Matthew Squires
Chichester,West Sussex
Summary
Talented Head Chef with sound knowledge of food preparation and restaurant management. Solid understanding of managing personnel activity in hospitality industry. Exceptional communication skills with ability to give clear instructions to subordinates. Organised and reliable with outstanding menu creation capabilities.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work history
Head chef
The Hole in the Wall
Chichester, West Sussex
2022.09 - 2026.01
- Monitored inventory levels, ensured timely replenishment of stock.
- Delivered consistently tasty meals by adhering to recipe instructions.
- Managed all aspects of the kitchen, ensuring smooth operation.
- Upheld health and safety regulations at all times in the kitchen.
- Directed the preparation of special dishes for events and holidays.
- Fostered a positive work environment, boosted team morale.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Established strong rapport with team members through effective communication skills.
- Instituted a rotation system to minimise food waste.
- Adhered to strict dietary guidelines from customers, ensuring satisfaction.
Head chef
The pond barn
Wittering, West Sussex
2022.02 - 2022.07
- Collaborated with suppliers for fresh and quality ingredients procurement.
- Developed seasonal menus to offer variety and freshness in dishes served.
- Maintained exemplary hygiene standards in the kitchen area.
- Oversaw quality control measures, maintained consistency across all dishes served.
- Trained junior staff for optimal performance and skill development.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes.
- Implemented new recipes for enhanced menu diversity.
- Achieved targets for staff safety, kitchen sanitation and proper food handling and storage.
- Trained junior chefs in required culinary techniques, improving overall kitchen productivity and performance.
- Hired, managed and trained kitchen staff, maintaining competent service teams.
- Properly handled and stored raw ingredients, minimising illness and cross-contamination risks.
Chef
The old house at home
Wittering , West Sussex
2017.03 - 2022.01
- Coordinated prep work, streamlined the cooking process.
- Reduced food waste to improve profitability.
- Followed health and safety guidelines to keep food storage safe, prevent spoilage and minimise cross-contamination risks.
- Cleaned and serviced kitchen appliances, maintaining good working order of grills, stoves and ovens.
- Handled and stored food with proper methods to eliminate illness risks and prevent cross-contamination.
- Worked with front of house team to coordinate fast, fresh deliveries in line with professional reputation.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes that met customer needs and palates.
- Monitored kitchen operations to spot and correct issues impacting team performance or quality.
- Built attractive displays of food items, enticing customers to make additional purchases.
- Oversaw chefs, cooks and kitchen support staff to run smooth operation.
- Tracked ingredient use and portioning, identifying opportunities to reduce costs and improve profitability.
Assistant bar manager
The park tavern
Chichester, West Sussex
2012.03 - 2017.02
- Assisted in the hiring process for new bar staff members.
- Supervised cleanliness of bar area to maintain a welcoming environment.
- Handled customer complaints with professionalism and discretion.
- Enhanced customer service by providing attentive, friendly and knowledgeable assistance.
- Elevated overall guest experience through excellent communication skills and prompt problem resolution.
- Conducted regular stock checks, avoiding shortage of essential items.
- Maintained high standards of health and safety within workplace at all times.
- Ensured adherence to all licensing laws, maintaining venue's good standing in community.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, ensuring daily till balance matched recorded sales.
- Cultivated relationships with regular patrons for consistent patronage and loyalty.
- Oversaw line cleaning and cellar management.
- Completed accurate end-of-day financial routines for cash and card transactions.
- Built loyal customer base by creating welcoming environment with top quality service.
Assistant manager
The Hole in the Wall
Chichester, West Sussex
2004.06 - 2012.01
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of products.
- Delegated tasks to team members efficiently improving overall productivity.
- Managed cash registers accurately reducing discrepancies at end of day reconciliation.
- Provided excellent customer service leading to repeat business and customer loyalty.
- Ensured health and safety compliance, maintaining a safe working environment for all staff members.
- Improved customer service by implementing new procedures and protocols.
- Assisted in recruitment process to build an effective workforce.
- Conducted team meetings on a regular basis, promoting open communication within the team.
Furniture assembler
Alexander furniture
Chichester, West Sussex
2000.04 - 2004.05
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and efficient assembly of furniture.
- Improved company reputation with meticulous attention to detail during assembly process.
- Assisted in transporting heavy furniture parts, leading to smoother operational flow on site.
- Coordinated delivery schedules for completed furniture units, ensuring seamless transition from warehouse to customer homes.
- Streamlined workflow through careful organisation of tools and equipment at beginning of each day's work shift.
- Maintained clean working area, resulting in a safer and more efficient workspace.
- Assembled various types of furniture for improved home aesthetics and functionality.
- Collaborated efficiently with team members, creating an effective working environment.
- Utilised hand tools effectively to expedite the furniture assembly process.
Education
NVQ Catering and Hospitality - Catering
Chichester College
Chichester 1999-01
Skills
- Adaptability in kitchen
- Time management proficiency
- Grilling expertise
- Vegetable carving
- Customer satisfaction focus
- Sanitation regulations compliance
- Use of kitchen equipment
- Food preparation
- Grilling
- Kitchen hygiene
- Catering experience
- Workflow optimisation
- Recipe and menu development
- Stock rotation
- Ingredient selection
- Kitchen management
- Dish portioning
- Presentation techniques
- Sauce preparation
- Creative flair
- Knife handling
- Kitchen team training
Timeline
Head chef
The Hole in the Wall
2022.09 - 2026.01
Head chef
The pond barn
2022.02 - 2022.07
Chef
The old house at home
2017.03 - 2022.01
Assistant bar manager
The park tavern
2012.03 - 2017.02
Assistant manager
The Hole in the Wall
2004.06 - 2012.01
Furniture assembler
Alexander furniture
2000.04 - 2004.05
NVQ Catering and Hospitality - Catering
Chichester College