Tamara Blaai
Chef Assistant
Randburg,GP
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with experience at Checkers, excelling in food presentation and kitchen safety. Proven ability to enhance meal quality and efficiency while fostering team collaboration. Skilled in knife techniques and food handling, consistently delivering exceptional service in fast-paced environments. Committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization. Diligent [Desired Position] with proven background in supporting kitchen operations efficiently and maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Successfully assisted in meal preparation and ensured timely delivery of food items, contributing to smooth workflow. Demonstrated strong teamwork and effective communication skills in fast-paced environment.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Kitchen Staff Member
Superspar
06.2021 - 04.2026
- Improved kitchen efficiency by assisting with food preparation and maintaining a clean workspace.
- Delivered timely assistance during high volume periods, effectively reducing wait times for customers.
- Supported overall kitchen operations by troubleshooting equipment issues, maintaining cleanliness standards, and assisting with other duties as needed.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering team collaboration, contributing ideas, and taking the initiative in completing tasks.
- Cleaning & Sanitation: Washing cutlery, dishes, pots, and pans, cleaning surfaces, sweeping/mopping floors, and removing garbage.
- Food Prep Assistance: Washing, peeling, and cutting vegetables, fruits, and meat, and preparing simple salads or sides.
- Stock Maintenance: Unloading deliveries, organizing stockrooms, checking inventory, and rotating stock to ensure freshness.
- Safety Compliance: Maintaining high hygiene standards and complying with health and safety regulations.
- Chef Support: Assisting chefs with plating, assembling dishes, and retrieving ingredients during service.
Chef Assistant :
Checkers
East London
01.2023 - 03.2026
- 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.
- Food Preparation: Chopping vegetables, filleting fish, thawing items, preparing sauces, and managing food prep areas.
- Cooking & Service: Preparing appetizers, salads, and side dishes, as well as plating dishes to meet restaurant standards during busy shifts.
- Kitchen Hygiene & Safety: Cleaning equipment, maintaining sanitization standards, and cleaning food prep areas to prevent cross-contamination.
- Inventory Management: Assisting with ingredient inventory, identifying items to reorder, and maintaining proper stock rotation.
- Support & Collaboration: Assisting the head chef and senior kitchen staff with any requested tasks to ensure smooth service.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and work areas.
Cashier
Superspar
East London
05.2015 - 04.2020
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Transaction Processing: Accurately scanning items, processing payments (cash, credit, debit, checks), and issuing receipts using POS systems.
- Customer Service: Greeting customers, answering questions about products or pricing, and resolving complaints politely.
- Cash Handling & Security: Balancing the cash drawer at the start and end of shifts, ensuring accurate change, and following company, safety, and security procedures.
- Returns & Exchanges: Processing customer returns and exchanges efficiently according to store policies.
- Merchandise & Maintenance: Bagging or wrapping items, keeping the checkout area clean, and sometimes stocking shelves or conducting inventory checks.
- Sales Promotion: Informing customers about ongoing promotions, special offers, or loyalty programs
- Assisted customers with product inquiries, enhancing shopping experience.
Education
Hospitality - Hospitality
Buffalo City College
East London 04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Cambridge High School
East London, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Food plating techniques
Kitchen hygiene standards
Food handling
Food preparation expertise
Timeline
Chef Assistant :
Checkers
01.2023 - 03.2026
Assistant Kitchen Staff Member
Superspar
06.2021 - 04.2026
Cashier
Superspar
05.2015 - 04.2020
Hospitality - Hospitality
Buffalo City College
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Cambridge High School
04.2001 -