Esther Burgering
Auckland,AUK
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience as Manager/Chef, excelling in kitchen management and team leadership. Proven track record in menu development and food safety, enhancing customer satisfaction and securing repeat business through high-quality dishes and a collaborative work environment.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager/Chef
Good Boy Billy Cafe
11.2024 - 05.2025
- Managed daily operations of cafe as well as performing Head Chef duties and producing the majority of food and fulfilling barista duties when required.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Maintained professional, organised and safe environment for patrons and employees
- Developed strong vendor relationships to secure fresh, quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Maintained high food quality standards.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
- Ensured timely delivery of all orders during busy services
- Fostered a positive working environment by promoting teamwork and open communication.
- Arranged for kitchen equipment maintenance and repair when needed.
- Engaged with customers to gather feedback, using insights to refine dishes and service.
- Designed visually appealing plated presentations that enhanced both taste appeal and overall dining experience for patrons.
Owner/Operator
Rude N Boomin Cafe
11.2018 - 10.2024
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality product and service.
- Managed daily operations for optimal efficiency, streamlining processes to reduce costs.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring consistent delivery of goods and services at competitive prices.
- Ensured compliance with relevant regulations, maintaining proper documentation and licensing requirements.
- Developed and implemented successful marketing strategies, resulting in increased brand awareness and customer base.
- Implemented sustainable practices, reducing environmental impact.
- Was involved in all aspects of business from food production to barista duties and customer service.
Owner/Operator
Cereal Killa Cafe
02.2012 - 02.2018
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality product and service.
- Managed daily operations for optimal efficiency, streamlining processes to reduce costs.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring consistent delivery of goods and services at competitive prices.
- Ensured compliance with relevant regulations, maintaining proper documentation and licensing requirements.
- Developed and implemented successful marketing strategies, resulting in increased brand awareness and customer base.
- Implemented sustainable practices, reducing environmental impact.
- Was involved in all aspects of business from food production to barista duties and customer service.
Assistant Manager
The Fentiman Arms
07.2002 - 02.2003
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and minimizing discrepancies.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts while reducing overhead costs.
- Generated repeat business through exceptional customer service.
- Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of new employees to maintain adequate staffing levels.
- Collaborated with the management team to develop strategic plans for business growth and improvement.
- Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various project tasks.
- Scheduled staff shifts to ensure proper coverage during peak shopping hours without exceeding labor budgets.
- Boosted employee morale by recognizing outstanding performance and celebrating team accomplishments.
Chef
Close Brothers Ltd
05.2001 - 03.2002
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
Chef
Vivace
08.2000 - 03.2001
- Provided support in all areas of the kitchen as needed, demonstrating versatility and adaptability under pressure.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, managing multiple stations during busy service periods.
- Operated all kitchen equipment safely to prevent injuries.
- Rotated stock to use items before expiration date.
- Contributed to a positive kitchen atmosphere through effective communication and collaboration with team members.
- Prepared items for roasting, sautéing, frying, and baking.
- Ensured consistent dish quality by closely adhering to recipe guidelines and presentation standards.
Education
Certicate in Professional Cookery Level 4, - Cookery
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, NZ02-2001
City & Guilds Cert in Food Preparation & Cooking - Cookery
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, NZ12-2000
Diploma in NZ Policing - Policing
Royal NZ Police College
NZ Police College Wellington02-1995
Skills
- Food safety
- Kitchen management
- Team management
- Menu development
- Culinary expertise
Accomplishments
Established two cafes from inception, including project managing the build, designing the interior and concept. Designed logo, concept and interior for a third site.
Timeline
Manager/Chef
Good Boy Billy Cafe
11.2024 - 05.2025
Owner/Operator
Rude N Boomin Cafe
11.2018 - 10.2024
Owner/Operator
Cereal Killa Cafe
02.2012 - 02.2018
Assistant Manager
The Fentiman Arms
07.2002 - 02.2003
Chef
Close Brothers Ltd
05.2001 - 03.2002
Chef
Vivace
08.2000 - 03.2001
Certicate in Professional Cookery Level 4, - Cookery
Auckland University of Technology
City & Guilds Cert in Food Preparation & Cooking - Cookery
Auckland University of Technology
Diploma in NZ Policing - Policing
Royal NZ Police College
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