Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Personal Information
Timeline
Generic
Sarah Saungweme

Sarah Saungweme

Chef
Strand,WC

Summary

Developed culinary skills and leadership abilities in fast-paced, high-volume kitchen setting. Skilled in menu creation, inventory management, and team coordination, ensuring efficient and high-quality service. Seeking to leverage these transferable skills in new and challenging environment that values innovation and collaboration.

Professional culinary leader with proven ability to manage kitchen operations, develop innovative menus, and ensure high-quality food standards. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving consistent results, adaptable to changing needs and high-pressure environments. Expertise in food preparation, inventory management, and safety protocols, combined with passion for culinary excellence and creativity.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
2
2
Languages

Work History

Kitchen Manager

Prime Wagyu
01.2025 - Current
  • Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
  • Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
  • Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
  • Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
  • Contributed to a positive workplace culture by actively engaging with staff members, promoting open communication channels, and demonstrating support for ongoing professional development opportunities.
  • Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
  • Fostered a collaborative working environment among diverse teams of chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, and other support staff.
  • Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
  • Developed and maintained professional relationships with suppliers to acquire high-quality ingredients and products with reasonable prices.
  • Reviewed and analyzed kitchen performance to verify gaps and observe continuous improvement.
  • Negotiated with suppliers to secure high-quality ingredients at cost-effective prices.
  • Developed and maintained high standard of kitchen hygiene, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Head Cook

The Cove
10.2019 - 12.2024
  • Efficiently handled high-volume service periods without sacrificing quality or consistency in food preparation.
  • Managed kitchen staff, ensuring proper training and adherence to safety protocols for a safe working environment.
  • Devised seasonal menus using fresh, local ingredients for an ever-changing culinary experience for patrons.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Collaborated with dining room staff to ensure seamless communication between front-and back-of-house operations.
  • Adhered to strict dietary restrictions when creating customized meal options for guests with allergies or preferences.
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen, meeting or exceeding health department requirements.
  • Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
  • Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Successfully managed special events catering, coordinating with clients to develop custom menus tailored to specific needs.
  • Mentored junior cooks, providing guidance on culinary techniques and fostering professional growth within the team.
  • Established strong vendor relationships resulting in reliable deliveries of top-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
  • Monitored food preparation processes to maintain consistent taste, texture, and presentation of dishes.

Chef

Pulp Kitchens
03.2019 - 10.2019

Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.

  • Continually improved kitchen safety by enforcing strict hygiene protocols and staff training on equipment usage.
  • Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
  • Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
  • Implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistent taste and presentation of dishes.
  • Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
  • Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
  • Cultivated a positive work culture among kitchen staff through open communication lines and mutual respect within the team.

Chef (C.D.P)

Java Bistro
11.2016 - 03.2019
  • Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
  • Continually improved kitchen safety by enforcing strict hygiene protocols and staff training on equipment usage.
  • Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
  • Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
  • Implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistent taste and presentation of dishes.
  • Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
  • Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
  • Cultivated a positive work culture among kitchen staff through open communication lines and mutual respect within the team.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
  • Mentored junior chefs in culinary techniques, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused work environment.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
  • Collaborated effectively with front-of-house team for seamless dining experience and positive customer feedback.
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organization in kitchen, passing all health inspections with excellent ratings.
  • Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
  • Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.

Cook (Chef)

Coffie Lacomia
01.2016 - 10.2016
  • Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
  • Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
  • Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
  • Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
  • Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
  • Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
  • Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
  • Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
  • Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.

Education

Diploma - Food Skill And Technology

Alison
Online
09.2025

Skills

Food preparation and safety

Certification

Service Certificate, 10/31/16, Esther Coetzee, 082 566 2996

Personal Information

  • Pass port Number: BN840631
  • Health Status: Good
  • Criminal Record: None
  • Date of Birth: 08/17/86
  • Gender: Female
  • Marital Status: Married

Timeline

Kitchen Manager

Prime Wagyu
01.2025 - Current

Head Cook

The Cove
10.2019 - 12.2024

Chef

Pulp Kitchens
03.2019 - 10.2019

Chef (C.D.P)

Java Bistro
11.2016 - 03.2019

Cook (Chef)

Coffie Lacomia
01.2016 - 10.2016

Diploma - Food Skill And Technology

Alison
Sarah SaungwemeChef