Monique Howard

Independent and outgoing individual with a strong work ethic, delivering high-quality work. Passionate and enthusiastic, approaches every role with dedication and thrives in fast-paced environments. Extensive experience in commercial kitchens, consistently excelling and operating at a high level. Currently working as a Support Worker, traveling to the greater Waikato region to empower clients with mental health issues and disabilities to achieve greater independence. True passion lies in the culinary arts, eager to return to the kitchen. Acquired skills and attributes throughout the journey will undoubtedly prove advantageous in future roles.

• Personal Chef/Relief Support Worker, Hikutaia, Create weekly menus for a young disabled man using gluten free, fat free, sugar free and organic products, Cook and organise menu items so that the staff can prepare them easily., Keep an eye on how the weekly menus are affecting the client’s health and adjust accordingly.
• Owner/Operator, Franc’s Bar & Bistro/Thames, Managing and training kitchen staff, Accounts receivable / payable, Purchasing all bar and restaurant requirements, Marketing management, Developing rosters, Creating menus according to our Seafood and American Sandwich specialties, Handling council requirements regarding the bar and general running of a new business, Menu planning and preparation, Estimating food and labour costs
• Head Chef, Coach House/Puriri, Creating a menu that met the farming local’s requirements, Training and managing staff, Available all the time as I lived onsite, Adapting the menu to the owner’s requirements, Managing all cleaning schedules and council assessments as a new restaurant., Ensuring highest quality food was sent out
• Chef, GBD/Thames, Doing all jobs required by the Chefs, Training new staff, Sole charge breakfast duties, Working all sections of the kitchen, Maintaining high standards, Short order cooking
• Sous Chef, Kaimai Cheese/Waharoa, Opening and running the kitchen when Head Chef was on days off, Cabinet Management, Baking, Sauces, Chutney making prepping al mise en place, Ensuring quality of cabinet and food presentation, Short order cooking

• Strong work ethic
• Confident and competent in all sections of the kitchen
• Efficient and able to think on my feet
• Very teachable
• Eager and quick to learn
• Team Player
• Multitasker with the ability to thrive under pressure
• Take exceptional pride in all of my work
• Great organizational and time management skills
• Confident trouble-shooter, able to deal confidently and promptly to any situation
• Honest and reliable
• Mature and experienced enough to adapt to most roles required of me
• Great sense of humour
• Full driver’s license