Kara Gainsford
Gisborne
Summary
Organised and dedicated individual with keen attention to detail, strong decision making skills, and a proven track record providing exceptional service in fast paced environments.
Quick learner with the ability to manage multiple, concurrent tasks.
Currently upskilling in Business Administration and Technology through The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, and eager to refine and demonstrate new abilities.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Customer Service Representative
Number 8 Group BP
11.2021 - 06.2023
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Created personal relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Worked flexible extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Restocked and organized merchandise for promotions.
- Assisted customers with returns, refunds and resolving transaction issues.
- Tallied cash drawer at end of each work shift.
- Operated cash register to record transactions accurately and efficiently.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Adhered to Health and Safety protocols.
Head Chef
Captain Cook Motor Lodge
04.2020 - 11.2021
- Created recipes and prepared on-pass dishes.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
- Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
- Modernized work processes to maximise efficiency.
- Collaborated with suppliers to obtain quality ingredients while adhering to company budgets.
- Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
- Developed relationships with guests to ensure their experience expectations met.
Evening Chef
Leighton House Rest Home
06.2019 - 04.2020
- Oversaw kitchen and equipment cleaned during and after every shift.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Interacted with residents to ensure their personal requirements and comfort needs were met.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet residents needs and palates.
- Available for extra shifts to cover staff absentees.
Second Chef
Verve Cafe
05.2017 - 06.2019
- Undertook two roles as Grill Chef and Larder Chef depending on requirements.
- Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality.
- Fostered good relationships with staff in a small, very busy kitchen.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
- Ordered supplies to maintain a stock levels.
- Planned promotional menu additions based on seasonal pricing and product availability.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
Chef (casual)
Knapdale Eco Lodge
09.2014 - 04.2017
- Maintained good communication and humour in a fast paced, small team environment.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Collaborated with managers to create meals for large banquets.
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
- Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
Head Chef
INDEVIN, New Zealand
11.2013 - 04.2016
- Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
- Responsible for menu development and planning.
- Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Oversaw food preparation quality and service, food appearance, and cleanliness of production and service areas.
- Developed relationships with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
- Maintained close working relationship with staff to ensure smooth running of kitchen.
- Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
- Developed close relationships with suppliers to source best ingredients.
Teacher Aide
West End School
09.2008 - 06.2010
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
Hostess
Timara Lodge
11.2003 - 01.2009
- Promoted business loyalty by fostering positive customer relationships.
- Ensured guests expectations were exceeded.
- Maintaining a seamless flow of guests evening.
- Quickly developed warm relationships with guests, adding to their experience.
- Giving guidance on local events, activities.
- Adaptability to assist with other roles when required.
Bar Manager/Chef/Acting Administrator
Pig And Whistle City Bar
05.1994 - 04.1999
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Followed health and safety regulations relevant to hospitality industry to minimize accidents, incidents and liability to restaurant.
- Trained new waitstaff on proper food handling, customer service and safety procedures.
- Produced high quality meals in a fast paced kitchen.
- Acted as Administrator completing wages, banking and invoicing duties.
- Maintained stock ordering, tracking using Jetz till system.
- Maintained relationships and communication with co-workers.
- Ability to meet any of the roles within the business as and when needed.
Interior Design Consultant
Self Employed (Caldo Design)
04.1992 - 04.1999
- Developed personal client relationships, providing design solutions that met needs and budgets without compromising quality or design intent.
- Illustrated visual concepts during client presentations through detailed plans and sketches.
- Produced detailed cost estimates and coordinated with vendors to deliver budget-friendly solutions.
- Oversaw installation of finishes, furniture and other design elements to control final product.
Education
Business Administration And Technology
The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
Wellington, NZ02.2024
Psychology As A Social Science/Natural Science
Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ12.2007
Philosophy - Knowledge And Reality
Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ12.2007
Environmental Philosophy
Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ12.2007
Endangered Cultures
Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ12.2006
Introduction To Social Anthropology
Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ06.2006
New Zealand Natural Science
Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ12.2005
Advanced Certificate - Interior Design
Weston School of Interior Design
Rotorua, NZ03.1992
Skills
- Microsoft Office Skills
- Cost Control and Budgeting
- Organizational Skills
- Multitasking Abilities
- Inventory Management
- Complaint Resolution
- Policy Implementation
- Keen eye for detail
Timeline
Customer Service Representative
Number 8 Group BP
11.2021 - 06.2023
Head Chef
Captain Cook Motor Lodge
04.2020 - 11.2021
Evening Chef
Leighton House Rest Home
06.2019 - 04.2020
Second Chef
Verve Cafe
05.2017 - 06.2019
Chef (casual)
Knapdale Eco Lodge
09.2014 - 04.2017
Head Chef
INDEVIN, New Zealand
11.2013 - 04.2016
Teacher Aide
West End School
09.2008 - 06.2010
Hostess
Timara Lodge
11.2003 - 01.2009
Bar Manager/Chef/Acting Administrator
Pig And Whistle City Bar
05.1994 - 04.1999
Interior Design Consultant
Self Employed (Caldo Design)
04.1992 - 04.1999
Business Administration And Technology
The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
Psychology As A Social Science/Natural Science
Massey University
Philosophy - Knowledge And Reality
Massey University
Environmental Philosophy
Massey University
Endangered Cultures
Massey University
Introduction To Social Anthropology
Massey University
New Zealand Natural Science
Massey University
Advanced Certificate - Interior Design
Weston School of Interior Design
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