NISHAN FERNANDO

Head Chef & Culinary Operations Leader
Dubai, UAE.

About

Highly accomplished Head Chef and Operations Manager with over 17 years of progressive international experience in diverse culinary environments, from fine dining to large-scale operations. Proven leader adept at optimizing kitchen efficiency, enhancing culinary standards, and driving profitability through meticulous inventory control, strategic menu development, and rigorous adherence to food safety regulations. Combines strong culinary passion with a results-oriented approach to consistently exceed customer expectations and foster high-performing teams.

Work

RAGS TO RICHES RESTAURANT
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HEAD CHEF

Dubai, Dubai, UAE

Summary

Directed all culinary operations for a high-volume restaurant in Dubai, leading food preparation, quality assurance, and staff management to optimize performance and compliance.

Highlights

Directed comprehensive food preparation processes, consistently delivering high-quality, polished dishes that enhanced customer satisfaction.

Managed and mentored a team of diverse culinary professionals, fostering collaboration and elevating overall kitchen performance.

Spearheaded the creation and development of innovative menu items and recipes, ensuring variety and maintaining high culinary standards.

Optimized food inventory management, including needs determination, stocking, and ordering, to minimize waste and ensure consistent supply.

Ensured 100% compliance with all food safety and sanitation regulations, maintaining a safe and efficient kitchen environment.

CIBO KITCHEN
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OPERATIONS MANAGER/HEAD CHEF

Borasgamuwa, Sri Lanka, LKA

Summary

Oversaw comprehensive restaurant operations and culinary direction for a multi-cuisine establishment, driving menu innovation, staff development, and financial performance.

Highlights

Developed unique, cuisine-appropriate menus across diverse culinary styles (Sri Lankan, Canadian, American, Mexican, African, Texas BBQ), enhancing customer appeal and revenue.

Collaborated with the Restaurant Manager to strategically price menu items, optimizing profitability and market competitiveness.

Directed kitchen staff hiring, training, and supervision, improving team efficiency and meal preparation, plating, and delivery standards.

Managed comprehensive inventory and purchasing from approved vendors, contributing to cost control and maintaining high-quality ingredient supply.

Set and managed organizational budgets, aligning with long-term and short-term goals, and identified marketing opportunities to drive business growth.

COMERY BLOCK
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SOUS CHEF

Calgary, Alberta, CAN

Summary

Supported the Executive Chef in daily culinary operations for a Tennessee-style smokehouse, focusing on food quality, presentation, and staff training.

Highlights

Assisted the Executive Chef with routine and specific culinary tasks, ensuring timely and effective customer service.

Maintained consistently high food quality and presentation standards for all dishes.

Supervised food preparation and service, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to recipe procedures.

Monitored food expenditure and managed product inventory, minimizing spoilage and optimizing stock rotation.

Trained and oversaw kitchen staff on recipe procedures, preparation, and cleaning duties, enhancing team proficiency and adherence to standards.

HAYDEN BLOCK SMOKE & WHISKEY
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SOUS CHEF

Calgary, Alberta, CAN

Summary

Managed kitchen operations and staff performance for a renowned Texan barbecue and whiskey establishment, ensuring high culinary standards and operational efficiency.

Highlights

Conducted regular staff performance reviews and provided targeted training, improving kitchen team efficiency and skill development.

Ensured all food presentations met timely and quality standards, enhancing the dining experience for clientele.

Managed administrative records, including checking food quality and quantity from suppliers, and writing detailed food cost reports.

Processed invoices weekly and ensured timely payment of outstanding bills, maintaining strong vendor relationships.

Fostered positive working relationships within the catering team, contributing to a cohesive and productive environment.

MERCATO
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KITCHEN MANAGER

Calgary, Alberta, CAN

Summary

Managed kitchen staff and coordinated food orders for an Italian market and eatery, focusing on operational efficiency, quality control, and cost management.

Highlights

Managed kitchen staff and coordinated food orders, optimizing workflow and ensuring efficient service.

Supervised food preparation and cooking, maintaining high standards for plating, temperature, and portion sizes.

Collaborated with the Restaurant Manager to strategically price menu items, enhancing profitability.

Ordered food supplies and kitchen equipment, ensuring consistent stock levels and operational readiness.

Trained kitchen staff on prep work and food plating techniques, ensuring compliance with safety practices and contributing to weekly/monthly cost report accuracy.

CARDINALE
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SOUS CHEF

Calgary, Alberta, CAN

Summary

Contributed to the culinary excellence of a modern Italian restaurant, developing new menus and managing kitchen operations to ensure timely and quality service.

Highlights

Developed new menu options based on seasonal changes and customer demand, enhancing the restaurant's culinary offerings.

Assisted with meal preparation and planning, ensuring timely kitchen activities and high-quality output.

Monitored and recorded inventory, and managed supply orders, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.

Recruited and trained new kitchen employees, establishing high standards for restaurant and kitchen operations.

Managed the kitchen team effectively in the Executive Chef's absence, ensuring seamless operations and adherence to sanitation and safety regulations.

SASSI KITCHEN & BAR
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SOUS CHEF

Calgary, Alberta, CAN

Summary

Guided junior kitchen staff and managed kitchen operations for a fine dining Italian and Greek restaurant, ensuring culinary excellence and operational efficiency.

Highlights

Provided direct guidance and support to junior kitchen staff in line cooking, food preparation, and dish plating, enhancing team skill sets.

Led the kitchen team during the Chef's absence, organizing stock and ingredients to maintain seamless operations.

Implemented a first-in, first-out (FIFO) food rotation system, minimizing waste and ensuring quality assurance.

Managed food and product ordering, maintaining detailed records to minimize waste and improve budgetary control.

Supervised all food preparation and presentation, ensuring adherence to quality and restaurant standards.

SIDE LINE SPORT & BAR
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CATERING SERVICE MANAGER

Calgary, Alberta, CAN

Summary

Managed catering services for a multi-cuisine night pub, overseeing event planning, menu development, and staff management to ensure operational excellence.

Highlights

Gathered and analyzed customer requirements for events, including guest count and dates, to tailor service delivery.

Planned and developed food and beverage menus, considering client preferences and special requests to ensure customized event experiences.

Trained and managed catering staff, optimizing kitchen schedules and enhancing overall service efficiency.

Oversaw food preparation and customer service, including reporting on expenses, to ensure operational excellence.

Managed stock and placed orders as needed, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

PETRO CANADA
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COMMIS 2

Calgary, Alberta, CAN

Summary

Assisted senior culinary staff in food preparation and kitchen operations for Petro Canada, ensuring adherence to recipes and quality standards.

Highlights

Supported senior chefs in daily food preparation, ensuring adherence to recipes and quality standards.

Maintained cleanliness and organization of work stations, contributing to a safe and efficient kitchen environment.

Assisted with inventory management and stock rotation, helping to minimize waste and ensure fresh ingredients.

EMIRATES GRAND HOTEL
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COMMIS 2

Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE

Summary

Contributed to kitchen operations at a large hotel, focusing on food preparation and maintaining high standards of hygiene and quality.

Highlights

Executed food preparation tasks under the guidance of senior chefs, contributing to timely meal service for hotel guests.

Maintained strict adherence to hygiene and sanitation protocols, ensuring a clean and safe food preparation area.

Assisted with receiving and storing food deliveries, ensuring proper rotation and quality control.

SWISS-BELHOTEL
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COMMIS 1

Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE

Summary

Gained foundational culinary experience at a hotel in Sharjah, supporting kitchen staff in basic food preparation and kitchen maintenance.

Highlights

Assisted with basic food preparation tasks, including chopping, peeling, and portioning ingredients, supporting kitchen efficiency.

Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and work areas to meet hygiene standards.

Learned and applied fundamental culinary techniques and safety procedures under direct supervision.

Skills

Culinary Arts & Kitchen Operations

Food Preparation, Menu Development, Recipe Creation, Dish Specification, Food Sampling, Knife Skills, Culinary Techniques, Food Plating, Food Presentation, Kitchen Management, Inventory Management, Food Cost Control, Food Ordering, Food Storage, Food Hygiene, Food Safety, Pickling, Commercial Judgement.

Leadership & Team Management

Team Leadership, People Management, Staff Supervision, Hiring, Training & Development, Performance Reviews, Conflict Resolution, Team Collaboration, Inspiring Teams, Leading by Example.

Business & Operations Management

Business Management, Budgeting, Financial Management, Cost Control, Profit Margin Optimization, Schedule Optimization, Operational Efficiency, Strategic Planning, Problem Solving, Effective Planning, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Compliance Management, Vendor Management.

Soft Skills & Personal Attributes

Innovation, Adaptability, Positive Attitude, Hard Work, Time Management, Customer Service, Exceptional Host.