Food Safety Service

English

Kiswahili

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Chef

Anika Sweet & Savoury, Garden Estate – Nairobi

August 2020 – May 2023

Prepared a wide range of sweet and savoury dishes, ensuring consistency in taste, presentation, and quality.

Managed daily kitchen operations including ingredient prep, portion control, and timely service.

Developed new menu items and seasonal specials that boosted customer satisfaction and sales.

Maintained high standards of cleanliness and food safety in compliance with health regulations.

Coordinated with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of fresh, high- quality ingredients.

Chef

The Budget Kitchen, Kileleshwa – Nairobi

Feb 2020 – Aug 2020

Developed cost-effective, delivery-optimized meals for an online food service model.

Coordinated the preparation and dispatch of customer orders, ensuring punctual delivery.

Controlled inventory and minimized food waste through efficient stock management.

Enforced COVID-19 health and safety protocols across all kitchen activities.

Menu Development

Food Preparation

Cooking Techniques (Grilling,

Frying, Baking, Sautéing)

Food Safety & Hygiene

Compliance (HACCP)

Inventory & Stock Control

Food Costing & Budgeting

Recipe Standardization

Quality Control

Kitchen Operations Management

Portion Control

Catering & Event Food Service

Time Management in Food

Production

Culinary Presentation

Nutrition & Dietary Requirements

COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Equipment Maintenance &

Cleaning

JAMES MAINA

PROFILE

Experienced and passionate Chef with over 10 years in diverse culinary environments, including restaurants, catering services, schools, and online food delivery kitchens. Skilled in preparing a wide range of dishes—both sweet and savoury—with a strong focus on quality, presentation, and timely service. Demonstrates excellent knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety standards, stock control, and menu development. Proven ability to adapt to fast-paced settings while consistently meeting customer expectations. Committed to maintaining high hygiene standards and delivering memorable dining experiences. CONTACTS

TECHNICAL SKILLS

LANGUAGES

Phone: +254-***-******

Address: P.O.BOX 713-10400

Nanyuki

***********@*****.***

Attention to Detail

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Customer Service Orientation

Adaptability & Flexibility

Problem Solving

Multitasking

Communication Skills

Creativity & Innovation in Cooking

Stress Management

Organizational Skills

Quality Assurance

Time Efficiency

Food Safety Awareness

Reliability & Accountability

COMPETENCIES

Lead Chef

Twisted Hops Restaurant, Nairobi

Mar 2019 – Jan 2020

Directed a small team in preparing high-demand grilled and fried meals during peak hours.

Maintained smooth kitchen operations and ensured timely execution of all customer orders.

Provided guests with detailed menu insights and addressed special dietary requests.

Promoted a team-focused environment while maintaining service excellence.

Chef

Eat Rite Caterers, Nairobi

Dec 2018 – Feb 2019

Created and executed event-specific menus tailored to client needs and budgets.

Prepared a wide variety of foods including grilled, sautéed, and fried items with precision.

Ensured elegant presentation and consistent quality across all servings.

Managed kitchen timing to align with event schedules and client expectations.

Trainee Chef

Osteria Restaurant, Malindi

Sep 2018 – Oct 2018

Assisted senior chefs with preparation of Italian specialties including pasta, seafood, and sauces.

Gained foundational experience in authentic Italian cooking and fine dining service standards.

Supported mise en place, plating, and sanitation duties in a fast- paced kitchen.

Junior Chef

Nova Pioneer Schools, Tatu City

Jun 2017 – Jun 2018

Participated in daily meal prep for students and staff, ensuring nutritional quality and taste.

Assisted with large-scale food production, including chopping, boiling, and batch cooking.

Ensured adherence to hygiene standards in all kitchen areas. Successfully developed and

introduced innovative menu items

that enhanced customer

satisfaction and diversified

offerings.

Consistently maintained

exceptional food quality and

presentation standards, elevating

the dining experience.

Played a key role in streamlining

kitchen operations, improving

workflow efficiency and service

speed.

Ensured rigorous compliance with

food safety and hygiene

protocols, contributing to a

spotless health inspection record.

Demonstrated expertise in

managing stock and reducing

waste through effective inventory

control practices.

Fostered a collaborative and

positive kitchen environment that

supported high morale and

teamwork.

Delivered tailored culinary

solutions that met diverse

customer preferences and dietary

needs.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Tom Kabando

Executive Chef,

Anika Sweet & Savoury

Phone: +254-***-******

Brenda Omuse

Proprietor, Twisted Hops Restaurant &

The Budget Kitchen

Phone: +254-***-******

Mr. Lenny Mwangu

Restaurant Manager,

Heavenly Restaurant

Phone: +254-***-******

REFERENCES

Senior Steward

Nova Pioneer Schools, Tatu City

Jan 2017 – Jun 2017

Supervised cleanliness and sanitation procedures throughout the kitchen.

Allocated daily tasks to junior stewards and monitored completion. Ensured compliance with internal food safety protocols and kitchen hygiene policies.

Chef Assistant

IMAX Kenya Ltd, Nairobi

Oct 2016 – Dec 2016

Supported chefs during peak operational periods by prepping ingredients and assembling meals.

Maintained a clean work environment and adhered to service timelines.

Ensured product consistency and supported back-of-house team efficiency.

Baker

Ennsvalley Bakery Ltd, Nairobi

Jan 2014 – Jun 2016

Produced a wide range of baked goods including bread, pastries, and specialty items.

Monitored baking processes and adjusted recipes to ensure consistent quality.

Maintained sanitation across baking equipment and storage areas. Salesperson

Ennsvalley Bakery Ltd, Nairobi

Jun 2012 – Jan 2014

Handled direct customer sales, managed orders, and supported product promotions.

Built positive customer relationships and contributed to increased daily sales volumes.

Provided feedback to the bakery team on customer preferences and trends.

Steward

Ennsvalley Bakery Ltd, Nairobi

Aug 2011 – Jun 2012

Maintained cleanliness of food preparation areas and equipment. Followed hygiene protocols and received training in HACCP and food safety.

Supported kitchen team with general duties to ensure smooth operations.

EDUCATION

Certificate in Food and Beverage Production

Mombasa Aviation Training Institute, Mombasa

2010

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)

Nanyuki High School, Nanyuki

2005 – 2008

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