Samantha Garcia
Tucson
Summary
Detail-oriented Kitchen Manager with solid experience in optimizing kitchen workflows and maintaining operational efficiency. Strong background in staff training and food safety compliance, ensuring high-quality food preparation and service. Demonstrated ability to coordinate food deliveries and manage POS systems, contributing to seamless kitchen operations.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen Manager
Aramark
07.2021 - Current
- Assigned work duties to kitchen staff to optimize workflow.
- Maintained food and equipment inventories for operational efficiency.
- Scheduled and received food and milk deliveries, verifying product quality.
- Coordinated assignments to ensure economical food use and timely preparation.
- Operated POS systems and managed student account deposits.
- Trained and taught kitchen staff on best practices and procedures.
Cook
Sodexo Food Service
07.2015 - 05.2020
- Inspected and maintained cleanliness of food preparation areas to ensure safe food-handling practices.
- Observed and tested food for proper cooking temperatures and quality through tasting and temperature checks.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to recipes using various kitchen utensils and commercial equipment.
- Utilized a variety of kitchen tools including chefs' knives, blenders, and convection ovens for food preparation.
- Managed food safety labeling systems to comply with health regulations and standards.
- Operated point of sale (POS) systems for accurate order processing and customer service.
Daycare Cook
La Petite Academy Inc.
06.2014 - 07.2015
- Elevated the daycare''s reputation for nutritious, quality meals by consistently delivering well-made dishes that appeal to children''s tastes.
- Demonstrated adaptability to changing circumstances within the kitchen, adjusting plans when necessary without sacrificing quality or safety standards.
- Facilitated smooth operations during events at the daycare center, providing catering services for parties or other gatherings as needed.
- Managed inventory effectively, ordering supplies in a timely manner while staying within budget constraints.
- Kept accurate records of all meals served daily, allowing management to monitor expenses and make informed budgetary decisions.
- Maintained a clean and safe kitchen environment, adhering to strict sanitation standards for the wellbeing of the daycare children.
- Collaborated with daycare staff to accommodate special dietary needs and restrictions for individual children.
- Decreased foodborne illnesses with vigilant adherence to proper food storage techniques and temperature control measures.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
Home Daycare Provider
Self-employeed
06.2014 - 05.2015
- Offered children numerous opportunities throughout each week to get sunshine and exercise in yard and at
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
- Taught children to organize toys, wash hands, and share by leading by example.
- Administered nutritious meals and snacks to promote healthy eating habits in children.
- Balanced children's days between play, instruction, and rest with well-designed schedules.
- Organized engaging arts and crafts projects to foster creativity and fine motor skills among the children.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through open communication, addressing concerns, and providing updates on their child''s progress.
- Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for children, conducting regular safety checks and maintaining cleanliness.
- Changed diapers of very young children and assisted older kids with bathroom requirements.
- Kept children safe and secure in different environments with diligent monitoring and effective management strategies.
- Monitored nap times ensuring adequate rest periods which supported optimal growth and development.
- Read stories, sang songs and facilitated creative play.
- Instructed children in crafts and other activities to promote gross and fine motor skills.
- Used positive reinforcement techniques to promote patience and other good behaviors in children.
- Responded to inquiries from parents and guardians.
Cook
The Center of Habilitation
2013 - 2013
- Coordinated meal service operations during peak hours to enhance efficiency.
- Monitored food preparation processes to ensure consistency in taste and presentation.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
Cook
University Medical Cey
2011 - 2013
- Assisted head chef in meal preparation, ensuring timely service and adherence to recipes.
- Executed daily inventory checks, ensuring adequate supply of ingredients for menu items.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline food prep processes, enhancing efficiency during peak hours.
- Maintained cleanliness of kitchen equipment and workstations, promoting a safe cooking environment.
- Ensured proper storage of ingredients by organizing and labeling items in designated areas according to safety guidelines.
- Washed, peeled and cut various foods such as fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Sanitized pots, pans, utensils, kitchen appliances and equipment using company-approved cleaning supplies.
- Assisted in setting up and breaking down kitchen stations.
- Prepared sandwiches, salads and other specialty items according to customer specifications.
- Stocked and rotated food items according to expiration dates.
- Operated food slicers, grinders and chopper in accordance with safety guidelines.
Customer Service Representative
Apac
2009 - 2011
- Assisted customers with inquiries and resolved issues efficiently.
- Maintained accurate records of customer interactions and transactions.
- Developed training materials to support ongoing staff development initiatives.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
- Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
Lead Cook, Waiter
Fellowship Square
2002 - 2009
- Prepared and cooked menu items according to standardized recipes and safety guidelines.
- Operated kitchen equipment, ensuring proper maintenance and cleanliness.
- Monitored food quality and presentation, adhering to service standards.
- Assisted in inventory management, tracking stock levels for efficient supply usage.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal service during peak hours.
- Maintained compliance with health regulations and safety protocols in food preparation areas.
- Trained new staff on kitchen procedures, enhancing team efficiency and performance.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined food preparation workflows, reducing wait times for orders.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
- Assisted in inventory management and ordering supplies, maintaining adequate stock levels for efficient kitchen operations.
- Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
Skills
- Kitchen management
- Food safety compliance
- Staff training
- Inventory management
- Order processing
- Workflow optimization
- Quality assurance
- Food preparation
- POS systems operation
- Recipe execution
Timeline
Kitchen Manager
Aramark
07.2021 - Current
Cook
Sodexo Food Service
07.2015 - 05.2020
Daycare Cook
La Petite Academy Inc.
06.2014 - 07.2015
Home Daycare Provider
Self-employeed
06.2014 - 05.2015
Cook
The Center of Habilitation
2013 - 2013
Cook
University Medical Cey
2011 - 2013
Customer Service Representative
Apac
2009 - 2011
Lead Cook, Waiter
Fellowship Square
2002 - 2009