Babalwa Taba
Johannesburg
Summary
I am a qualified chef with 5 years of hotel and restaurant experience; most recently as an Assistant Manager. I truly thrive in operations and production; ensuring that the customer receives quality food as well as an amazing & memorable dining experience. I have a deep love & passion for food as well as a strong desire to explore diverse cultures through culinary experiences. I chose this profession to combine a passion for cooking with a love for travel, allowing for immersion in different parts of the world while doing what is truly enjoyable. Firm believer that pursuing one's passion transforms work into an enjoyable and fulfilling journey.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
4033
4033
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Manager
Nando's
Johannesburg
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various project tasks.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Resolved customer concerns efficiently, fostering a positive dining atmosphere that increased repeat patronage and enhanced overall guest satisfaction.
Lead Packer & Chocolatier
Kit Kat / Sir Billionaire Promotions
Johannesburg
11.2018 - 12.2018
- Implemented cost-saving measures while maintaining product quality, contributing to increased profitability.
- Conducted regular inventory checks for efficient stock management, minimizing ingredient spoilage or shortages.
- Managed daily operations including scheduling staff shifts, overseeing order fulfillment, and maintaining a clean work area.
- Made confections by hand and ordered ingredients from suppliers.
Demi Chef
Fresh Farm Fusion
Johannesburg
05.2016 - 01.2017
- Adhered to food safety regulations and culinary best practices in preparation of ingredients and meals.
- Reduced costs and losses through use of FIFO method.
- Assisted in inventory management, ordering supplies and ingredients as needed to maintain adequate stock levels.
- Oversaw both the pastry (desserts) and cold kitchen (salads) departments.
Commis Chef
The Michelangelo Hotel
Johannesburg
09.2015 - 09.2016
- Developed strong multitasking abilities by managing multiple cooking stations during peak hours, ensuring consistent quality output.
- Rotated through all prep stations to learn different techniques.
- Assisted other chefs with ingredients preparation in support of recipes designed by head chef.
- Observed different kitchen chefs' preparation of sauces, breads, and other items to gain knowledge in diverse cooking and baking techniques.
- Enhanced culinary skills by assisting in the preparation of various dishes under the guidance of experienced chefs.
Education
Chef's Diploma -
The Hurst Campus
Franschhoek, Western CapeNational Certificate in Art & Design -
Skills
- Staff Management
- Negotiation
- Strategic planning
- Staff supervision
- Good communication
- Flexible
- Followed instructions and processes
- Chose, inspected, weighed, and measured ingredients
- Cleaned and sterilized factory processing containers
- Created batches of food products
Certification
- Chef's Diploma, The Hurst Campus, Franschhoek, Western Cape, 01/13, 04/14
- National Certificate in Art & Design, 05/18
Personal Information
Title: Chef
References
- Zanele Mduli, Nando's, 0611860390
- Edwin, Kit Kat, 0815955273
- Kalpesh Hansjee, Michelangelo Hotel, 0826783835
Languages
- Zulu
- Afrikaans
- English
- Xhosa, C1 - Advanced
- Zulu, C1 - Advanced
- Afrikaans, B2 - Upper intermediate
- English, C1 - Advanced
Contacts
+27 812718179, blakebangani@gmail.com
Languages
English
Advanced
C1
IsiXhosa
Beginner
A1
IsiZulu
Beginner
A1
Timeline
Assistant Manager
Nando's
01.2023 - 06.2023
Lead Packer & Chocolatier
Kit Kat / Sir Billionaire Promotions
11.2018 - 12.2018
Demi Chef
Fresh Farm Fusion
05.2016 - 01.2017
Commis Chef
The Michelangelo Hotel
09.2015 - 09.2016
Chef's Diploma -
The Hurst Campus