Samantha Mendes
Hemel Hempstead,Hertfordshire
Summary
Dedicated professional with expertise in food preparation and child safeguarding. Demonstrates proficiency in working with both hot and cold food, effective communication with chefs, and efficient cleaning procedures. Skilled in managing food waste effectively while ensuring children's meal preparation meets high standards. Strong background in early years safeguarding, with comprehensive knowledge of child safeguarding legislation and protocols. Committed to fostering a safe environment for children through training and understanding of safeguarding regulations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Assistant cook
Aspire Acadmies
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
2021.06 - Current
- Monitored stock inventory levels to avoid shortages or excesses.
- Followed recipes meticulously to maintain consistency in taste.
- Participated actively in team meetings, contributing valuable inputs.
- Maintained clean and hygienic kitchen environment, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Conducted regular cleaning of kitchen appliances for maintenance purposes.
- Adapted swiftly to changing menus and food preparation methods.
- Prepared various types of meat according to specified requirements.
- Performed routine kitchen tasks on time, ensuring smooth operations.
- Assisted Head Chef in preparing a variety of dishes, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Ensured freshness of food and ingredients by checking quality regularly.
- Worked in accordance with food hygiene standards, promoting a safe working environment.
Catering assistant
HCL
Watford, Hertfordshire
2019.05 - 2021.06
- Prepared high-quality meals for customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in preparation of buffet services, enhancing event experiences for clients.
- Set up dining areas.
- Upheld presentation standards by arranging food items attractively on serving trays and tables.
- Implemented hygiene protocols throughout daily duties ensuring safe food handling.
- Executed food preparation tasks efficiently to meet dining deadlines.
- Maintained cleanliness of kitchen area to ensure health and safety regulations were met.
- Adhered to portion control guidelines whilst serving meals, maintaining cost effectiveness.
- Demonstrated knowledge of dietary restrictions by preparing suitable alternatives as needed.
- Collaborated with other team members for smooth catering operations during events.
Office assistant
JSD Solutions
London, London
2017.01 - 2019.05
- Handled confidential documents discretely, upholding company policy and confidentiality codes at all times.
- Performed data entry tasks diligently, maintaining accurate office records at all times.
- Improved office efficiency by organising and managing files.
- Organised mail distribution, providing timely communication among employees and clients alike.
- Coordinated staff schedules, ensuring smooth daily operations.
- Scheduled appointments effectively to ensure efficient time management for executives.
- Performed general administrative tasks such as photocopying, faxing and mailing; ensured smooth day-to-day functioning of the office.
- Processed invoices accurately, avoiding any financial discrepancies for the company.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, resulting in high client satisfaction rates.
- Enhanced communication for better team coordination by answering calls and emails promptly.
- Responded promptly to telephone enquiries from clients, vendors and customers.
- Took and relayed messages between staff, customers and other parties.
- Handled basic invoicing and mail management for office staff.
- Entered handwritten data into computers for easy retrieval.
- Called customers with past-due invoices to request prompt payment.
- Handled incoming calls for staff, answering questions, directing calls and documenting messages.
Sales assistant
One Stop
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
2010.03 - 2012.08
- Built strong relationships with regular customers for repeat business.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly, keeping store operation seamless during peak hours.
- Managed till operations smoothly, reducing waiting time for customers.
- Improved customer service by efficiently handling queries and complaints.
- Maintained knowledge of current sales promotions helping customers make informed buying decisions.
- Conducted daily inventory checks to manage stock levels accurately.
- Fostered a welcoming store environment by maintaining clean and well-organised displays.
- Balanced multiple tasks simultaneously whilst maintaining high-quality customer care.
- Addressed customer needs promptly, resulting in positive feedback and loyalty.
- Handled cash transactions swiftly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Ensured stock replenishment in a timely manner to maintain product availability.
- Utilised excellent communication skills to provide detailed product information.
- Trained new staff members, fostering a supportive working environment.
- Collaborated effectively with team members to meet sales targets.
- Listened to customer needs and preferences to provide targeted advice, increasing sales opportunities.
- Assisted customers in locating specific items to boost satisfaction.
- Resolved customer complaints and process issues with proactive problem-solving skills.
- Operated cash registers with accuracy and processed cash and card transactions.
- Updated product labelling and pricing to reflect discounts and offers.
- Replenished floor stock and processed deliveries promptly, maximising product availability for customers.
- Collaborated with sales managers to meet target quotas.
- Went above and beyond by helping customers to locate stock, making bespoke orders where possible.
- Monitored and reported suspicious activity to security officer to avoid theft.
- Tagged products quickly and accurately with price tags and stickers.
- Helped customers obtain specialised help for refunds and exchanges.
Education
GCSEs -
Astley Cooper School
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire 1990.09 - 1996.09
Skills
- Working with hot and cold food preparation
- Effective communication with chef
- Efficient cleaning procedures
- Managing food waste effectively
- Working with children
- Rapport building with children
- Early Years Safeguarding knowledge
- Understanding child Safeguarding legislation
- Children's meal preparation
Affiliations
- walking
- Gym
- Helping with TA jobs at school
- Visiting new places
- Gardening
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Assistant cook
Aspire Acadmies
2021.06 - Current
Catering assistant
HCL
2019.05 - 2021.06
Office assistant
JSD Solutions
2017.01 - 2019.05
Sales assistant
One Stop
2010.03 - 2012.08
GCSEs -
Astley Cooper School
1990.09 - 1996.09