Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Lee Russ

Pill,Bristol

Summary

Highly-motivated Sous Chef with dedicated work ethic and can-do attitude seeks opportunity to build upon strong menu creation, preparation and presentation skills. Thrives under pressure to run productive stations with high-quality output. Coaches junior kitchen members to uplift team capabilities.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work history

Relief chef

mill on the Brue
Burton, Somerset
02.2022 - 09.2024

At Mill on the Brue outdoor activity centre i chef for up to 200 children all menus use locally sourced ingredients and most vegetables are grown onsite

  • Utilised proper cleaning techniques to sanitise counters and utensils, enabling safe preparation of raw produce.
  • Prevented allergen cross-contamination through meticulous food preparation, cooking and plating.
  • Maintained strict food health, hygiene and safety standards for ongoing kitchen compliance.
  • Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
  • Minimised kitchen waste through effective recycling, composting and disposal systems.
  • Maintained kitchen hygiene standards whilst ensuring smooth daily operations.
  • Provided relief cover for permanent chefs during holiday periods.
  • Responded promptly to last-minute changes in orders or guest preferences.
  • Prepared diverse menus for special events, satisfying customer requirements.
  • Adapted menu items according to seasonal produce availability, promoting sustainability.
  • Reinforced safety protocols amongst staff members for safe working environment.
  • Assisted head chef in menu development, resulting in innovative dining experiences.
  • Maintained high standards of food preparation by following recipes accurately.
  • Delivered consistent culinary excellence to diners through attention to detail in plating and presentation.

Sous chef

Turtle Bay
Bristol, Bristol
12.2022 - Current

Turtle Bay is a very busy restaurant with its busy times being weekends

  • Helped staff adhere to restaurant quality and service requirements through effective management and motivation.
  • Assisted cooks to determine freshness and quality of dishes.
  • Developed chefs to run stations efficiently during peak service periods.
  • Demonstrated good food knowledge, from efficient ingredient preparation to creative plating.
  • Supported head chef with stock control and rotation, minimising waste with FIFO systems.
  • Planned and directed food preparation in fast-paced restaurant environments.
  • Estimated cooking time to provide timely deliveries to customers.
  • Managed inventory efficiently, minimising waste and optimising resource use.
  • Worked under pressure during peak hours whilst maintaining composure and efficiency.
  • Delegated tasks to junior chefs for efficient kitchen operations.
  • Maintained high standards of food preparation by following recipes accurately.

Chef

Elior (Stoke Gifford Retirements Village
Stoke Gifford, Bristol
07.2019 - 09.2021

Stoke Gifford Retirement Village had a restaurant that tailored for the residence needs as will as being using fresh ingredients

  • Inventoried food, ingredient and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Created tasty dishes using popular recipes that delighted patrons and resulted in repeat business.
  • Planned and prepared food products orders to maintain appropriate stock levels.
  • Ensured personnel safety, kitchen sanitation and proper food handling or storage.
  • Maintained and cleaned all kitchen appliances including grill, stove and oven.
  • Avoided cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces and pans when preparing meals for individuals with food allergies and gluten intolerance.
  • Followed health and safety guidelines to keep food storage safe, prevent spoilage and minimise cross-contamination risks.

Head Chef

Elior UK
Bristol, South Gloucestershire
09.2021 - 12.2022
  • Maintained well-organised mise en place, ensuring efficient and consistent kitchen work spaces.
  • Hired, managed and trained kitchen staff, maintaining competent service teams.
  • Trained and managed kitchen staff, issuing disciplinary action and conducting performance reviews.
  • Obtained fresh ingredients from local farms, maximising kitchen sustainability.
  • Planned promotional menu additions based on seasonal pricing and availability, minimising kitchen spending.
  • Oversaw chefs, cooks and kitchen support staff to run smooth operation.
  • Demonstrated culinary expertise in various cuisines whilst maintaining authenticity.

Head chef

Green King
Bristol, South Gloucestershire
11.2017 - 07.2019
  • Oversaw quality control measures, maintained consistency across all dishes served.
  • Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery.
  • Delivered consistently tasty meals by adhering to recipe instructions.
  • Directed preparation of special dishes for events and holidays.
  • Managed all aspects of kitchen, ensuring smooth operation.
  • Monitored inventory levels, ensured timely replenishment of stock.
  • Trained junior staff for optimal performance and skill development.
  • Upheld health and safety regulations at all times in kitchen.

Sous chef

Green King
Bristol, South Gloucestershire
02.2015 - 11.2017
  • Worked under pressure during peak hours whilst maintaining composure and efficiency.
  • Ensured quality control with strict adherence to hygiene regulations.
  • Assisted head chef in menu development, resulting in innovative dining experiences.
  • Managed inventory efficiently, minimising waste and optimising resource use.
  • Delegated tasks to junior chefs for efficient kitchen operations.

Education

Some College (No Degree) -

Farmed School
Yeovil
07.1999

Skills

  • Menu design
  • Portion and cost control
  • Kitchen sustainability improvements
  • Waste control
  • Inventory temperature control
  • Health and Safety
  • Inventory management
  • Quality Control

Affiliations

  • Krav Maga
  • "I have been a dedicated volunteer with the Army Cadet Force for the past four years. During this time, I have been promoted to Detachment Commander, where I now lead my own unit consisting of 33 cadets and 4 instructors. In addition, I am a qualified Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Assessor, supporting young people in achieving their DofE awards.
  • Adventure Training, I'm very active and love spending time outdoors. I enjoy hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, wild camping, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Certification

First aid at work Level 3

MTB Level

NVQ Level 2 Catering and Hospitality

NVQ Level 3 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership

Team Leading Level 2

Food Safety Level 2 and 3

canoe coach Level one



References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Sous chef

Turtle Bay
12.2022 - Current

Relief chef

mill on the Brue
02.2022 - 09.2024

Head Chef

Elior UK
09.2021 - 12.2022

Chef

Elior (Stoke Gifford Retirements Village
07.2019 - 09.2021

Head chef

Green King
11.2017 - 07.2019

Sous chef

Green King
02.2015 - 11.2017

Some College (No Degree) -

Farmed School
Lee Russ