implementing agile methodologies, leading to more efficient project completion.

Culinary Arts Instructor

The Seven Seas Group
Bogota , Colombia
07.2017 - Current
  • Contributed significantly to the development and implementation of the Culinary Arts program, ensuring alignment with the specific operational guidelines for working in maritime environments.
  • Provided targeted instruction to new students, guiding them to refine their skills and specialize in positions available onboard, thereby preparing them for the unique challenges and demands of working at sea
  • Empowered students to create original menus by fostering creativity and encouraging experimentation with ingredients, making sure that they follow USPH guide lines.
  • Cultivated a positive classroom atmosphere conducive to learning through clear communication, respectful interactions, and active listening techniques.
  • Taught culinary theory, environment, focusing on food production, food safety and restaurant operations.

Product Expert

OneLink
07.2020 - 08.2021
  • Managed a high volume of calls daily and emails, maintaining composure under pressure while providing exceptional service.
  • Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
  • Demonstrated excellent multitasking abilities by simultaneously handling multiple tasks such as navigating systems, taking notes on calls, and answering inquiries from clients.
  • Helped large volume of customers every day with positive attitude and focus on customer satisfaction.

Bartender

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd
01.2019 - 02.2020
  • Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and specialty custom bars.
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
  • Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.

Pâtissière

Carnival Cruise Line
12.2015 - 09.2018
  • Industrial production of cookies and baked goods
  • Supervision of the pastry area Industrial production of sauces and creams
  • Chef's Table event coordinator
  • Supervise cleaning of USPH
  • Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.

Pastry Chef Instructor

Instituto Superior Mariano Moreno
Bogota , Colombia
04.2015 - 12.2015
  • Showcased student work at campus events such as open houses or other culinary-related gatherings, highlighting the talents developed within the program.
  • Fostered creativity among students with innovative recipe assignments and group projects focused on pastry arts.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and emerging technologies in the field of pastry arts, integrating these into instructional materials when relevant.
  • Promoted teamwork among students through collaborative projects that fostered communication skills and creative problem-solving abilities.

Chef Chocolatier

Hilton Hotel
Bogota, Colombia
04.2015 - 12.2015
  • Train the new staff making sure that they know the process and the ensure the quality of the final product
  • Optimized food preparation processes.
  • Implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
  • Executive chef assistant in events, taking care on Kosher, Halal , vegan and vegetarian pastry menu.
  • Chocolate pieces design and design of dishes for the diamond menu.
  • Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
  • Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.

Diamond Menu Winner

Hilton Hotel
04.2015 - 12.2015
  • Create an design new menu to participate in the award contest.
  • Developed new standard procedures according to the guidelines given my the Hilton
  • Played a key role in the successful completion of special projects requiring expert winding techniques or unique material handling capabilities.

Pastry Sous Chef

Country Club Bogota
08.2014 - 02.2015
  • On charge of the production of desserts.
  • Supervise the table service, Supervisor of the PGA Golf Tour in Colombia
  • Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
  • Mentored junior pastry chefs, imparting valuable knowledge and skills to improve overall team performance.
  • Boosted team morale through effective communication, collaboration, and fostering a positive work environment among colleagues.

Chef

Country Club Bogota
Bogota , Colombia
02.2014 - 08.2014
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.

Pastry Chef

Gun Club Bogotá
11.2013 - 12.2013
  • Ensured consistent quality by strictly adhering to established recipes and presentation guidelines.
  • Prepared wide variety of goods such as cakes, cookies and tarts by following traditional and modern recipes.
  • Demonstrated strong attention to detail while executing intricate designs on pastries and desserts.
  • Trained new staff members on proper techniques, elevating overall team performance.

Education

Advanced Diploma - Pastry Arts

IAG Academy Argentinian , Buenos Aires, Argentina
07.2013

Advanced Diploma - Culinary Arts

SENA , Bogota, Colombia
12.2012

Skills

  • Leadership Qualities
  • Safety Procedures
  • Pastry Techniques
  • Pastry Preparation
  • Strong multitasking
  • Customer Service
  • Staff Training and Supervision
  • Alcohol Safety Knowledge
  • Workplace Safety
  • Product Inspection
  • Teaching techniques

Accomplishments

  • Royal Review Award Winner

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Software

Microsoft

Opera

Mycros

Oracle Bar

Timeline

Chef - Bytown Catering
05.2022 - Current
Product Expert - OneLink
07.2020 - 08.2021
Bartender - Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd
01.2019 - 02.2020
Culinary Arts Instructor - The Seven Seas Group
07.2017 - Current
Pâtissière - Carnival Cruise Line
12.2015 - 09.2018
Pastry Chef Instructor - Instituto Superior Mariano Moreno
04.2015 - 12.2015
Diamond Menu Winner - Hilton Hotel
04.2015 - 12.2015
Chef Chocolatier - Hilton Hotel
04.2015 - 12.2015
Pastry Sous Chef - Country Club Bogota
08.2014 - 02.2015
Chef - Country Club Bogota
02.2014 - 08.2014
Pastry Chef - Gun Club Bogotá
11.2013 - 12.2013
IAG Academy Argentinian - Advanced Diploma, Pastry Arts
SENA - Advanced Diploma, Culinary Arts
Sebastian Galavis