Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Zia Dercksen

Zia Dercksen

Chef
Stellenbosch

Summary

Determined individual promoting great stamina, passion and versatility. Flexible individual skilled working as part of busy team and interested in helping with different tasks. Over 1 years of experience in busy, high-end restaurant environments. I am motivated with an engaging personality and flexible approach. Upbeat, friendly, and anticipating customer needs to facilitate enjoyable dining experiences.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Restaurant Waiter

De Warenmarkt
05.2025 - Current
  • Quickly reset and cleaned up tables after customers left to enable speedy turnaround and guest flow.
  • Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
  • Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
  • Maintained clean and organized dining areas for optimal guest experience.
  • Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and anticipating guest needs.

Sous Chef

Bullseye Kitchen
03.2025 - 03.2025
  • Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with front-of-house management teams to address any potential issues before they escalated into larger problems affecting overall guest satisfaction levels.
  • Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
  • Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.

Waiter

Hero Events
11.2024 - 02.2025
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and anticipating guest needs.
  • Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
  • Utilized strong multitasking skills to manage multiple tables simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.

Commis Chef

Coopmanshuijs Hotel and Spa
08.2023 - 07.2024
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Prepped daily menu items to quickly deliver upon request.
  • Developed strong multitasking abilities by managing multiple cooking stations during peak hours, ensuring consistent quality output.
  • Assisted other chefs with ingredients preparation in support of recipes designed by head chef.
  • Observed different kitchen chefs' preparation of sauces, breads, and other items to gain knowledge in diverse cooking and baking techniques.

Salesperson

The Mushroom Box
10.2022 - 05.2023
  • Worked to build relationships with customers and built potential for additional sales.
  • Boosted sales by consistently engaging with customers and addressing their needs effectively.
  • Contributed to event marketing, sales and brand promotion.

Chef Trainee

Post N Pepper
12.2022 - 02.2023
  • Maintained safety standards by adhering to proper food handling procedures and cleanliness guidelines.
  • Developed expertise in multiple stations within the kitchen, increasing versatility as a chef trainee and supporting team cohesion during busy shifts.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating visually appealing and delicious dishes.
  • Streamlined plating process with proper portion control, reducing food waste and increasing profits.

Chef Trainee

The Wine Glass
06.2022 - 09.2022
  • Maintained safety standards by adhering to proper food handling procedures and cleanliness guidelines.
  • Learned various cooking techniques for diverse cuisines, expanding the restaurant''s menu offerings.
  • Completed daily mise en place tasks efficiently, allowing for smooth service during meal periods.
  • Supported fellow team members during high-volume periods, ensuring timely completion of orders and satisfied guests.

Education

NQF Lvl 5 - Chef

Chef's Training And Innovation Academy
Stellenbosch
03.2022 - 02.2025

High School Diploma -

Melkbosstrand High School
01.2021 - 01.2021

Skills

  • Food preparation
  • Food safety
  • Cost control
  • Menu memorization
  • Catering background
  • Detail-oriented
  • Multitasking
  • Customer service

Timeline

Restaurant Waiter

De Warenmarkt
05.2025 - Current

Sous Chef

Bullseye Kitchen
03.2025 - 03.2025

Waiter

Hero Events
11.2024 - 02.2025

Commis Chef

Coopmanshuijs Hotel and Spa
08.2023 - 07.2024

Chef Trainee

Post N Pepper
12.2022 - 02.2023

Salesperson

The Mushroom Box
10.2022 - 05.2023

Chef Trainee

The Wine Glass
06.2022 - 09.2022

NQF Lvl 5 - Chef

Chef's Training And Innovation Academy
03.2022 - 02.2025

High School Diploma -

Melkbosstrand High School
01.2021 - 01.2021
Zia DercksenChef