Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Mark Schmid

Wakefield

Summary

Disciplined and driven professional with a diverse international background, including military leadership, hospitality management and business ownership.

Completed compulsory military service in Switzerland with voluntary advancement to corporal head chef, developing strong leadership, logistics and team coordination skills.

Gained hands-on experience operating two successful hospitality businesses in New Zealand, honing customer service, sales and operational management expertise.

Brings a strong personal interest and familiarity with firearms, paired with a proven ability to connect with clients and drive results in dynamic environments.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Pest Controller/Bird Shooter

Seifried Vineyards
02.2025 - 04.2025
  • Conducted bird control operations daily over a 3-month period to protect high-value vineyard crops.
  • Worked independently in rural outdoor conditions.
  • Ensured compliance with safety protocols, firearm handling procedures and environmental best practices.
  • Contributed to the overall success of the harvest by significantly reducing crop losses due to bird activity.

Head Chef/Restaurant Owner

Self-employeed
11.2017 - 06.2023
  • Founded and operated a successful local bagel shop, serving both kitchen manager and front-of-house lead.
  • Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Built strong customer relationships, contributing to a loyal customer base and becoming a valued part of the local community.
  • Developed strong vendor relationships to secure fresh, quality ingredients at competitive prices while supporting local businesses whenever possible.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.

Head Chef/Business Owner

Self-employed
10.2011 - 04.2017
  • Co-founded family-owned cafe/restaurant, overseeing all aspects of startup and operations alongside wife and family.
  • Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilisation of seasonal ingredients.
  • Developed strong vendor relationships to secure fresh, quality ingredients at competitive prices while supporting local businesses whenever possible.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.

Education

Chef Qualification - Hospitality

Gewerbeschule Luzern
Luzern, Switzerland

Accomplishments

    Hospitality Awards - Recognised as best street food restaurant in Northland, New Zealand 2022.

    Featured in the Air New Zealand inflight KiaOra magazine 2020.

Certification

Qualified Swiss chef


Firearms Licence #T5217226

Languages

English
Full Professional
German
Native or Bilingual
French
Professional Working

Timeline

Pest Controller/Bird Shooter

Seifried Vineyards
02.2025 - 04.2025

Head Chef/Restaurant Owner

Self-employeed
11.2017 - 06.2023

Head Chef/Business Owner

Self-employed
10.2011 - 04.2017

Chef Qualification - Hospitality

Gewerbeschule Luzern
Mark Schmid