Donna Taylor
Onewhero,WKO
Summary
Dynamic food service professional with a strong focus on customer service, food safety, and team leadership. Proven ability to manage inventory and coordinate catering events while ensuring high-quality service and compliance with health regulations.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Service Professional
Self employed
Waikato, Onewhero
02.2023 - 01.2025
- Prepared menu items with fresh ingredients and safe cooking methods.
- Handled customer orders and supported timely service during busy shifts.
- Kept kitchen equipment and dining area clean and organized.
- Monitored inventory levels and coordinated timely restocking to prevent shortages.
- Trained new staff on food safety practices and proper cooking methods.
- Worked with clients to create personalized catering menus, enhancing event experiences.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to meet high service standards.
- Implemented sanitation procedures to comply with health regulations and ensure safety.
- Resolved customer complaints effectively, ensuring satisfaction and retention.
- Operated cash registers to process customer payments accurately and efficiently.
- Conducted regular inspections of equipment to ensure proper functioning at all times.
- Ensured compliance with food safety regulations while preparing and serving meals.
- Performed daily cleaning duties in the kitchen to maintain a safe and sanitary work environment.
- Inspected all ingredients prior to use for freshness and quality assurance.
- Developed effective strategies for controlling costs associated with labor, food, beverages.
- Created weekly schedules for staff members based on projected business needs.
- Organized storage areas for efficient use of space and easy access to supplies.
- Maintained accurate records of food inventories, orders, and deliveries.
- Provided excellent customer service by responding promptly to inquiries and requests from customers.
- Managed inventory levels through ordering of necessary supplies based on predicted sales volumes.
- Resolved guest complaints regarding service or product issues in a timely manner.
- Assisted with menu planning and development of new recipes.
- Coordinated catering events by managing staffing needs, setting up buffet lines.
- Delivered high-quality dishes according to restaurant standards within specified time frames.
- Supervised team members during shift changes and scheduled breaks.
- Assigned tasks to staff members based on their skill level, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Reviewed menus periodically to ensure prices are current and items are available seasonally.
- Trained staff on proper sanitation procedures as well as food preparation techniques.
- Followed food safety regulations pertaining to sanitation, food handling and storage.
- Cleaned and sanitized work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, and silverware.
- Contributed to overall food service efficiency through various responsibilities.
- Mopped floors and cleaned walk-in refrigerators and storage areas to maintain hygienic, sanitized work area.
- Maintained order and cleanliness of work areas to conform with health codes.
- Follow staff performance and service standards to deliver consistent and positive customer experiences.
- Maintained professional demeanor during interactions with customers and co-workers.
- Washed, peeled and cut fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Received food orders from individuals and explained offerings.
- Followed recipes and customer requests to prepare meals.
- Acquired new skills to support the team and further meet customer needs.
- Prevented spoilage and cross-contamination by storing food in designated containers and storage areas.
- Stored perishable food items in a freezer or refrigerator to protect from spoilage.
- Gathered ingredients and cleaned and cut food items to prep recipes.
- Monitored inventory to keep adequate stock of food items and supplies.
- Maintained high standards of customer service during high-volume work shifts and fast-paced operations.
- Maintained safe food handling practices to prevent the spread of germs.
- Prepared variety of foods according to exact instructions and recipe specifications.
- Packaged and bagged cooked food and prepared items.
- Refilled condiments, napkins and server workstations.
- Welcomed and thanked guests to demonstrate appreciation for patronage.
- Prepared workstations with ingredients and tools to increase efficiency.
- Used proper cleaning supplies and methods to disinfect counters where raw meat, poultry, fish and eggs had been prepared.
- Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
- Operated kitchen equipment in alignment with OSHA protocols and manufacturer instructions.
- Prepared and delivered a selection of beverages to customers.
- Chopped ingredients and prepped food items ahead of the lunchtime and dinner rush periods.
- Rotated inventory to reduce waste and optimize freshness.
- Explained food preparation methods and ingredients to enable patrons with food allergies to make educated decisions.
- Oversaw inventory in the buffet and reported replacement needs to kitchen management.
Farm Hand and Catering Supervisor
Martin Taylor
Onewhero, WKO
01.2012 - 03.2018
- Cared for livestock through feeding and health monitoring, ensuring animal well-being.
- Assisted with various farm tasks and operations
- Maintained accurate financial records for farm operations to support budgeting and planning.
- Delivered excellent customer service by efficiently taking and delivering orders.
- Prepared meals according to recipes and standards
- Food preparation, handling and serving
- Organizing catering staff
- Arranged tables for dining events and parties
- Created custom cakes according to client specifications
Detective Constable
New Zealand Police
Counties Manukau, Auckland
06.2006 - 06.2009
- Conducted thorough investigations of serious crimes across various communities.
- Interviewed witnesses and suspects to gather critical information for cases.
- Collected and analyzed evidence to support case development and prosecution.
- Conducted surveillance operations on persons of interest.
- Utilized advanced technology for surveillance and data collection during investigations.
- Prepared search warrants, affidavits, subpoenas and other legal documents.
- Attended court hearings to present evidence or testify as a witness.
- Gathered evidence from crime scenes and wrote reports detailing the findings.
- Maintained detailed notes throughout investigations for use in court proceedings.
- Collaborated with other law enforcement agencies in joint investigations.
- Engaged with community members to build trust and enhance public safety efforts.
- Provided training and mentorship to junior officers on investigative techniques.
- Directed operations to utilize resources efficiently and adhere to established police policies.
Police Constable
New Zealand Police
Counties Manukau, Auckland
06.2004 - 06.2006
- Executed general duties in a high-pressure environment to support team operations
- Partnered with strategic traffic unit to enhance traffic flow and safety measures
- Supported operations management at watchhouse, ensuring effective case processing
Education
Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol
Eot.edu.au
Australia08-2026
Pre Hospital Emergency Care
Triple One Care
Auckland, NZ01-2010
Breathing Apparatus Course
Fire And Rescue Services
Auckland, NZ01-2008
CIB Selection And Induction Course
Royal New Zealand Police College
Wellington01-2007
Certificate in Contemporary Policing
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, NZ01-2004
Hospital Play Specialism
North East Surrey College of Technology
England01-1998
Diploma Nursery Nursing
Basingstoke College of Technology
England01-1997
Skills
- Food safety
- Menu planning
- Quality control
- Inventory management
- Team leadership
- Menu documentation
- Customer service
Timeline
Food Service Professional
Self employed
02.2023 - 01.2025
Farm Hand and Catering Supervisor
Martin Taylor
01.2012 - 03.2018
Detective Constable
New Zealand Police
06.2006 - 06.2009
Police Constable
New Zealand Police
06.2004 - 06.2006
Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol
Eot.edu.au
Pre Hospital Emergency Care
Triple One Care
Breathing Apparatus Course
Fire And Rescue Services
CIB Selection And Induction Course
Royal New Zealand Police College
Certificate in Contemporary Policing
Victoria University of Wellington
Hospital Play Specialism
North East Surrey College of Technology
Diploma Nursery Nursing
Basingstoke College of Technology