Themba Thabede
Chef
Diepsloot,Johannesburg
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Pick N Pay Group, excelling in inventory control and staff management. Proven ability to enhance kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction through innovative food preparation and strong problem-solving skills. Adept at negotiating with suppliers to optimize procurement processes, ensuring high-quality ingredients while minimizing waste.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
2023
2023
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Cook/chef
Pick N Pay Group
05.2025 - Current
- Prepared and cooked meals according to standardized recipes and safety guidelines.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring stock levels met operational needs.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and workstations.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes.
- Monitored cooking times and temperatures to ensure food quality and safety standards.
- Assisted in training new staff on kitchen procedures and best practices.
- Implemented waste reduction strategies, improving overall kitchen efficiency.
- Responded promptly to customer feedback, enhancing dining experience satisfaction.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
- Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
- Assisted in inventory management and ordering supplies, maintaining adequate stock levels for efficient kitchen operations.
- Supported kitchen staff training and development, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
- Adhered to recipe guidelines while demonstrating creativity in plating and garnishing dishes for enhanced visual appeal.
- Mentored junior cooks in refining culinary skills through hands-on guidance.
- Improved menu offerings, incorporating seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking methods.
- Collaborated with management team to develop new menu items.
- Fostered culture of teamwork and communication within kitchen, leading to improved efficiency.
- Coordinated with front of house to ensure smooth service during busy periods, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Negotiated with suppliers for better pricing on high-quality ingredients, improving profit margins.
- Implemented rotating menu concept, keeping dining experience fresh and engaging for regular customers.
- Improved meal presentation with innovative plating techniques, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
- Maintained high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, ensuring safe dining environment.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes and customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
- Conducted regular quality checks on ingredients, ensuring only best were used in meal preparation.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Ensured continuous kitchen operations by restocking items before supply shortages occurred.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
Junior Procurement Buyer, warehouse/storeroom manager
FOURNOS BAKERY GROUP DUNKELD
09.2020 - Current
- Analyzed procurement processes to enhance cost efficiency and supplier reliability.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify sourcing needs and develop purchasing strategies.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating terms to secure favorable pricing and delivery schedules.
- Conducted market research to identify potential suppliers and evaluate product offerings.
Storeroom Manager, Receiving and Dispatch manager
FOURNOS BAKERY GROUP ROSEBANK
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Implemented efficient storage solutions, improving space utilization and accessibility of materials.
- Managed inventory control processes to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize waste.
- Supervised daily operations, overseeing staff performance and adherence to safety protocols.
- Trained new employees on operational procedures and best practices for storeroom management.
Storeroom Supervisor
FOURNOS BAKERY GROUP (Little Falls)
05.2016 - 07.2020
Safety & Hygiene Manager
FOURNOS BAKERY GROUP (Little Falls)
05.2016 - 07.2020
Kitchen Manager
FOURNOS BAKERY GROUP (Little Falls)
05.2014 - 07.2015
Merchandiser
KYL SALES & MERCHANDISING
02.2010 - 04.2012
Griller
Food Lovers Market
04.2009 - 02.2010
Education
Fundamental of Procurement Supply Chain Management - undefined
Academy of York
Higher National Certificate - undefined
Masiphula high school
Phongola KwaZuluNatalHigher National Certificate - First Aid Level 1
All risk management
JohannesburgFundamental Certificate - Logistics And Supply Chain Management
Academy of York
Johannesburg 02.2022 - 11.2023
Skills
Computer Skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Sage Pastel Software)
Procurement Negotiating Skills Buying Receiving Dispatching Fleet controller Stock Controller Warehouse Management Staff Management Stock Taking using Sage Pastel GRN on Pastel sage Invoicing on Pastel sage
Problem Solving
Staff Management
Inventory Control
Over head planner
Decision Making
Drivinglicense
Code 10 CI
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 03/01/1987
- Nationality: South African
References
- Maggy Ndlovu, FOURNOS BAKERY GROUP (Little Falls), 011 475 7484/8
- Cyril, KYL SALES & MERCHANDISING, 082 356 3273
- Hanny, Food Lovers Market, 011 465 8051
Timeline
Cook/chef
Pick N Pay Group
05.2025 - Current
Fundamental Certificate - Logistics And Supply Chain Management
Academy of York
02.2022 - 11.2023
Junior Procurement Buyer, warehouse/storeroom manager
FOURNOS BAKERY GROUP DUNKELD
09.2020 - Current
Storeroom Manager, Receiving and Dispatch manager
FOURNOS BAKERY GROUP ROSEBANK
08.2019 - 08.2020
Storeroom Supervisor
FOURNOS BAKERY GROUP (Little Falls)
05.2016 - 07.2020
Safety & Hygiene Manager
FOURNOS BAKERY GROUP (Little Falls)
05.2016 - 07.2020
Kitchen Manager
FOURNOS BAKERY GROUP (Little Falls)
05.2014 - 07.2015
Merchandiser
KYL SALES & MERCHANDISING
02.2010 - 04.2012
Griller
Food Lovers Market
04.2009 - 02.2010
Fundamental of Procurement Supply Chain Management - undefined
Academy of York
Higher National Certificate - undefined
Masiphula high school
Higher National Certificate - First Aid Level 1
All risk management