Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Hobbies
Timeline
Generic

Karen Pollard

Sheffield,United Kingdom

Summary

A culinary professional with expertise in nutritional knowledge, menu creation, and menu innovation. Demonstrates a strong ability to design health-conscious menus that cater to diverse dietary needs while maintaining exceptional taste and presentation. Committed to advancing culinary arts through innovative approaches and continuous improvement in menu development.

Hardworking and enthusiastic student eager to develop new skills and learn from kitchen team. Applies training and active listening skills to quickly understand and complete assigned tasks. Comfortable in high-pressure and busy environments.

Motivated and reliable team player seeking opportunities for hands-on kitchen experience. Quick learner with eye for detail and excellent multitasking and time management skills. Ready to apply training and personal skills to support team.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work history

Cook / Housekeeper

Sheffield Heath and Social Care
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
2018.03 - Current
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by preparing and serving high-quality meals.
  • Achieved consistent delivery of excellent dishes with meticulous attention to recipe details.
  • Maintained hygiene standards in kitchen, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
  • Adhered to strict dietary requirements while preparing food for customers with allergies or health concerns.
  • Ensured freshness and quality of ingredients, maintaining culinary standards.
  • Monitored inventory levels and planned meals strategically to minimise waste.
  • Coordinated with wait staff to ensure seamless dining experience for customers.
  • Organised kitchen equipment and utensils for easy access during peak hours.
  • Worked closely with sous chefs for efficient kitchen operations.
  • Assisted in cost control measures pertaining to procurement of ingredients.

Cook / Housekeeper

Adecco
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
2017.07 - 2018.03
  • Maintained hygiene standards kitchen area, ensuring food safety regulations compliance.
  • Coordinated efficiently with wait staff for smooth dining experience for customers.
  • Prepared.variety of international cuisines to cater to diverse clientele.
  • Audited regularly expiration dates on packaged foods-ensured no outdated stock was used.
  • Maintained cleanliness in work areas, upholding high sanitation standards consistently.
  • Collaborated with other kitchen staff, fostering team-oriented environment.
  • Achieved consistent delivery of excellent dishes with meticulous attention to recipe details.
  • Assisted in cost control measures pertaining to procurement of ingredients.
  • Trained junior cooks on various cooking techniques, enhancing their skill sets.
  • Organised kitchen equipment and utensils for easy access during peak hours.
  • Worked closely with sous chefs for efficient kitchen operations.
  • Followed strict dietary requirements when preparing food for customers with allergies or health concerns.
  • Monitored inventory levels, reducing waste through strategic meal planning.
  • Managed multiple orders simultaneously under high pressure situations, meeting service deadlines successfully.
  • Ensured freshness and quality of ingredients, maintaining culinary standards.
  • Adapted cooking methods to create new dishes without compromising on taste or quality.
  • Devised creative ways to use seasonal produce in daily menus.
  • Maintained clean and sanitary food preparation and storage areas, mitigating health and safety risks.
  • Prepared and cooked dishes with accuracy and efficiency for well-timed food service.
  • Correctly operated kitchen equipment, maintaining optimal performance and safety levels.
  • Prepared food items to meet recipes, portioning, cooking and waste control guidelines.
  • Prepared fresh, enjoyable breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas and dinners for diners.
  • Processed high volume of food orders daily, maintaining accuracy and consistency.
  • Followed recipes precisely to deliver first-class meal quality and consistency.
  • Received and verified food deliveries, placing items in proper kitchen areas or storage.
  • Stored ingredients at safe temperatures in compliance with food hygiene regulations.
  • Ordered and received products and supplies to maintain well-stocked kitchen areas.
  • Minimised food waste with FIFO system, verifying all ingredients stored at correct temperatures.
  • Cultivated relaxed kitchen atmosphere, staying calm in high pressure situations.
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation methods.
  • Verified proper portion sizes and consistently attained high food quality standards.
  • Regulated temperature to efficiently prepare dishes and maintain food safety with thermostat controls.
  • Mentored staff in food preparation and storage best practices.
  • Updated menus regularly, catering to range of dietary requirements to generate return custom.
  • Planned promotional menu additions based on seasonal pricing and availability, minimising kitchen spending.
  • Completed daily opening and closing duties to support kitchen operations and prepare for busy periods.
  • Changed and sanitised surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Followed kitchen opening and closing procedures when preparing cooking supplies, ingredients and workstations.
  • Adhered to health and safety requirements for cleaning surfaces, cooking items and equipment.
  • Followed precise recipes detailing ingredient requirements and cooking methods.
  • Enforced proper sanitation practices to prevent food spoilage and contamination.
  • Collaborated with kitchen team to deliver fast and accurate orders with delicious food.
  • Encouraged team to keep kitchen organised and stocked with supplies for easy use.
  • Operated industrial kitchen equipment to mix and blend ingredients.
  • Prepared uniform dishes with meticulous care and attention to detail and quality.
  • Communicated closely with service teams to fully understand special orders.
  • Adjusted recipes based on availability of ingredients or current guest preferences.
  • Accounted for individual diets and allergens when cooking personal meals.
  • Presented dishes with creative plating and merchandising.
  • Ensured spotless and tidy environment by performing comprehensive house cleaning tasks.
  • Ran errands as needed contributing to smooth
  • Laundered and ironed clothes, promoting appearance of cleanliness.
  • Organised cupboards
  • Maintained high hygiene standards for improved living conditions.
  • Promoted safety through checking household appliances to prevent potential hazards.
  • Fulfilled special requests from homeowners to meet individual preferences.
  • Made beds daily to ensure neat bedroom area.
  • Created welcoming atmosphere with regular dusting and vacuuming of rooms.
  • Meet guests' needs by delivering top-notch hospitality services during their stay.
  • Managed waste disposal effectively for cleaner environment.
  • Replaced sheets, duvets and pillowcases daily, maintaining spotless presentation standards.
  • Cleaned kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms thoroughly to service level agreements.
  • Serviced bathrooms with fresh supplies and regular cleaning.
  • Maintained clean, safe environments for guests and staff, strictly following infection control policies.
  • Cleaned and returned vacant rooms to guest-ready status within specified timeframes.
  • Interacted positively and professionally with residents, maintaining excellent service standards.
  • Communicated with other staff to determine best use of resources and guest care.
  • Sorted and disposed of rubbish and recyclables daily, avoiding waste buildup.
  • Kept housekeeping trolleys well-stocked, reporting low supplies to management for prompt reordering.
  • Emptied bins regularly, carefully sorting waste and recycling to improve establishment sustainability.
  • Washed, ironed and folded laundry, delicate fabrics and expensive pieces with appropriate methods.
  • Meticulously vacuumed, dusted and tidied guest rooms.
  • Performed thorough deep cleaning, consistently receiving top scores on customer evaluation surveys.
  • Delivered faultless cleanliness standards and exceptional guest care.
  • Provided high-quality cleaning services own rooms daily, working efficiently to meet timeframe demands.
  • Maintained well-stocked trolleys with complete cleaning, linen and comfort supplies, enabling efficient room turnarounds between guests.
  • Proactively identified changing housekeeping needs to provide reliable and attentive service.
  • Dusted ceiling air conditioning diffusers and ventilation systems, maintaining presentation and working order.
  • Instructed and supervised housekeeping staff to carry out daily tasks.
  • Vacuumed, mopped and polished floors to achieve high-quality finishes.
  • Cleaned bathrooms with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Hand dusted and wiped clean furniture, fixtures and window sills, producing spotless results.
  • Reported damages and breakages, promptly repairing items and arranging replacements.
  • Achieved cleaning requirements within allotted timeframes.
  • Provided meticulous, timely cleaning services in fast-paced environments, continually meeting guest demands.
  • Used specialist chemicals and equipment to remove stains from carpets, curtains and furniture.
  • Kept kitchens immaculately clean for optimised health and hygiene standards.
  • Organised storage spaces for attractiveness and ease of use.
  • Maintained plentiful cleaning supplies to meet operational requirements.
  • Reviewed cleaning processes and successfully identified efficiency improvements, reducing overall cleaning times.
  • Built trusted relationships with clients to achieve outstanding customer loyalty.
  • Helped kitchen run smoothly, cooking meals, serving food and cleaning spaces.
  • Treated delicate ornaments and valuables with caution, eliminating damage risk.
  • Prepared meals and beverages to exact tastes and dietary requirements.
  • Prepared variety of international cuisines to cater to diverse clientele.
  • Maintained hygiene standards in kitchen area, ensuring food safety regulations compliance.
  • Managed laundry process, washing, drying, folding clothes; keeping wardrobe tidy.

Education

GCSEs - Maths English art design

City School
Sheffield

Skills

  • Nutritional knowledge
  • Menu creation
  • Menu innovation
  • Food Safety Awareness
  • Dysphagia
  • Ligature Cutter / Core
  • Oliver Mc Gowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism Part 1
  • Freedom To Speak Up - All Workers
  • Preventing Falls - 3 Years
  • Patient Safety- Level 1 - 3 Years
  • Induction Mental Capacity Act - 3Years
  • Clinical nutrition
  • Food Hygiene & Safety
  • Duty Of Candour

Deprivation Of Liberty Safeguards Level 2 -3 Years

Dementia Awareness

Data Security Awareness -Level 1

References

Rebecca Hyde

Sheffield Health and social care

Operational Support Manager

Rebecca.Hyde@sheffieldpartnership.nhs.uk

01142711051

Karina Evans

Sheffield Health and social care

Senior Housekeeper

karina.evans@sheffieldpartnership.nhs.uk

07837701452

Kathryn Hull

Sheffield Health and social care

Senior site lead

Kathryn.hull@sheffieldpartnership.nhs.uk

07360900735

Hobbies

I like swimming and reading and learning more new things . I have a son with ADHD and autistic spectrum disorder and scoliosis off the spine , I help him with every day tasks.

Timeline

Cook / Housekeeper

Sheffield Heath and Social Care
2018.03 - Current

Cook / Housekeeper

Adecco
2017.07 - 2018.03

GCSEs - Maths English art design

City School
Karen Pollard