Laura Elton
Birmingham,West Midlands
Summary
Professional cook with a strong focus on hygiene standards adherence and food safety regulations compliance. Expertise in cuisine specialisation and event-specific menu creation, complemented by skills in roasting, grilling, and steam cooking. Demonstrates creativity in cooking with a flair for food presentation artistry and garnishing techniques. Proficient in kitchen coordination, budgeting expertise, and familiar with catering software to enhance operational efficiency. Committed to nutritional awareness and special diet meal preparation while ensuring food allergy attentiveness. Career goal includes advancing culinary innovation through recipe development and menu planning.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work history
General assistant
Coombs Catering Parnership
Birmingham, West Midlands
2025.01 - Current
- Organised staff rosters fairly distributing work shifts amongst team members.
- Dealt with complaints professionally leading to swift problem resolution.
- Assisted with inventory management for efficient stock control.
- Worked closely with team members to achieve collective goals and objectives.
- Carried out day-day-day support duties accurately and efficiently.
- Checked and processed incoming deliveries, unpacking and storing with care to avoid stock damage.
- Coordinated events by managing budget, logistics and event support.
- Partnered with management to implement processes and complete special projects.
- Sourced and ordered office supplies within allocated budget.
- Dealt with student queries regarding meal contents courteously and accurately.
- Observed strict adherence to food safety regulations at all times.
- Managed stock levels in pantry, ensuring timely replenishment when required.
- Helped maintain a safe working environment by following health and safety guidelines strictly.
- Observed stringent allergen awareness practices, thus minimising risk of cross contamination.
- Followed recipes accurately whilst preparing meals to maintain consistency in taste.
- Performed various kitchen duties such as washing dishes, chopping vegetables and setting up dining tables efficiently.
- Maintained high hygiene standards with regular cleaning of all kitchen utensils.
- Checked quality of ingredients before use, preventing potential foodborne illnesses.
- Contributed ideas for new recipes or improvements on existing ones during staff meetings.
- Worked under pressure during peak lunch hours to serve meals on time.
- Prepared special dietary requirement meals to accommodate diverse student needs.
- Facilitated smooth service during lunch hours by efficient meal plating and serving.
- Collaborated with team to plan and prepare a variety of balanced meals.
- Assisted in the preparation of nutritious meals for 100+ students daily.
- Prepared fresh fruit and vegetable snacks daily, promoting healthy eating amongst students.
- Received and unpacked incoming deliveries, rotated existing stock and put away new items.
- Cleared tables and brought used utensils, plates and glassware back to kitchen for cleaning.
- Followed good operating practices, safety standards and equipment maintenance protocols to minimise downtime.
- Assisted cooks with preparing and presenting food, employing meticulous attention to detail and quality standards.
- Organised ingredients for planned dishes and associated garnishes.
- Measured, weighed and mixed ingredients following recipe formulae and procedures.
- Monitored and recorded fridge and freezer temperatures to safely preserve stock.
- Mastered different types of cuisine, catering to diverse needs.
- Readied ingredients and food preparation areas to support smooth kitchen workflow.
- Covered multiple kitchens as a relief cook and kitchen assistant support
General catering assistant
Birmingham City Council
Birmingham, West Midlands
2024.02 - 2025.01
- Assisted in menu planning, ensuring variety and balance in dishes offered.
- Coordinated with other catering assistants to expedite order processing times.
- Participated actively in team meetings; contributed useful ideas towards continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintained high hygienic standards with routine disinfection of utensils and equipment.
- Facilitated smooth service for catering events through efficient food preparation.
- Supported head cook in daily operations to ensure efficiency of kitchen workflow.
- Adhered to dietary requirements, resulting in inclusive menus for all Students.
- Aided in inventory management, reducing instances of overstocking or under-stocking essential items.
- Managed stock levels efficiently, minimising waste whilst maximising freshness of produce used.
- Enhanced student experience by promptly addressing queries or concerns regarding menu or services provided.
- Contributed to team success through active participation in staff training sessions.
- Assisted cooks during busy periods, ensuring timely completion of tasks.
- Covered cooks duties during absence.
Education
Pass - Food Health and Hygiene
Litmos
Birmingham 2024.01 -
Pass - Food Safety / Cross Contamination
Litmos
2026.01 -
Pass - Food Safety Hygiene Allergan Awarness
Litmos
2026.01 -
Pass - COSH
Litmos
2026.01 -
Skills
- Hygiene standards adherence
- Roasting and grilling
- Pastry production
- Food presentation artistry
- Cold food preparation
- Garnishing technique
- Nutritional awareness
- Food safety regulations compliance
- Creativity in cooking
- Food allergy attentiveness
- Special diet meal preparation
- Event-Specific menu creation
- Food storage practices
- Kitchen coordination
- Portion sizing
- Budgeting expertise
- Baking techniques
- Steam cooking
- Menu planning
- Pastry making
- Food preparation
- Order processing
- Food presentation
Affiliations
- Baking
- Spending time with family
- Gym
Accomplishments
Employee of the month
Timeline
Pass - Food Safety / Cross Contamination
Litmos
2026.01 -
Pass - Food Safety Hygiene Allergan Awarness
Litmos
2026.01 -
Pass - COSH
Litmos
2026.01 -
General assistant
Coombs Catering Parnership
2025.01 - Current
General catering assistant
Birmingham City Council
2024.02 - 2025.01
Pass - Food Health and Hygiene
Litmos
2024.01 -