Maria Lee
The Kind Foundation
Christchurch,CAN
18
years of professional experience
Dedicated food professional with over 10 years of experience in the industry, combining practical expertise with commercial insights. Committed to quality and successful outcomes, leveraging extensive knowledge and hands-on experience. Skilled in fostering strong relationships and driving initiatives that enhance operational efficiency.
Work History
Early Childcare Cook
7 Months- Implemented efficient kitchen workflows, reducing preparation time and waste.
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay current with food safety regulations, industry trends, and innovative cooking techniques.
- Educated childcare staff on proper food handling procedures for the prevention of cross-contamination or potential allergen exposure among children in care.
- Implemented creative solutions to encourage picky eaters to try new foods while still meeting their nutritional needs.
- Collaborated with childcare staff to accommodate individual dietary needs of children in care.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Prepared nutritious meals adhering to dietary guidelines for children.
- Ensured a safe environment by maintaining a clean and organised kitchen, adhering to health codes and regulations.
Early Childcare Cook
7 Months- Collaborated with educators to align meal plans with children's nutritional needs.
- Prepared nutritious meals adhering to dietary guidelines for children.
- Collaborated with educators to align meal plans with children's dietary needs.
- Maintained accurate records of food allergies, ensuring every child was served appropriate meals based on their dietary requirements.
- Ensured a safe environment by maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, adhering to health codes and regulations.
HEAD CHEF
3 Years 1 Month- Created menus for various events
- Preparation and presentation of all food for up to 250 guests
- Prepared and cooked breakfast items quickly
- Maintained Food Control Plan to ensure compliance with health regulations
- Site Health and Safety Representative
- Managed inventory levels for stock supplies
- Engaged with customers to address inquiries
- Managed budgeting and costing for menu items to optimize food expenditure
- Directed staff to ensure efficient kitchen operations and high-quality food preparation
- Managing dietary requirements
- Coordinated catering services for events
HEAD CHEF
5 Months- Developed creative menu designs for seasonal offerings
- Preparation and presentation of cabinet food
- Short order breakfast and lunch cook
- Food presentation
- Maintain the Food Control Plan
- Conducted regular inventory checks to ensure stock availability
- Staff management
- Provided catering solutions tailored to specific events
- Adapted menus to reflect seasonal ingredients and trends
KITCHEN MANAGER/CHEF/ART TEACHER
2 Years 6 Months- Menu design
- Purchasing and record keeping
- Food preparation and presentation
- Maintaining a food control plan
- Teaching art to all age levels
- Break cover
- Liaising with staff for dietary requirements
COOK/HOUSEKEEPER
1 Year 11 Months- Menu design
- Purchasing and record keeping
- Food preparation and presentation
- Maintaining a food control plan
- Break cover
- Liaising with staff for dietary requirements
- Laundry
TIMEBANK CO ORDINATOR
3 Years- Create weekly members broadcast (newsletter) with seasonal recipes
- Attract new Members
- Create and support local events
CAFÉ MANAGER/CHEF
2 Years- Design and set up a café within Orton Bradley Park
- Menu design
- Preparation and presentation of cabinet food
- Food presentation
- Maintain the Food Control Plan
- Write rosters
- Staff training
- Stock maintenance
- Costing and pricing
- Function catering
- Barista
- Seasonal
KITCHEN SPECIALIST TEACHER
7 Years- Menu planning incorporating seasonal garden produce and dietary requirements
- Reinforce key techniques
- Teach kitchen skills and safety
- Prepare recipes in a format suitable for students
- Test recipes
- Recruit and coordinate volunteers, compile and update volunteer information and respond to interest from potential volunteers
LUNCH COORDINATOR AND COOK
7 Years- Create menus and teach children how harvest, prepare and cook freshly grown produce
- Covering dietary requirements
- Budgeting and account keeping
- Report to the Garden to Table group and the school principal
- Attract and organise volunteers
Education
Health and Safety Stage 1 Certificate
Food Control Certificate, Food Safety Certificate
Food Safety and Handling Certificate
Barista Training
Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) - Visual Arts and Art History
Certificate in Small Business Management
Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design - Sculpture
Graduated 2003
Skills
Strong dietary and allergen understanding
Safe hygiene practices
Good understanding and implementation of sanitation procedures
Meal preparation
Excellent time management
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships
Ability to work with a wide range of people of varying ages and backgrounds
Well-developed communication skills
Timeline
Early Childcare Cook
Kindercare Learning Centre
01.2026 - CurrentRead More
Early Childcare Cook
Kindercare Learning Centre
06.2025 - 01.2026Read More
HEAD CHEF
The Kind Foundation
07.2023 - CurrentRead More
HEAD CHEF
Orton Bradley Café
09.2022 - 02.2023Read More
KITCHEN MANAGER/CHEF/ART TEACHER
Millie’s House Early Learning Centre
03.2020 - 09.2022Read More
COOK/HOUSEKEEPER
Co Kids
04.2018 - 03.2020Read More
TIMEBANK CO ORDINATOR
Project Lyttleton
01.2016 - 01.2019Read More
CAFÉ MANAGER/CHEF
Orton Bradley Park
01.2016 - 01.2018Read More
KITCHEN SPECIALIST TEACHER
Diamond Harbour School
01.2009 - 01.2016Read More
LUNCH COORDINATOR AND COOK
Diamond Harbour School (Garden to Table)
01.2009 - 01.2016Read More
Eastern Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design from Sculpture
Read More
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Certificate in Small Business Management
Read More
Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) from Visual Arts and Art History
Read More
C4 Coffee
Barista Training
Read More
Food Safety and Handling Certificate
Read More
Food Control Certificate, Food Safety Certificate
Read More
Health and Safety Stage 1 Certificate
Read More
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Good sense of humour
- Cheese Lover
- Team player
- Self-motivated
- Community focused