Marija Kuzaite
Dungannon,Mid Ulster
Summary
Innovative and ambitious culinary arts student and chef, dedicated to excellence, collaboration and continual professional growth. Seeking professional placement in the United States to gain skills and international experience. I offer award-winning culinary talent, strong work ethic, and a drive to continually learn and excel.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Executive pastry chef
Ardtara country house
Maghera, Mid Ulster
02.2023 - 11.2025
- Managing inventory, reducing waste and optimising efficiency.
- Developing new products based on seasonal ingredients and dessert trends.
- Streamlining kitchen operations to improve work flow and efficiency
- Training junior chefs in pastry and starters
Pastry chef/commis chef
The gables bar and restaurant
Dungannon, Mid Ulster
06.2022 - 01.2023
- Achieved consistent production quality with adherence to recipes and instructions.
- Worked closely with kitchen staff, ensuring smooth operations and food safety protocols.
- determined product quantities for next day operation by maintaining a detailed production schedule.
Pastry chef/commis chef
Ardtara country house
10.2021 - 06.2022
- trained under experienced chefs increasing professional culinary skills.
- assisted in large scale catering events, ensuring successful execution.
- experimented and practiced dishes and recipes, ensuring consistency.
Commis chef
The tailors house
01.2020 - 01.2021
- meeting service deadlines and preparing mise en place efficiently
- observing senior chefs, communicating efficiently and learning kitchen roles
- maintaining discipline, punctuality and hygiene, showing initiative and a willingness to learn
Education
Bachelor's degree - Culinary arts and management
Ulster University
Belfast 09.2024 - 06.2028
NVQ level 3 diploma - Professional cookery- patisserie and confectionary
SERC
Lisburn 09.2022 - 06.2023
FDQ Level 2 diploma - Professional bakery
SERC
Lisburn 09.2021 - 06.2022
GCSE - english & maths
St Joseph's College
Coalisland, Mid UlsterSkills
Skills :
- Time management under pressure : I developed strong time management skills when competing in culinary competitions, as well as in the workplace I ensured that dishes were prepared in time and to the highest standard
- Teamwork & collaboration: working in the hospitality industry alongside achieving my degree in culinary arts has developed my teamwork skills and demonstrates that I am a team player
- Problem solving & precision: I demonstrate problem solving and precision through my ability to adapt and innovate under competitive and high pressure conditions, such as Worldskills UK, showpiece creation and working in a fine dining environment
- communication & leadership: In my role of head pastry chef I mentor and support team members in a fine dining environment by clearly communicating and promoting consistency, efficiency, and high standards
Affiliations
- music: I play the classical violin ( grade 6) and enjoy practicing in my spare time
- gardening: I enjoy growing my own vegetables, fruits and herbs for recipe development.
Accomplishments
- WorldSkills UK gold medal winner 2022
- IFEX edible art silver medal 2021
- SERC chocolate showpiece champion 2022
- Ardtara country house: 2 AA rosettes
- Young risotto chef of the year, 2nd place 2025
Languages
English
Fluent
Lithuanian
Fluent
Certification
- Full UK driving license
- Edge award- Ulster University: I am working towards achieving the edge award whilst studying.
References
Ardtara country house executive chef patron: Ian Orr: 07736302529, ian.orr@sky.com
Lead judge Worldskills & University lecturer: Sean Owens: S.Owens@ulster.ac.uk
Timeline
Bachelor's degree - Culinary arts and management
Ulster University
09.2024 - 06.2028
Executive pastry chef
Ardtara country house
02.2023 - 11.2025
NVQ level 3 diploma - Professional cookery- patisserie and confectionary
SERC
09.2022 - 06.2023
Pastry chef/commis chef
The gables bar and restaurant
06.2022 - 01.2023
Pastry chef/commis chef
Ardtara country house
10.2021 - 06.2022
FDQ Level 2 diploma - Professional bakery
SERC
09.2021 - 06.2022
Commis chef
The tailors house
01.2020 - 01.2021
GCSE - english & maths
St Joseph's College