Farai Murengwa
Pastry Chef
Kempton Park,South Africa
Wanderer, there is no path, the path is made by walking.
Antonio Machado
Summary
Talented Pastry Chef with 9 years of experience in baking industry. Dedicated to creating unique and creative designs. Effective communicator, motivated and innovative. Extensive knowledge of baking techniques and raw materials. Open-minded, specializing in creating high-quality and delicious edible masterpieces. Quick learner and active listener. Production-driven professional focused on achieving perfection in each creation. Proficient in various baking and decorating techniques.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Cake Decorator
Sweet Treats Creations
Kempton Park, ZA
04.2020 - Current
- Handled phone calls regarding inquiries, cancelled orders, and ordering conflicts.
- Disposed of damaged and expired goods to uphold safety standards and provide fresh products.
- Precisely arranged display cases throughout workday to highlight finished products.
- Verified accuracy of orders while meeting strict deadlines on producing completed products.
- Prepared special creams and frostings for cakes and other dessert specialties.
- Kept work area safe and sanitized by washing utensils, tools, and countertops.
- Maintained sanitary food prep station by following established safety procedures and sanitizing instructions.
- Managed material inventory and ordered new materials when needed.
- Designed specialty cakes for weddings, birthdays, and graduations.
- Used variety of baking and decorating tools such as mixers, carving tools, and confectionery products.
- Decorated Type pastries and cakes using colorful icings and piping techniques.
- Packaged and priced each product according to company pricing procedures.
- Coordinated services under supervision of lead baker.
- Researched and tested new cake recipes to expand product line of bakery and provide more selections to customers.
- Trained and supervised part-time cake decorators to apply proper decorating techniques in creating edible icing, flowers and figurines.
- Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment and oven.
- Replenished and rotated food items, following correct food cooling and storage procedures.
- Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise, and promoted key items.
- Operated ovens and bakery equipment to prepare products according to recipes.
- Prepared frostings and other toppings for cakes and pastries.
- Replenished bakery items in display cases.
- Followed food safety standards when handling ingredients.
- Monitored temperatures of ovens, proof boxes and other equipment.
- Packaged finished products for sale.
- Baked consistent quality items by accurately mixing, dividing, shaping, and proofing.
- Determined baking times for various items.
- Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
- Managed display cases to verify freshness and attractiveness of products.
- Decorated cakes, cupcakes and other pastries according to customer requests.
- Processed customer orders and payment transactions.
- Mixed icing and other toppings by reading recipes, scaling, and measuring ingredients and operating mixer.
- Trained new employees on bakery methods and procedures.
Front of House Manager, Cake Clerk
Schweet Bistro & Cake Wonderland
Centurion , ZA
05.2015 - 03.2019
- Taking orders (walk – ins, telephonically and online)
- Cashing up
- Opening and Closing Shop
- Receiving of stock
- Updating Sales
- Receiving Payments on POS
- Supervising Waiters
- Assisting Customers in the Bistro and Retail
- Adhered to safe work practices, food safety regulations, and corporate guidelines.
- Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.
- Performed cash handling activities and secured nightly bank deposits.
- Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet customer expectations.
- Addressed guest concerns and resolved all issues to guests' satisfaction.
- Emphasized guest satisfaction during departmental meetings and focused on continuous improvement.
- Inspected stocks to identify shortages, replenish supply and maintain consistent inventory.
- Resolved guests complaints while maintaining positive customer environment.
- Collaborated with chefs to create seasonal menus and promotional offers.
- Coordinated with suppliers to establish timely delivery of food and beverage items.
- Utilized upselling techniques to maximize revenue and increase customer satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented marketing initiatives to increase sales and revenue.
- Demonstrated leadership by keeping up with cleanliness and organization and delegating roles to employees.
- Analyzed customer feedback and implemented strategies to improve customer satisfaction.
- Developed and maintained relationships with vendors and other business partners to establish trust and build rapport.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Produced high-quality communications for internal and external use.
- Provided quality clerical support through data entry, document management, email correspondence, and overseeing operation of office equipment.
- Interacted with customers by phone, email, or in-person to provide information.
- Drove customer loyalty and consistent sales through friendly service and knowledgeable assistance.
- Managed calendars and scheduled appointments to maintain smooth flow of operations.
- Routed business correspondence, documents, and messages to correct departments and staff members.
- Verified transactions, product orders and shipping dates and entered information into databases and reports.
- Provided meeting support by taking minutes and dictations.
- Monitored office supplies and made arrangements for restocking of low-stock items.
- Maintained filing system and organized customer documents for easy retrieval of information.
- Issued invoices and followed up on outstanding payments to remind clients to pay on time.
- Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
- Edited and proofread documents for accuracy and completeness.
Education
Food And Beverages Management -
12.2014
Food Safety -
12.2014
Master Cake Decorating -
12.2014
Diploma - Business Marketing
11.2006
Skills
Client account management
Recipes and menu planning
Food preparation and safety
Exceptional interpersonal communication
Coaching and mentoring
Sales expertise
Deadline-oriented
Efficient multi-tasker
Good Telephone Etiquette
Flexible and Adaptable
MS Office
Self-Motivated
Attention to Detail
Teamwork and Collaboration
Data Entry
Cake baking
Cake sculpting
Cake decorating skills
Themed cake designs
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Senior Cake Decorator - Sweet Treats Creations
04.2020 - Current
Front of House Manager, Cake Clerk - Schweet Bistro & Cake Wonderland
05.2015 - 03.2019
La Petite Patisserie - Food And Beverages Management ,
La Petite Patisserie - Food Safety ,
La Petit Patisserrie - Master Cake Decorating,
Academy of Learning (IMM) - Diploma, Business Marketing