James Puvel
Conway,SC
Summary
With a proven track record at Aramark, I've honed my culinary expertise and leadership abilities, significantly enhancing kitchen efficiency and reducing food waste. My adeptness in knife skills and team collaboration has consistently elevated dining experiences, achieving high customer satisfaction. Skilled in both food safety practices and fostering a positive work environment, I bring a blend of technical proficiency and interpersonal skills to any culinary team.
Overview
50
50
years of professional experience
Work History
Specialty Cook (Non Allergy Station)
Aramark
09.2021 - Current
- Improved recipe consistency across team members through comprehensive training sessions on proper measuring techniques.
- Maintained cleanliness of workstations and equipment, adhering to strict sanitation guidelines to promote a safe working environment.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Adjusted recipes based on ingredient availability or customer request.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
- Supported kitchen staff training and development, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Adhered to recipe guidelines while demonstrating creativity in plating and garnishing dishes for enhanced visual appeal.
- Trained and supervised cooking staff to expertly meet daily needs.
- Mentored junior cooks in refining culinary skills through hands-on guidance.
Seafood Manager
Saker Shop Rite
09.2016 - 05.2021
- Prepared and placed seafood cuts and products in display counter to appeal to customers.
- Managed daily work schedules for seafood staff.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing high-quality seafood products and exceptional service.
- Trained team members on proper ways to cut variety of fish to eliminate waste from incorrect cutting.
- Managed budgeting and pricing strategies to maximize profitability without compromising quality.
- Wrapped, weighed, labeled and priced cuts of seafood.
- Developed creative merchandising displays for improved product visibility and sales growth.
- Fostered strong relationships with customers by addressing inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Assisted in creating an approachable atmosphere where customers could learn about different types of seafood options as well as their preparation methods.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring proper staffing levels, efficient workflow, and timely order processing.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with company standards.
- Coordinated with other departments to optimize cross-merchandising opportunities for increased revenue generation.
- Provided detailed information to customers about available seafood products and self-service items.
- Conducted regular quality control checks for optimal freshness and compliance with food safety regulations.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Streamlined inventory management for increased efficiency and reduced waste.
- Collaborated with suppliers to ensure consistent delivery of fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood.
- Created clean and inviting appearance for fresh seafood cases to encourage sales.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement through employee feedback and process evaluation.
- Established performance benchmarks for staff accountability, resulting in improved productivity levels across the department.
- Implemented effective staff training programs, resulting in knowledgeable and efficient team members.
- Optimized department layout for easier navigation and enhanced shopping experience.
- Increased sales volume by implementing targeted marketing initiatives and seasonal promotions.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
Postmaster
US Postal Service. 10 Yr +
03.1975 - 06.2016
- Developed strong relationships with local businesses, promoting postal services and generating revenue growth.
- Conducted periodic audits of financial records to maintain accuracy, transparency, and adherence to budgetary guidelines.
- Managed all aspects of post office staffing, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management to ensure a high-performing team.
- Assisted customers in determining proper postal service to align with individual needs.
- Implemented cost-saving measures that reduced operational expenses without compromising service levels or employee satisfaction.
- Established strong community presence by participating in local events and outreach programs, fostering positive relationships with local residents and businesses.
- Facilitated effective communication between staff members by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue on workplace issues or suggestions for improvement.
- Managed flow, operations and management services for over 100 daily post office visitors.
- Streamlined postal operations for increased productivity through effective staff training and resource allocation.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies were available for daily operations while minimizing waste from overstocking items.
- Increased revenue generation by optimizing retail offerings within the post office lobby area based on customer demand patterns.
- Issued and cashed 5 daily money orders worth over $500.00.
- Maintained 100% accuracy through closely auditing and reviewing finical documents.
- Developed and maintained detailed reports of all post office activities using US Postal supplied software..
- Ensured compliance with USPS regulations by regularly reviewing policies and procedures, maintaining up-to-date knowledge on relevant changes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with prompt responses to inquiries and timely issue resolution.
- Oversaw the successful integration of new technology into daily routines, increasing efficiency and accuracy of mail processing.
- Reduced wait times for customers through efficient queue management strategies during peak hours.
- Used PO Box software to manage rent collection and billing for 500 post office boxes.
- Addressed safety concerns proactively by conducting frequent inspections of facilities and equipment, implementing necessary repairs or upgrades as needed.
- Collaborated with other postmasters in the region to share best practices, enhancing overall postal service quality.
- Coordinated with law enforcement agencies to address any security concerns or incidents involving the post office, ensuring a safe environment for employees and customers.
- Implemented environmentally friendly practices within the post office operations, reducing waste output and encouraging sustainable habits among staff.
- Maintained a clean and organized post office environment, ensuring smooth daily operations and optimal working conditions for employees.
- Hired, trained, and evaluated performance of 5 employees.
- Improved mail delivery efficiency by implementing innovative sorting and distribution processes.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- 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.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- 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.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Basic
Trenton State College
Ewing, NJHigh School Diploma -
St. Peters High School
New Brunswick, NJ06-1972
Skills
- Food pairings
- Knife skills
- Cooking techniques
- Ingredient knowledge
- Sanitation standards
- Food safety practices
- Portion control
- Allergy awareness
- Cost control
- Garnishing techniques
- Dietary restrictions
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Cleaning and organization
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking and organization
- Team collaboration
- Strong attention to safe food handling procedures
- Kitchen organization
- Food preparation
- Surface cleaning
- Food handling
- Hospitality and service industry background
- Frying
- Health and safety compliance
- Sanitation practices
- Cooking
- Food storage
- Contamination prevention
- Staff training
- New hire training
- Ingredients measuring
- Grilling
- Sanitation
- Temperature control
- Food spoilage prevention
- Ingredient inspection
- High volume production capability
- Positive and professional
- Food safety oversight
- Cutting and slicing techniques
- Sauteing
- Focused and disciplined
- Teamwork
Timeline
Specialty Cook (Non Allergy Station)
Aramark
09.2021 - Current
Seafood Manager
Saker Shop Rite
09.2016 - 05.2021
Postmaster
US Postal Service. 10 Yr +
03.1975 - 06.2016
Some College (No Degree) - Basic
Trenton State College
High School Diploma -
St. Peters High School
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