Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Hobbies and Interests
References
Timeline
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Rodney Gomes

Auckland,New Zealand

Summary

A seasoned Executive Chef with a proven track record at Sudima Auckland Airport, I excel in innovative menu creation and managing high-volume kitchen operations. My leadership skills have fostered high-performance teams, achieving a 35% reduction in food and labor costs through effective budgeting and cost control.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Chef

Sudima Auckland Airport
Auckland
06.2022 - Current
  • Menu Development: Designed and implemented sophisticated menus for diverse dining outlets, including fine dining and casual eateries, enhancing guest satisfaction, and increasing revenue and having a sustainability food menu
  • Operational Management: Oversaw daily kitchen operations for a busy hotel environment, ensuring seamless service across multiple dining venues
  • Food Costing & Budgeting: Managed food and labour costs, achieving a 35% reduction in expenses while maintaining high culinary standards
  • Sustainability Initiatives: Implemented sustainable sourcing and waste reduction practices, contributing to the hotel's eco-friendly goals
  • Team Leadership: Directed and mentored a team of 15 culinary professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment

Head Chef

McHugh of Cheltenham
Cheltenham
11.2021 - 06.2022
  • Culinary Excellence: Developed and refined menus to meet the high standards of a luxury establishment, enhancing the overall guest experience
  • Quality Assurance: Maintained rigorous food safety standards and performed regular quality checks to ensure consistency
  • Staff Management: Coordinated and trained kitchen staff, managed schedules, and ensured adherence to operational protocols
  • Budget Management: Oversaw purchasing and inventory control, staying within budget while ensuring high-quality ingredients and supplies

Head Chef

Paper Moon Cafe
Mairangi Bay, Auckland
06.2015 - 11.2021
  • Innovative Menus: Created and introduced new dishes that reflected current culinary trends and guest preferences
  • Operational Oversight: Managed all aspects of kitchen operations, including food safety, quality control, and staff management
  • Cost Control: Implemented effective food costing strategies, reducing waste and maximizing profitability
  • Guest Experience: Worked closely with management to align culinary offerings with guest expectations and hotel objectives

Sous Chef

Meadow Bank
Auckland
03.2015 - 06.2015
  • Support & Coordination: Assisted in menu development and coordinated with suppliers to ensure the highest quality of ingredients
  • Kitchen Management: Supervised kitchen operations and quality control in the head chef’s absence, ensuring smooth service and consistency
  • Guest Interaction: Addressed guest feedback and adapted menu items to meet evolving preferences

Sous Chef

Hammerhead Restaurant
Auckland
11.2013 - 03.2015
  • Operational Efficiency: Managed kitchen operations, including ordering, menu costing, and supplier relations
  • Menu Development: Collaborated on creating seasonal menus and handled kitchen duties during the head chef’s absences
  • Customer Feedback: Worked with management to address and resolve guest concerns effectively

Chef de Partie

Copthorne Hotel
Auckland
08.2011 - 11.2013
  • Menu Execution: Executed a la carte and banquet menus, maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation
  • Training & Development: Conducted staff training and provided coverage for senior chefs during their time off
  • Operational Support: Managed ordering, hygiene checks, and ensured smooth kitchen operations

Chef de Partie/Sous Chef

Paper Moon Cafe
Mairangi Bay, Auckland
02.2009 - 08.2011
  • Section Management: Supervised various kitchen sections, including a la carte, pizza, tapas, and desserts
  • Operational Support: Assisted in menu planning, ordering, and staff training

Breakfast Chef

Hotel De Brett
Auckland
02.2009 - 02.2010
  • Breakfast Service: Managed breakfast operations, including ordering and food preparation, ensuring high-quality service

Galley/Comic Chef

Ocean Village Cruise Ship
01.2008 - 12.2008

Larder Chef

Left Bank Restaurant
Muscat
01.2008 - 12.2008

Comic Chef 2

Al Murroj Rotana Hotel
01.2005 - 12.2006

Catering Assistant

Saudi Catering Company (Aramco Oil)
01.2002 - 12.2002

Comic Chef

Holiday Inn Hotel
Ahmedabad, India
01.2001 - 12.2001

Industrial Training

Taj Hotel
Goa, India
01.2000 - 12.2000

Education

Diploma in International Culinary Arts -

North Shore International Academy
Albany
11.2024

Food Hygiene Qualification - London City and Guilds Exam, Distinction

Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland & North Shore International Academy
01.2009

Hotel Management -

[Institution Name]
India
01.1999

Skills

  • Managing high-volume kitchen operations
  • Advanced culinary techniques
  • Innovative menu creation
  • Food costing
  • Budgeting
  • Financial management
  • Leadership
  • Team development
  • Large-scale catering
  • Event management
  • Banquets and catering
  • Food and beverage pairing
  • Recipes and menu planning
  • Forecasting and planning
  • Budgeting and cost control
  • Problem and complaint resolution

Accomplishments

  • Competed in New Zealand Culinary Fare 2009 (Hot Food Served Cold category).
  • Participated in Restaurant of the Year and Static Food Competition at New Zealand Culinary Fare 2011.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Culinary arts
  • Travel
  • Music
  • Sports

References

Available upon request.

Timeline

Executive Chef

Sudima Auckland Airport
06.2022 - Current

Head Chef

McHugh of Cheltenham
11.2021 - 06.2022

Head Chef

Paper Moon Cafe
06.2015 - 11.2021

Sous Chef

Meadow Bank
03.2015 - 06.2015

Sous Chef

Hammerhead Restaurant
11.2013 - 03.2015

Chef de Partie

Copthorne Hotel
08.2011 - 11.2013

Chef de Partie/Sous Chef

Paper Moon Cafe
02.2009 - 08.2011

Breakfast Chef

Hotel De Brett
02.2009 - 02.2010

Galley/Comic Chef

Ocean Village Cruise Ship
01.2008 - 12.2008

Larder Chef

Left Bank Restaurant
01.2008 - 12.2008

Comic Chef 2

Al Murroj Rotana Hotel
01.2005 - 12.2006

Catering Assistant

Saudi Catering Company (Aramco Oil)
01.2002 - 12.2002

Comic Chef

Holiday Inn Hotel
01.2001 - 12.2001

Industrial Training

Taj Hotel
01.2000 - 12.2000

Diploma in International Culinary Arts -

North Shore International Academy

Food Hygiene Qualification - London City and Guilds Exam, Distinction

Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland & North Shore International Academy

Hotel Management -

[Institution Name]
Rodney Gomes