Aja Shaheen
Ipswich
Summary
Experienced culinary professional with over 10 years in the industry, known for strong leadership and a collaborative approach to fostering teamwork and efficiency. Skilled at communicating with individuals at all levels, identifying strengths, and utilizing them to create a cohesive and productive work environment. Proficient in ingredient knowledge, knife skills, and menu planning, with a proven track record in reducing food waste and adhering to stringent food safety standards. Committed to promoting a healthy, safe work environment for staff and delivering high-quality, safe products to clients.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cook
The Open Door Food Pantry
01.2024 - Current
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
- Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
- Maintained high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, ensuring safe dining environment.
- Optimized use of kitchen equipment to speed up cooking times without compromising food quality.
- Conducted regular quality checks on ingredients, ensuring only best were used in meal preparation.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes and customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
Esthetician
Self Employed Writer
03.2021 - 01.2024
- Established long-lasting relationships with clients by providing personalized care and consistently delivering outstanding results.
- Educated clients on proper skincare routine maintenance and guided them in selecting appropriate home care products.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and techniques.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling using software systems to accurately book appointments while managing waitlists when necessary.
- Reduced appointment cancellations by implementing effective reminder systems and maintaining open communication with clients.
- Increased client retention rate through attentive follow-up procedures after each appointment to gauge satisfaction and encourage rebooking.
- Maintained sterile and inviting treatment environment, adhering to health and safety standards.
- Handled busy schedules and stayed on top of key deadlines.
Lead Cook
Ipswich Ale Brewers Table
01.2016 - 06.2020
- Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
- Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
- Took over line positions in event of emergency.
- Supervised line cooks to monitor food safety and order accuracy.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
- Consistently met or exceeded health code standards by enforcing strict sanitation practices throughout the kitchen area.
- Maximized ingredient usage by developing creative daily specials that showcased seasonal produce and reduced food costs.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Streamlined kitchen operations by creating more accurate prep sheets, standardized recipe files and product-rotation systems.
- Coordinated with the front-of-house staff to ensure timely dish preparation and delivery for optimal guest experience.
- Delegated jobs within kitchen depending on restaurant traffic and employee skill.
- Prepared ingredients ahead of time to promote efficiency in dish garnishing.
- Collaborated with fellow cooks to create unique culinary offerings that incorporated regional flavors and local ingredients.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
Education
Esthetician -
Spa Tech Institute
Ipswich, MA2021
High School Diploma -
Methuen High School
Methuen Ma2010
Skills
- Serv Safe Certified
- Microsoft Office
- Supervising/Overseeing kitchen production and productivity
- Customer service
- Food handling
- Knife skills
- Multitasking and organization
- Kitchen organization
- Strong attention to safe food handling procedures
- Hospitality and service industry background
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Contamination prevention
- Food waste reduction
- Performance improvement
- Allergen awareness
- New hire training
- Effective planner
- Event catering
- Order delivery practices
- Menu planning
- Recipe development
- Food costing
Certification
Serv Safe Manager Certified
CPR Certified
Timeline
Cook
The Open Door Food Pantry
01.2024 - Current
Esthetician
Self Employed Writer
03.2021 - 01.2024
Lead Cook
Ipswich Ale Brewers Table
01.2016 - 06.2020
Serv Safe Manager Certified
CPR Certified
Esthetician -
Spa Tech Institute
High School Diploma -
Methuen High School
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