Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Laura Corey

Lake Havasu City

Summary

Experienced with menu planning and creating diverse culinary offerings that satisfy varied palates. Utilizes leadership skills to manage kitchen staff and streamline operations. Knowledge of food safety regulations and inventory control to maintain high standards in kitchen environments.

Experienced with financial analysis, budgeting, and strategic planning. Utilizes these skills to optimize business performance and support growth.

Results-driven management professional with proven ability to lead teams to success. Strong focus on team collaboration, operational efficiency, and achieving measurable outcomes. Adept at strategic planning, process improvement, and fostering culture of accountability and excellence. Known for adaptability and consistently meeting changing organizational needs.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Cook

Metropolitan Water Distict of Southern California
10.2022 - Current


  • Collaborated with other chefs to develop seasonal menus featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for diverse clientele.
  • Mastered multiple cooking styles by staying current on culinary trends, and experimenting with new techniques in daily operations.
  • Maintained high food quality standards through consistent taste testing, ingredient evaluation, and recipe refinement.
  • Demonstrated adaptability under pressure by effectively handling special requests from guests during peak service hours.
  • Reduced food waste by utilizing proper storage methods, inventory tracking, and creative menu planning.
  • Proactively addressed customer feedback to continuously refine and improve the overall dining experience.
  • Organized and executed successful catering events, showcasing the kitchens culinary talents while exceeding client expectations for service and presentation.
  • Boosted employee morale through regular recognition of outstanding performance, promoting a positive work atmosphere conducive to collaboration and creativity.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
  • Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
  • Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
  • Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
  • Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
  • Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
  • Assisted with menu development and planning.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
  • Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
  • Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
  • Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
  • Managed daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
  • Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff in food preparation techniques and safety protocols.

Chief Cook

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
03.2014 - 10.2022
  • Managed daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
  • Developed seasonal menus based on customer feedback and ingredient availability.
  • Implemented inventory management systems to reduce waste and optimize supply usage.
  • Coordinated food service for large-scale events, enhancing customer satisfaction through quality offerings.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining meal preparation processes and implementing innovative cooking techniques.
  • Fostered continuous improvement by regularly seeking feedback. Implemented changes to boost efficiency, quality, and creativity.
  • Mentored recurrents in advanced culinary skills and promoted a supportive learning team.
  • Achieved high levels of customer satisfaction with expertly prepared dishes that met dietary restrictions and personal preferences.
  • I cooperated with Iron Mountain-based Recurrents. Together, we ensured the lodge, pump plant, and O&M were cleaned weekly.
  • I accepted and kept track of all Iron Mountain meals and lodging reservations for incoming guests and employees, including shutdowns, which were then reported to the business team.
  • I ordered and delivered supplies for the O&M team during CRA.
  • I preplanned, cooked, and had multiple meals delivered to Eagle Mountain while the camp's facility kitchen was unavailable for use. Ensuring food safety and quality control.
  • On multiple occasions, I traveled to the Eagle Mountain kitchen and ensured that it was up to date, fully stocked, and available for operation during the CRA shutdowns.
  • Openly communicated with multiple team managers to discuss and schedule repairs and upgrades for the Iron Mountain and Eagle Mountain kitchens and dormitories.

Owner/Operator

GreenMart LLC
02.2019 - 06.2021
  • Managed daily operations to ensure efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction.
  • Developed training programs for staff to enhance performance and operational efficiency.
  • Implemented inventory management systems to optimize product availability and reduce waste.
  • Established strong vendor relationships to negotiate favorable terms and pricing structures.
  • Oversaw financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and expense management.
  • Enhanced marketing initiatives through targeted outreach and community engagement efforts.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Spoke professionally with customers regarding complaints, gathering all necessary information to make educated decisions and address issues.
  • Established strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring consistent delivery of goods and services at competitive prices.
  • Developed and implemented successful marketing strategies, resulting in increased brand awareness and customer base.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable terms for the business.
  • Implemented effective financial management practices, improving cash flow and profitability.
  • Assessed income and expenses and adapted plans to improve profit levels.
  • Oversaw the hiring process, selecting highly skilled candidates who contributed significantly to company success.
  • Maximized revenue by identifying new market opportunities and implementing targeted sales strategies.
  • Contributed positively to the local community through involvement in various events or charitable organizations.

Recurrent

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
12.2007 - 03.2014
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Served meals to employees and guests at Gene Camp, Iron mountain, and Eagle camp kitchens.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Served and assisted in meal prep for quality meals for tours
  • Cleaned and performed maintenance duties to all four pump plants
  • Assisted getting kitchen up to code for operations during CRA Shutdowns at Eagle mountain kitchen
  • Cleaned and performed maintenance duties at Iron mountain dorm, Gene camp Dorms and guest lodge, and Eagle mountain lodge.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science

University of Phoenix
Phoenix, Az
07-2024

Skills

  • Kitchen management
  • Meal planning
  • Budgeting and cost control
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Training and mentoring
  • Kitchen staff management
  • Operations management
  • Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
  • Inventory control
  • Performance improvement
  • Safety and health guidelines
  • Customer service
  • Problem-solving
  • Cost optimization and budgeting
  • Decision-making

Timeline

Chief Cook

Metropolitan Water Distict of Southern California
10.2022 - Current

Owner/Operator

GreenMart LLC
02.2019 - 06.2021

Chief Cook

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
03.2014 - 10.2022

Recurrent

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
12.2007 - 03.2014

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science

University of Phoenix
Laura Corey