Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Gracious Nxongo

Gracious Nxongo

Bakery Department Manager
Johannesburg

Summary

Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Bakery Department Manager

Spar
03.2024 - Current
  • Managed inventory effectively, reducing waste and maintaining optimal stock levels for increased sales.
  • Ensured consistency in product offerings by standardizing recipes and processes across the Bakery Department.
  • Developed a high-performing team through consistent training, coaching, and performance evaluations.
  • Successfully introduced new product lines that catered to evolving customer preferences while maintaining traditional offerings for loyal clientele.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and efficient completion of bakery orders.
  • Enforced compliance with food safety standards with proper food storage, sanitation and labeling.
  • Monitored inventory levels and identified opportunities for cost savings.

Dining Chef/Assistant Safety Officer

Hilton Hotel & Resorts
05.2023 - 02.2024
  • Prepared and cooked quality meals in high-volume, fast-paced service environments.
  • Maintained cleanliness and order of kitchen prep areas and appliances as well as convenient organization of ingredients.
  • Followed recipes and instructions to achieve quality and presentation standards.
  • Supported senior chefs with creative meal planning and recipe development.
  • Worked closely with front-of-house staff to address customer feedback or concerns promptly, fostering strong cross-functional teamwork within the restaurant setting.
  • Trained new staff members on kitchen procedures, contributing to the growth of a cohesive culinary team.
  • Trained new kitchen staff on proper food handling and preparation techniques.
  • Trained new staff on food preparation and safety procedures.
  • Inspected facilities for adherence to fire, hazard, and safety guidelines.
  • Conducted safety training and education to employees to increase awareness of safety hazards and empower employees to work safely.
  • Reduced accident rates with consistent monitoring of employee compliance to safety protocols.
  • Inspected worksites, practices, and gear for compliance with established safety standards.
  • Recognized, documented, and advised on removal of hazards.
  • Conducted regular safety audits, identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective actions promptly.
  • Promoted a culture of safety through engaging workshops and training sessions for employees on various topics such as hazard identification, PPE usage, and incident reporting.
  • Ensured adherence to OSHA regulations, leading to a safer work environment for all employees.
  • Investigated accidents and incidents to determine root causes and develop corrective actions to address underlying issues.

Bakery Manager

Pick N Pay
03.2015 - 02.2022
  • Enforced compliance with food safety standards with proper food storage, sanitation and labeling.
  • Maintained and controlled inventory of baked goods.
  • Monitored inventory levels and identified opportunities for cost savings.
  • Managed all baking operations professionally and handled all problems confidently.
  • Processed orders using SAP system ensuring accuracy
  • Maintained payroll in Kronos adhering to budgeted hours and stipulated budgets to ensure that wages budgets are in line with business requirements
  • Enforced staff discipline and adhering to proper company disciplinary policies
  • Handled IR issues according to company policy

Bakery Supervisor

Cambridge Food
08.2012 - 02.2015
  • Implemented safety protocols to reduce workplace accidents and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
  • Greeted customers, answered questions and provided great customer experiences.
  • Coordinated with vendors to ensure on-time deliveries of essential supplies at competitive prices.
  • Developed creative marketing strategies to boost bakery visibility in the local community and attract new clientele.
  • Facilitated staff meetings to discuss improvements in workflow processes while addressing any potential concerns or challenges faced by team members.

Education

Introduction To Samtrac -

NOSA
Centurion, South Africa
04.2001 -

High School Diploma -

Oxbridge Academy
Johannesburg, South Africa
04.2001 -

Certificate - Supply Chain Management

IQ Academy
Johannesburg, South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

Management,Analytical thinker,Basic IR training,Food costing,SAP ERP,SIGMA,Time management,Microsoft office,Customer service,Supervisory skills,Problem solving,Teamwork,Communication,Leadership,Industrial relations,Basic accounting,GrossProfit,Markup

Timeline

Bakery Department Manager

Spar
03.2024 - Current

Dining Chef/Assistant Safety Officer

Hilton Hotel & Resorts
05.2023 - 02.2024

Bakery Manager

Pick N Pay
03.2015 - 02.2022

Bakery Supervisor

Cambridge Food
08.2012 - 02.2015

Introduction To Samtrac -

NOSA
04.2001 -

High School Diploma -

Oxbridge Academy
04.2001 -

Certificate - Supply Chain Management

IQ Academy
04.2001 -
Gracious NxongoBakery Department Manager