GRACE KILFORD
Dorset
Summary
Driven and well-qualified individual with flair for culinary creativity and exceptional organisational skills, coupled with keen eye for detail and time management. Proficient in meal planning and preparation, along with strong communication abilities to understand client preferences and dietary needs. Committed to providing exquisite dining experiences that delight and satisfy.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Chalet Chef
Alpine Escape
Courchevel
11.2025 - Current
- Sole Chalet Chef in a luxury chalet, delivering a daily 6 course evening meal while maintaining consistently high presentation and standards.
- Created, wrote, and frequently updated bespoke menus, balancing creativity whilst adhering to a budget and guest preferences.
- Managed food budgets by planning menus carefully, driving to source supplies, and maintaining efficient stock control without compromising quality.
- Prepared daily cooked breakfasts and breakfast specials, managing all kitchen operations independently.
Private Chef
Various Private Houses
Balearic Islands, UK
05.2025 - 09.2026
- Solely responsible for catering for up to 15 guests daily in a private villa settings.
- Planned, prepared, and served breakfast, lunch, and a three-course evening meal based on guest preferences and dietary requirements.
- Created and managed weekly menus with a strong focus on seasonal and local ingredients.
- Handled shopping and provisioning, including driving to various suppliers while adhering to a budget.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness, food safety and kitchen organisation as well as providing an excellent level of table service to the guests.
Brand Ambassador
Jimmy's Iced Coffee
Dorset
05.2023 - 11.2025
- Promoted and increased the visibility and awareness of products through sampling and customer engagement efforts by representing the brand to a high standard at various events and locations.
- Ensured people had a positive and memorable first experience with the brand, generating interest and boosting sales.
Chalet Host
Le Ski
Courchevel
12.2024 - 04.2025
- Independently managed a 10-guest chalet, delivering a high standard of hospitality including daily breakfasts, afternoon tea, canapés, and evening meals
- Planned menus, catered to dietary requirements, and prepared fresh, well-presented meals aligned with guest expectations in a premium ski chalet environment
- Maintained exceptional cleanliness and organisation throughout the chalet, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and communal areas
- Provided warm, professional guest service, handling check-ins, local knowledge, and resolving guest requests to ensure a memorable stay
Waitress
The Duck Dive
Braunton, UK
06.2023 - 09.2024
- Managed restaurant bookings and greeted guests, offering menu suggestions and describing specials.
- Effectively promoted menu items and suggested wine pairings to enhance the dining experience and boost sales.
- Maintained social media to respond to customer messages and to raise awareness for events.
- Successfully communicated between all members of staff to accommodate dietary needs.
- Maintained excellent level of service in busy and demanding restaurant environment.
Chalet Host
Ski First Tracks
Courchevel
11.2023 - 04.2024
- Sourced and prepared top-quality ingredients, ensuring freshness and safety
- Catered to dietary needs while maintaining flavour and presentation
- Managed kitchen operations, cleanliness, and supplies
- Interacted professionally with guests for a positive experience, adapted to changes, and followed strict hygiene standards.
Chalet Host
Alpine Escape
11.2022 - 04.2023
- Managed a 15-person chalet, assisted the chef, prepared canapés, and served five-course meals.
- Familiar with an extensive wine list for pairing and delivering wine speeches.
- Followed health and safety standards, maintained inventory, and ordered supplies.
- Paid close attention to detail for accurate guest service predictions.
Teaching Assistant
Aurora Beeches School
Dorset
05.2021 - 11.2022
- Company Overview: Aurora Beeches School - Dorset
- I assisted the teacher and students daily and covering lessons
- Improved a student’s attendance by helping to create a safe enjoyable environment for them.
- Managed and taught food tech lessons within budget
- Fostered a positive learning environment through gentle discipline, student success promotion, and person-centered interactions.
- Took responsibility for Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people according to the school's policies.
Education
A-Levels - English, Business and Geography
Brockenhurst College
Brockenhurst 09.2017 - 07.2019
Skills
- Organisation and time management
- Working independently and using initiative
- Adaptability in fast-paced environments
- Attention to detail and consistency
- Reliability and strong work ethic
Timeline
Chalet Chef
Alpine Escape
11.2025 - Current
Private Chef
Various Private Houses
05.2025 - 09.2026
Chalet Host
Le Ski
12.2024 - 04.2025
Chalet Host
Ski First Tracks
11.2023 - 04.2024
Waitress
The Duck Dive
06.2023 - 09.2024
Brand Ambassador
Jimmy's Iced Coffee
05.2023 - 11.2025
Chalet Host
Alpine Escape
11.2022 - 04.2023
Teaching Assistant
Aurora Beeches School
05.2021 - 11.2022
A-Levels - English, Business and Geography
Brockenhurst College
09.2017 - 07.2019