Joanna Harper

Career break

Talent

1 Kernal Way, Kirkcaldy, KY1 2EUMember since October 20, 2026

Food preparation and cookingFood hygiene and safety knowledgeKitchen cleaning and organisationGreat teamwork and communicationEfficient time management skillsWorks well under pressureAttention to detailStock rotation and controlFollowing recipes and portion controlSafe use of kitchen equipmentMinimising food wasteReliable, hardworking and enthusiasticFull UK driving licence

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Food preparation and cookingFood hygiene and safety knowledgeKitchen cleaning and organisationGreat teamwork and communicationEfficient time management skills

About

I am a hardworking, reliable and enthusiastic individual with a passion for food preparation and cooking. I have a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and the ability to work well as part of a team in a busy kitchen environment. I understand the importance of maintaining high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and organisation, while preparing and presenting food to a high standard.

I am able to follow instructions, manage my time effectively and remain calm under pressure. I take pride in my work and am committed to providing excellent food and service to customers.

Experience

Career break

Following the sad passing of my husband, I took a five-year career break to care for my son full-time and provide him with the support and stability he needed. During this time, I continued to use my cooking skills at home by preparing fresh, nutritious meals, planning menus, managing ingredients and maintaining high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness. This allowed me to keep my practical cooking skills active while caring for my family.

I am now ready and enthusiastic to return to professional employment as a chef, where I can put my skills and experience to good use, continue learning and contribute positively to a kitchen team. I am hardworking, reliable, organised and committed to preparing food to a high standard.

Pastry Chef de Partie - Dakota Hotels

(2019-07 - 2021-03)

Full production of fine pastries, cakes, desserts and bread for lunch, dinner, a la carte and functions

Pastry Chef work placement - Gleneagles Hotel

(2019-06 - 2019-06)

Assisting with production of fine pastries, cakes and desserts

Chef - Thornton Golf Club

(2019-01 - 2019-06)

Preparing, cooking and serving hot and cold dishes from the varied menu, adhering to all HACCP principles, running and maintaining a clean, hygienic environment.

Cake Designer - Kingdom of Cakes

(2018-11 - 2019-04)

Designing, covering and decorating a variety of celebration cakes for window display and photography purposes.

Chef de Partie - The Old Manor Hotel

(2018-08 - 2018-11)

Preparing, cooking and serving starters and desserts for the fine dining menu.

Cook - Tranquility Tea Room

(2017-06 - 2018-08)

Preparing, cooking and serving full breakfasts, paninis, baked potatoes and salads from the lunch menu.

Volunteer Catering Assistant - Alloa Community Café

(2017-10 - 2018-12)

Preparing, cooking and serving a variety of hot meals to visitors to the café on a weekly basis.

Primary School Teacher - Various Primary Schools in Fife and Dundee - Fife and Dundee

(2004-08 - 2016-10)

Plan and deliver appropriate and effective learning opportunities and ensuring pupils experience a broad and balanced curriculum, while maintaining an organised and stimulating environment. Assess, record and report on the work of pupils and have a pastoral overview of pupil's welfare, progress and social development.

Clerical Assistant - Healthy living and Sensory Awareness Project

(2003-06 - 2004-06)

Greet sensory impaired customers, organize training seminars & exhibitions, produce Health Living publications. Administrative duties, including petty cash and taking minutes in meetings.

Clerical Assistant - Fife Council

(2001-08 - 2003-06)

Building Operations - Produce Health and Safety reports for building inspections. Organise training for staff i.e. CORGI/First Aid. Reception duties. Updating and Manipulating databases. Producing budget reports.
Recruitment Department - Produce adverts for vacancies arising within the social work department for inclusion in the internal bulletin, press and trade publications.

Administrative Marketing Assistant - MFI London - London

(1998-08 - 2001-08)

Liaising with clients receiving kitchen makeovers, organising transport of materials, communicating with contractors, managing invoices and general administrative duties.