Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Jiajin Cai(Sunny)

Auckland,AUK

Summary

My name is Sunny, and I am originally from China. I started working in a kitchen at the age of 15, spending three years studying and gaining practical experience in a Chinese restaurant. After moving to New Zealand, I completed two years of culinary study. I now have over 10 years of full-time experience working in commercial kitchens. I work well under pressure, can operate both independently and as part of a team, and am known for my strong work ethic and warm, approachable personality

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Chef De Partie

SO/AUCKLAND HOTEL
01.2023 - Current

I am starting at So Auckland hotel at the beginning of 2023 as a Junior Sous Chef.

  • Maintained a clean and organized work environment through diligent cleaning practices, contributing to overall sanitation scores exceeding industry standards.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency by implementing effective inventory management systems.
  • Elevated customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes and maintaining strict adherence to recipes.
  • Led team by example in preparing items accurately and according to high-quality standards.

Junior Sous Chef

Moretons Bar & Restaurant St Heliers Auckland
12.2019 - 12.2022

I started at Moretons bar & restaurant St heliers in December 2019 as a sous chef . I do breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Prepped daily menu items to quickly deliver upon request.
  • Maintained inventory records and updated ordering systems regularly to ensure adequate stock levels based on anticipated demand.
  • Oversaw cleanliness of each station in kitchen.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.

I am also capable of organizing events for big groups, which includes designing the menu as well as being the chef for the event

Chef D’Partie

The Quay Café, Restaurant & Bar
10.2018 - 10.2019

I started at The Quay Restaurant in October 2018 as the Chef D’Partie. I cook breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Responsible for maintaining cleanliness and stock levels.
  • Manage both different hotline sections (main and garnish), back line(Entrée, dessert and bar menu) and the pizza section (pizza and pasta) as well as writing the daily special.
  • Maintain a high level of cleanliness in each area.
  • Provide proper and accurate training to juniors and new employees.
  • Maintain a well-organized work environment and maintain consistency of work.

Chef D’Partie

Wahi Restaurant, Oceans Hotel Tutukaka
12.2016 - 09.2018

I started at Wahi Restaurant in December 2016 as the Chef D’Partie, and after 9 months, the hotel offered a promotion for me to become Sous chef. I do breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as working functions.

  • Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.

Chef

Bright Café and Restaurant
12.2015 - 12.2016

Worked part-time as a Chef in a busy café environment, handling a range of kitchen and beverage duties. Key Responsibilities: • Prepared and cooked breakfast, lunch, and cabinet food, including pastries and fresh bread. • Made barista coffee and a variety of cold beverages. • Maintained consistent food quality, cleanliness, and efficiency in a small kitchen team.

Commi Chef

Kingsgate Hotel
03.2015 - 03.2016

Worked part-time for one year as a Commis Chef, supporting the team across multiple kitchen sections. Key Responsibilities: • Managed the dessert and larder sections, preparing cold dishes and plated desserts. • Assisted on the hotline during busy service periods, gaining exposure to hot line operations. • Maintained high standards of cleanliness, organization, and food preparation.

Education

LCQ CERTIFICATE
Whangarei
2018

CITY AND GUILDS CERTIFICATE
Whangarei
2016

FOOD SAFETY LEVEL 2 DIPLOMAS
Whangarei
2016

NZQA LEVEL 5 COOKERY
Whangarei
2016

NZQA LEVEL 4 COOKERY
Whangarei
2015

Skills

Organized Always on Time Able To Work Under Pressure long Working Hours Good Communication Skills Stock Ordering Skill

  • Mentoring abilities
  • Food presentation
  • Sanitation protocols
  • Work under pressure
  • Kitchen leadership
  • Inventory processes
  • Kitchen management
  • Catering background

Timeline

Senior Chef De Partie

SO/AUCKLAND HOTEL
01.2023 - Current

Junior Sous Chef

Moretons Bar & Restaurant St Heliers Auckland
12.2019 - 12.2022

Chef D’Partie

The Quay Café, Restaurant & Bar
10.2018 - 10.2019

Chef D’Partie

Wahi Restaurant, Oceans Hotel Tutukaka
12.2016 - 09.2018

Chef

Bright Café and Restaurant
12.2015 - 12.2016

Commi Chef

Kingsgate Hotel
03.2015 - 03.2016

LCQ CERTIFICATE

CITY AND GUILDS CERTIFICATE

FOOD SAFETY LEVEL 2 DIPLOMAS

NZQA LEVEL 5 COOKERY

NZQA LEVEL 4 COOKERY
Jiajin Cai(Sunny)