Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

James Topp

Summary

Dynamic Chef with experience in various kitchen environments, recognized for optimizing kitchen workflows and enhancing customer satisfaction through high-quality meal preparation. Proficient in food safety and sanitation, I excel in team collaboration and effective communication, consistently delivering exceptional culinary experiences while reducing food waste and maintaining stringent hygiene standards.

Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.


Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Chef

Keith Fenwick
04.2025 - Current
  • 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.
  • Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
  • Achieved consistent on-time service, optimizing kitchen workflows and staff scheduling.

Catering Chef

Brenda Smith
09.2024 - 04.2025
  • Cooked for large groups of people and managing various types of food for large events.
  • Ordered food items and supplies needed to fulfill catering jobs.
  • Crafted exciting catering options for clients.
  • Created catering menu based upon client specifications, event type, dietary needs, and budget.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality catering services for various events.
  • Demonstrated versatility in cuisine styles, adapting menus to accommodate dietary restrictions or cultural preferences as needed.
  • Conceptualized menus to account for dietary restrictions, food allergies and personal requests.
  • Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.

Truck Driver

Self Employed
09.2023 - 10.2024
  • Operated with safety and skill to avoid accidents and delays.
  • Maintained a clean driving record while adhering to company policies and federal regulations for transportation safety.
  • Maintained daily, legible DOT log book and submitted corresponding documents.
  • Inspected trucks for malfunctions and reported vehicles to management for corrective action.
  • Utilized GPS and other navigation tools to plan routes and stay on schedule.
  • Demonstrated safe driving by following regulations and safety procedures, resulting in zero accidents.
  • Increased safety standards by conducting thorough pre-and post-trip inspections of the truck and trailer.
  • Successfully navigated challenging weather conditions in order to maintain on-time delivery rates without compromising safety or cargo integrity.
  • Dropped and hooked trailers and changed configuration of equipment.
  • Proactively communicated with dispatch teams regarding any changes or updates affecting scheduled pick-ups or deliveries, ensuring that all parties were kept informed.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by maintaining open communication with clients during pickups and deliveries.
  • Achieved high levels of customer satisfaction through professional interaction with clients at pickup and delivery points, representing the company positively at all times.
  • Kept accurate records of cargo delivery times and vehicle maintenance to provide documentation to dispatch for billing and inventory purposes.
  • Obtained necessary permits and licenses to operate various commercial vehicles legally.

Drywall Foreman

Luke Crawford
03.2023 - 10.2023
  • Boosted team morale with strong leadership skills, promoting a positive working environment conducive to high-quality results.
  • Mentored junior team members to enhance their skills, contributing to overall workforce development and improved performance.
  • Improved team safety by conducting regular on-site inspections and enforcing adherence to safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Continually sought opportunities for professional growth by attending seminars, workshops, and industry conferences to stay current on advances in drywall technology and techniques.
  • Adapted quickly to changing project requirements or unforeseen obstacles while maintaining focus on achieving desired outcomes within established timeframes.
  • Evaluated job site conditions before commencing work to identify potential challenges or hazards requiring mitigation strategies for successful project completion.
  • Collaborated closely with other trades professionals to ensure seamless integration of drywall systems within various construction projects.
  • Finished and trimmed drywall with professional-level quality.

Director

Self Employed for JRT Contracting
01.2019 - 03.2023

Prior to living in Australia, I ran my own earthmoving company.

Chef

Zoe Topp
01.2017 - 01.2020
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
  • Cultivated a positive work culture among kitchen staff through open communication lines and mutual respect within the team.
  • Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
  • Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
  • Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
  • Continually improved kitchen safety by enforcing strict hygiene protocols and staff training on equipment usage.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
  • Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
  • Collaborated effectively with front-of-house team for seamless dining experience and positive customer feedback.
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organization in kitchen, passing all health inspections with excellent ratings.
  • Reduced food waste significantly, introducing composting program and revising portion sizes.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
  • Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
  • Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
  • Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.

Education

No Degree - Cooking Course

CPIT
Christchurch, NZ
02-2015

High School Diploma -

Amuri Area School
07-2014

Skills

  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Customer service
  • Knife skills
  • Cooking techniques
  • Food quality
  • Kitchen management
  • Food presentation
  • Meal preparation
  • Effective communications
  • Team collaboration
  • Grilling techniques
  • Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
  • Ingredient knowledge
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Frying techniques
  • Kitchen equipment operation
  • Recipes and menu planning
  • Hospitality service expertise
  • Allergen awareness
  • Sauce preparation
  • Sanitation guidelines
  • Food pairing
  • Sanitation practices
  • Banquets and catering
  • Pantry restocking
  • Butchery skills
  • Roasting techniques
  • Braising techniques
  • Poaching techniques
  • Steaming techniques
  • Catering events

Timeline

Chef

Keith Fenwick
04.2025 - Current

Catering Chef

Brenda Smith
09.2024 - 04.2025

Truck Driver

Self Employed
09.2023 - 10.2024

Drywall Foreman

Luke Crawford
03.2023 - 10.2023

Director

Self Employed for JRT Contracting
01.2019 - 03.2023

Chef

Zoe Topp
01.2017 - 01.2020

No Degree - Cooking Course

CPIT

High School Diploma -

Amuri Area School
James Topp