Courtney Fong-Ross
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven food operations leader with over a decade of experience spanning, large-scale production kitchens, education-based nutrition programmes and food operations. Adept at leading diverse culinary teams, managing multi-site operations, and developing cost-effective, health-focused menus that meet both commercial and community needs. Proven success in driving operational efficiency, supplier cost control, and maintaining health and safety policies. Passionate about nurturing team growth and promoting food education. Brings a unique blend of business acumen, culinary expertise, and creative thinking, shaped by international experience across the UK, New Zealand, and Canada.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
CULINARY OPERATIONS MANAGER
Riddle and Finns
Brighton, UK
08.2023 - 11.2024
- Inputted and managed recipes, inventory items, and ingredients in Marketman to maintain pricing accuracy and quality control for both sites.
- Designed all main menus, specials, and private events.
- Oversaw menu timelines, conducted weekly meetings, and engaged in tastings to refine seasonal menu change selections whilst developing analyses for new menu items and creating detailed recipe books for both kitchens.
- Maintained menu allergens to promote customer safety.
- Managed restaurant maintenance records to ensure operational efficiency.
- Oversaw the procurement of kitchen equipment and managed supply spend across two restaurants and head office, improving procurement efficiency.
- Handled recruitment, onboarding of BOH staff, and health & safety documentation management.
- Organised weekly management meetings to improve interdepartmental communication.
CONTRACT CATERING PRODUCTION MANAGER
Montana Group
Auckland, NZ
01.2021 - 04.2021
- Monitored kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Oversaw packaging and logistics processes to enhance efficiency.
- Conducted monthly inventory assessments and tracked stock levels.
- Ordered materials and supplies for over 9,000 meals, maintaining quality standards.
- Recruited, trained and led 30 production staff members.
- Scheduled staff shifts to optimise operational coverage.
- Addressed and resolved staff and operational issues promptly.
- Oversaw budget allocation for optimal resource utilisation.
CRAFT SERVICES KITCHEN MANAGER
Freelance
Toronto, Canada
05.2019 - 08.2020
- Executed on-location catering for commercials, film, and television cast and crew.
- Prepared diverse meals, baked goods, and snacks for groups of 30 to 100.
- Developed daily menu selections to cater to varying tastes.
- Supervised craft catering assistants to ensure efficient service delivery.
CONTRACTING CATERING PRODUCTION KITCHEN MANAGER
Feast
Toronto, Canada
12.2018 - 04.2019
- Managed kitchen operations, recipes and food production quality.
- Managed 20 production kitchen assistants.
- Monitored inventory levels & ensured food was stored in accordance with health and safety regulations & performed weekly inventory assessments.
- Developed new menu items on trend for production.
- Ordered materials, supplies, and ingredients based on demand.
- Organised staff rotas to ensure adequate coverage during all operating hours.
CONSUMER KITCHEN MANAGER
Nestle
Auckland, NZ
10.2017 - 09.2018
- Led operations in the Nestlé test kitchen, developing and trialling recipes to support internal launches and events.
- Created healthy, cost-effective recipes for Safe Kids in Daily Supervision after-school programme.
- Delivered the Cook for Life nutrition programme across schools and community organisations in underserved areas, managing a team of student placements to support implementation.
- Authored the second edition, Nestlé Cook for Life Cookbook, providing accessible, nutritious recipes used in cooking sessions across low-decile schools.
- Played a key role in the national launch of new MAGGI products, leading recipe demonstrations and engagement activities.
- Managed website content and digital recipe libraries for MAGGI NZ and Australia.
PASSENGER PRODUCTS COORDINATOR
Auckland Airport Ltd
Auckland, NZ
07.2016 - 09.2017
- Coordinated Auckland Airport Concierge Service bookings and logistics.
- Scheduled branded pathway content for Commercial Concierge services, analysing performance monthly.
- Managed website content for Strata Lounge, overseeing B2B accounts and product pricing updates.
- Generated monthly reports on airline passenger usage of lounge facilities.
CORPORATE QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER, CORPORATE RELATIONS EXECUTIVE
Deliveroo
London, UK
07.2015 - 05.2016
- Led the Corporate 'group ordering platform' in London and implemented the roll out through the UK Region.
- Assessed suitable restaurants for corporate orders and restaurant performance analysis.
- Monitored corporate order volumes to ensure correct staffing levels.
- Streamlined coordination processes within the corporate executive team.
- Resolved and reported corporate account issues from corporate accounts.
- Liaised effectively with cross-functional teams for efficient problem-solving strategies implementation.
Education
Bachelor of Business - Double Major Management and International Business
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, New Zealand 2007 - 2010
Diploma of Higher Education - Culinary Arts
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, New Zealand 2012 - 2013
Skills
- Communication skills
- Leadership excellence
- Team Player
- Staff recruitment, Mentoring, Empathetic
- Initiative taking
- Organisation, Efficiency, Attention to detail
- Accountable, Approachable, Reliable
- Multi-site Culinary Operations
- Menu Development & Food Innovation
- Team Leadership & Training
- Supplier & Inventory Management
- Recipe Costing & Menu Engineering
- Health, Safety & Compliance (HACCP, Allergens)
- Food Production Procurement and Logistics
- Stakeholder & Client Communications
- Digital Systems: Marketman, Alert65, Foodworks, MS Office Suite
Certification
- Level 3 Food Hygiene (UK)
- Level 2 HACCP
- Allergens Certificate
- NZQA Health & Safety (Units 167, 168, 20666)
- City & Guilds: Distinction
Accomplishments
Bronze Medal – Beef Competition, Auckland Culinary Fair
Affiliations
- Adrenaline Rush Activities – Went on the world's highest roller coaster and the world's largest bungee swing.
- Travel – Lived in New Zealand, Canada & the UK and have visited 31 countries.
- Jigsaw Puzzles – Completed countless puzzles from 1000–3000 pieces; active member of a puzzle swapping group.
- Bouldering – Climb weekly with an all-women's social group.
Volunteering
Community Kitchen, Kitchen Assistant Brighton, UK
Garden to Table, Teaching Assistant Auckland, NZ
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
CULINARY OPERATIONS MANAGER
Riddle and Finns
08.2023 - 11.2024
CONTRACT CATERING PRODUCTION MANAGER
Montana Group
01.2021 - 04.2021
CRAFT SERVICES KITCHEN MANAGER
Freelance
05.2019 - 08.2020
CONTRACTING CATERING PRODUCTION KITCHEN MANAGER
Feast
12.2018 - 04.2019
CONSUMER KITCHEN MANAGER
Nestle
10.2017 - 09.2018
PASSENGER PRODUCTS COORDINATOR
Auckland Airport Ltd
07.2016 - 09.2017
CORPORATE QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER, CORPORATE RELATIONS EXECUTIVE
Deliveroo
07.2015 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Business - Double Major Management and International Business
Auckland University of Technology
2007 - 2010
Diploma of Higher Education - Culinary Arts
Auckland University of Technology
2012 - 2013
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