Nikolas Gutschlag-parker
Featherston,WGN
Summary
Versatile Chef with 16 years of experience in high-pressure culinary management and hands-on involvement in skilled trades. Skilled in team leadership and rapid adaptability, ready to leverage diverse expertise in a new career path. Committed to applying technical and practical skills to deliver results in dynamic environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef
Brac & Bow Partnership
01.2026 - 08.2026
- Created seasonal menus utilizing local ingredients and traditional recipes to enhance dining experience.
- Developed innovative menus that aligned with customer preferences while maintaining budget control.
- Developed new dishes based on customer feedback and trends.
- Implemented new culinary trends into existing menu offerings while staying within budgetary constraints.
- Collaborated with suppliers to source high-quality produce and meats.
- Managed daily operations of kitchen staff, including assigning tasks and ensuring quality control. Ensured compliance with health regulations by monitoring sanitation practices and conducting regular inspections of equipment and work areas.
- Ensured timely meal preparation during peak service hours.
- Supervised dish execution from prep to plating, ensuring recipe adherence and high presentation standards.
- Coordinated catering events, ensuring food was prepared according to client specifications.
- Oversaw the ordering process for all necessary food items required for daily operation.
- Managed inventory levels, minimizing waste through efficient stock control.
- Created cost-saving measures such as implementing portion control systems and reducing waste.
- Trained junior chefs in culinary techniques and kitchen operations.
- Trained new chefs in proper food preparation techniques and safety standards.
- Enhanced team skills by training kitchen workers in essential culinary techniques.
- Monitored kitchen area and staff to maintain overall safety and establish proper food handling techniques.
- Monitored quality, presentation, and quantities of plated food across the line.
- Improved performance of team members resulting in high-quality meals produced daily.
Head Chef
Redcliff Cafe & Bar
02.2024 - 01.2026
- Led kitchen operations and maintained high food quality standards.
- Created innovative menus reflecting seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
- Managed inventory, ensuring freshness and minimizing waste in food supplies.
- Organized stock to ensure smooth operations, guiding team in task execution.
Front of House Role
The Moose Bar
10.2023 - 02.2024
- Earned liquor control qualification to ensure compliance and enhance service quality.
- Collaborated with diverse coworkers to achieve goals and resolve product and service-related issues.
- Proposed innovative ideas that improved team collaboration and service delivery.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Sous Chef
Distinction Hotels
08.2022 - 09.2023
- Coordinated food plating and presentation to maintain high culinary standards and elevate guest experience.
- Developed seasonal menus featuring local ingredients to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Supervised kitchen staff to optimize meal preparation and enhance service delivery.
- Trained new cooks on kitchen procedures and safety protocols to ensure consistent quality and compliance.
Chef
Takitimu Tavern
01.2022 - 08.2022
- Oversaw kitchen operations to guarantee timely meal preparation and service delivery.
- Oversaw kitchen operations to facilitate timely meal preparation and service.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to optimize food delivery and improve service efficiency.
- Executed kitchen tasks with precision in high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
Owner / operator
Bulk Contracting ltd
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Painting and decorating
- Concrete placing
- Concrete finishing
- Installed jib structures, enhancing support for construction projects
- Plaster work
- Carpet installations
- Roofing
- Constructed fences, securing properties and enclosures effectively
- Operated chainsaw for tree trimming and removal, ensuring safety and maintenance
- Carpentry
- Joinery
Head Chef
Crossroads
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Oversaw kitchen operations, managing all aspects of food preparation and service
- Established hazard analysis critical control point measures to strengthen safety protocols
- Ensured compliance with food safety procedures, maintaining high quality standards
Fitter and Welder casual
Nelson Studwelding
04.2020 - 12.2020
- Operated welding equipment to join metal components securely, enhancing project quality and structural strength.
- Ensured compliance with safety standards during welding tasks, fostering a safe work environment and reducing risk of accidents.
- Reviewed blueprints and specifications for accurate fabrication processes.
- Installed Traydec at heights using machinery and safety equipment, ensuring structural integrity and compliance with safety regulations.
Head Chef-consultant
Green parrot bar & grill
11.2019 - 03.2020
- Managed all kitchen operations independently
- Oversaw financial control procedures, ensuring budget compliance
- Oversaw financial control procedures
- Maintained stock availability, supporting seamless kitchen operations
- Executed supplementary responsibilities, enhancing kitchen efficiency
Painter temp
Mountainview Painting
05.2019 - 11.2019
- Executed interior and exterior painting projects, ensuring surface durability through meticulous preparation.
- Prepared surfaces by cleaning, sanding, and priming to maximize paint adhesion.
- Applied diverse paint types using brushes, rollers, and sprayers to achieve desired finishes.
- Mixed paints and coatings to match color specifications for visually appealing outcomes.
Hammerhand temp
Anderson Builders
01.2019 - 05.2019
- Executed roofing, carpentry, and concrete work across multiple project sites, ensuring timely project completion.
- Performed roofing and carpentry trades on project sites, supporting overall project objectives. on project sites including roofing, carpentry, and concrete work across multiple project sites.
- Interpreted blueprints and technical drawings for accurate welding tasks.
- Operated welding equipment to join metal components, ensuring structural integrity and quality.
- Maintained compliance with safety standards during welding operations, promoting a safe work environment.
Sous Chef
Formaggios ltd.
10.2014 - 06.2015
- Duties: Directed kitchen staff, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to quality standards. Trained and mentored new staff, enhancing team skills and integration. Conducted detailed inventory assessments to maintain stock levels.. Managed kitchen operations independently.
- Oversaw kitchen inventory management and organized supplies, contributing to streamlined operations.
- Supported head chef in culinary tasks in menu planning and recipe development.
- Measured and chopped ingredients for meal preparation and coordinated food preparation for daily specials.
Concrete Labourer temp
Straight Edge Decorative Concrete
11.2013 - 09.2014
- Installed bracing systems to support structures during construction.
- Constructed boxing forms for concrete pouring in designated areas.
- Conducted preparatory work for upcoming construction tasks and projects.
- Performed soil compacting to ensure a stable foundation for construction.
- Applied Fibrecrete to designated surfaces for enhanced durability.
- Tied and bent rebar according to engineering specifications for reinforcement.
- Operated Kelly float to achieve level surfaces in concrete applications.
- Performed edge finishing to enhance visual appeal and structural integrity.
Kitchen Hand
Becks Southern Alehouse
09.2012 - 01.2014
Painter Brush Hand
MK Painters
09.2010 - 08.2012
- Executed preparation work to ensure high-quality project outcomes
- Sanded surfaces to prepare for finishing
- Cut in edges for painting projects
- Applied oil-based finishes to enhance durability
- Applied water-based finishes for a smooth look
- Detailed surfaces with enamel to achieve desired aesthetic and durability
- Applied silicone sealant for waterproofing
- Conducted architrave work to enhance finishing details
- Modifying material with solvent application
Kitchen Hand
Under The Red Veranda
Heasley
06.2009 - 09.2010
- Prepared ingredients for daily menu items and special events, facilitating timely meal service.
- Handled dishwashing duties, maintaining hygiene standards throughout shifts.
- Maintained cleanliness of kitchen equipment and work areas, ensuring adherence to health and safety standards.
- Assisted chefs in food preparation and cooking processes, contributing to seamless kitchen operations.
Education
Liscence controller qualification -
Nz school of food and wine
01-2023
Diploma in Culinary Arts Lvl 5 -
Ara Institute of Technology
01-2017
Certificate in Cookery Basic & Advanced Lvl 3-4 - Hospitality
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Christchurch, NZ01-2016
Skills
- Food Preparation, Bartending, Computing, Food Costing, HACCP: Food Safety Management, First Aid, Fine Dining Cheffing, Catering Services, Punctual, Thoroughness, Time Management, Learning Aptitude, Proactive Attitude, Self Motivation, Quick Thinking, Multitasking, Willingness to Learn, Organised, Resilience, Coffee Brewing, Customer Service, Front of House, Team Work, Communication Skills, Neat Personal Presentation, Concreting, Painting, Plastering, Roofing
Certification
Licence Controller Qualification
Issued by Nz school of food and wine
2023-12 - Current
Languages
English
Timeline
Chef
Brac & Bow Partnership
01.2026 - 08.2026
Head Chef
Redcliff Cafe & Bar
02.2024 - 01.2026
Front of House Role
The Moose Bar
10.2023 - 02.2024
Sous Chef
Distinction Hotels
08.2022 - 09.2023
Chef
Takitimu Tavern
01.2022 - 08.2022
Owner / operator
Bulk Contracting ltd
01.2021 - 01.2022
Fitter and Welder casual
Nelson Studwelding
04.2020 - 12.2020
Head Chef-consultant
Green parrot bar & grill
11.2019 - 03.2020
Painter temp
Mountainview Painting
05.2019 - 11.2019
Hammerhand temp
Anderson Builders
01.2019 - 05.2019
Head Chef
Crossroads
01.2016 - 01.2021
Sous Chef
Formaggios ltd.
10.2014 - 06.2015
Concrete Labourer temp
Straight Edge Decorative Concrete
11.2013 - 09.2014
Kitchen Hand
Becks Southern Alehouse
09.2012 - 01.2014
Painter Brush Hand
MK Painters
09.2010 - 08.2012
Kitchen Hand
Under The Red Veranda
06.2009 - 09.2010
Liscence controller qualification -
Nz school of food and wine
Diploma in Culinary Arts Lvl 5 -
Ara Institute of Technology
Certificate in Cookery Basic & Advanced Lvl 3-4 - Hospitality
Ara Institute of Canterbury