Dawn Saffrey
Taunton,Somerset
Summary
Dedicated culinary professional with extensive expertise in food safety awareness, food hygiene certification, and customer service orientation. Proficient in grilling and deep frying, high-volume production, and Just In Time stock control. Adept at food presentation, meal preparation, recipe interpretation, and allergen awareness. Skilled in stock control and replenishment, measuring and mixing ingredients, knife handling, receipt and storage of deliveries, and the use of commercial dishwashers. Committed to delivering exceptional culinary experiences while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work history
Commis chef
The Bear Group
Taunton, Somerset
04.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with team members for smooth kitchen operations.
- Prepared ingredients for head chef to ensure efficient service.
- Assisted in large-scale catering events, ensuring successful execution.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by maintaining a clean and organised work area.
- Organised storage areas for easy access to ingredients during busy periods.
- Provided support to senior chefs, improving speed of service delivery.
- Followed recipes meticulously, ensuring consistent dish quality.
- Participated in daily inventory checks to avoid ingredient shortages.
- Enforced health and safety guidelines amongst the team, promoting a safe working environment.
- Mastered various cooking techniques with ongoing practice and mentorship from senior chefs.
- Met high standards of food hygiene and safety.
- Complied with food safety regulations.
- Trained under experienced chefs increasing professional culinary skills.
- Prepared meats, fish and vegetables to support line cooking in fast-paced environment.
- Supported food service in busy restaurant environment.
Bed and breakfast owner
Self Employed
Taunton, Somerset
05.2021 - Current
- Implemented health and safety regulations, maintaining a safe environment for both staff and guests.
- Improved guest satisfaction with consistent delivery of high-quality services.
- Managed guest bookings by using reservation software.
- Maintained property cleanliness, ensuring comfortable environment for guests.
- Directed maintenance staff to keep facility and grounds at optimum standards.
Waitress
The White Horse Inn
Taunton, Somerset
06.2017 - 01.2020
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure order accuracy.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, ensured balanced till at end of shift.
- Created friendly, welcoming atmosphere to encourage positive guest experiences, prolonging visits to increase profitability.
- Attended tables regularly to check customer needs were met, promptly processing additional food and drink orders.
- Regularly communicated with kitchen and bar staff to maintain smooth front of house operations, minimising potential service delays.
- Accurately took orders, making menu recommendations as appropriate.
- Greeted customers, presented menus and shared information about available special items.
- Assisted kitchen staff with food prep, dishwashing and plating food.
Teacher
Somerset County Council
Taunton, Somerset
09.1998 - 04.2017
- Attended professional development sessions to stay updated with latest teaching methodologies.
- Communicated regularly with parents about their children's performance and behaviour at school.
- Developed engaging lesson plans by applying knowledge of educational theories and methods.
- Worked closely with colleagues for implementing cross-curricular projects that engaged students in comprehensive learning experiences.
- Led after-school clubs, facilitated students' participation in extracurricular activities.
- Organised school events such as sports day or concerts showcasing student talents beyond academics.
Trainee Betting shop Manager
Ladbrokes
Taunton, Somerset
09.1991 - 09.1993
- Delivered excellent customer experiences with personalised service approach.
- Oversaw daily shop operations, ensuring smooth running of business activities.
- Fostered strong relationships with key customers to boost loyalty and repeat business.
- Used cash registers and POS systems to request and record customer orders and compute transactions.
- Handled currency payments, secured funds in register and prepared deposits at end of day.
Membership secretary
Somerset County Cricket Club
Taunton, Somerset
09.1988 - 09.1991
- Monitored trends in membership renewal rates, identifying areas for improvements.
- Adhered strictly to GDPR guidelines whilst handling sensitive member data.
- Liaised with finance department for prompt processing of membership dues and fees.
- Served as a point of contact for all membership-related queries from current or prospective members.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Drama and Eduction
King Alfred’s College
Winchester 09/1994 - 07/1998
NVQ Level 2 - Secretarial, typing, audio transcription and shorthand
Somerset College of Arts and Technology
Taunton 09/1987 - 07/1988
A-Levels - Sociology and Communications
Somerset College of Arts and Technology
Taunton 09/1983 - 07/1986
NVQ Level 2 - Food Safety and Hygiene
Virtual College
UK 04/2024 - 04/2024
Skills
- Food safety awareness
- Food Hygiene Certification
- Customer service orientation
- Grilling and deep frying skills
- Just In Time stock control
- Food presentation
- Meal preparation
- Customer Service
- Recipe interpretation
- High-volume production
- Stock control and replenishment
- Measuring and mixing ingredients
- Knife handling
- Receipt and storage of deliveries
- Allergen awareness
- Use of commercial dishwasher
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Commis chef
The Bear Group
04.2024 - Current
Bed and breakfast owner
Self Employed
05.2021 - Current
Waitress
The White Horse Inn
06.2017 - 01.2020
Teacher
Somerset County Council
09.1998 - 04.2017
Trainee Betting shop Manager
Ladbrokes
09.1991 - 09.1993
Membership secretary
Somerset County Cricket Club
09.1988 - 09.1991
Bachelor of Arts - Drama and Eduction
King Alfred’s College
09/1994 - 07/1998
NVQ Level 2 - Secretarial, typing, audio transcription and shorthand
Somerset College of Arts and Technology
09/1987 - 07/1988
A-Levels - Sociology and Communications
Somerset College of Arts and Technology
09/1983 - 07/1986
NVQ Level 2 - Food Safety and Hygiene
Virtual College
04/2024 - 04/2024
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