Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Rafal Zalewski

Colorado Springs

Summary

Accomplished Pastry Chef with a proven track record of enhancing menu offerings and boosting sales at Dr. Sweet's Bakery through innovative recipe development and efficient production techniques. Skilled in pastry preparation and ingredient sourcing, coupled with exceptional management and training abilities. Demonstrates a keen attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, contributing to significant customer satisfaction. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Skilled Baker with exceptional knowledge of baking times, methods, temperatures and flavors. Well-versed in proper function and maintenance of bakery utensils and equipment. Experienced Baker with passion for creating delicious desserts, pastries and breads. Detail-oriented and works well in fast-paced environments. Skilled in using variety of baking tools and equipment. Proficient Head Baker skilled at baking pies, cakes and pastries. Effective trainer and coach with an understanding of business operations, cost controls and inventory management. Desiring to bring 40 years of progressive experience to a growing team.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Pastry Chef-Head Baker

Dr. Sweet's Bakery
03.2012 - 03.2024
  • Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
  • Cycled menus to keep offerings fresh and interesting for customers.
  • Implemented efficient production techniques, reducing waste and improving overall pastry quality.
  • Developed new pastry recipes for seasonal menus, resulting in increased sales and positive feedback.
  • Monitored quality of ingredients used in recipes to maintain consistency and safety standards.

Pastry Chef-Production Manager

Boonzaaijers Dutch Bakery
05.2005 - 03.2012
  • Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
  • Cycled menus to keep offerings fresh and interesting for customers.
  • Implemented efficient production techniques, reducing waste and improving overall pastry quality.
  • Mixed icing and other toppings by reading recipes, scaling, and measuring ingredients and operating mixer.
  • Consistently met tight deadlines for special orders, ensuring client satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Contributed to successful catering events by designing custom dessert menus tailored to specific client preferences.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes to minimize food spoilage while maintaining adequate stock levels.

Head Baker

Safeway
06.2002 - 05.2005
  • Mentored junior bakers in developing their skills through hands-on training sessions and constructive feedback.
  • Developed new recipes while adhering to dietary restrictions, resulting in a more inclusive menu offering for diverse clientele.
  • Maintained detailed records of production outputs daily, allowing for proactive adjustments as needed to meet demand fluctuations swiftly.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality baked goods and maintaining a clean, organized work environment.

Executive Pastry Chef

American Classic Voyages
02.2001 - 10.2001
  • Maintained pastry-making equipment in good working order and replaced machinery when required to meet quality standards.
  • Developed seasonal dessert offerings that incorporated fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, supporting sustainability efforts and showcasing regional flavors.
  • Assisted in budget planning for the pastry department by forecasting ingredient needs and monitoring expenses closely throughout each fiscal quarter.
  • Monitored baking ingredient stocks and replenished items to maintain sufficient quantities for pastry production.

Foreman Bakery

Wonder Bread Bakery
01.1998 - 10.2001
  • Trained new employees to learn new systems, apply best practices and comply with protocols and regulations.
  • Maintained a safe working environment through adherence to safety protocols and regular site inspections.
  • Ensured timely completion of projects with effective time management and prioritization of tasks.
  • Checked equipment to determine if maintenance was required.

Pastry Chef-Baker

Continental Pastries
04.1991 - 01.1998
  • Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
  • Cycled menus to keep offerings fresh and interesting for customers.
  • Developed cross-functional relationships with other departments, ensuring smooth operations and timely completion of tasks during special events or peak business hours.
  • Implemented efficient production techniques, reducing waste and improving overall pastry quality.

Education

Associate of Arts - Baking And Pastry Arts

Zespół Szkół Gastronomicznych
Częstochowa, Poland
06.1988

Skills

  • Pastry Techniques
  • Pastry preparation
  • Ingredient Knowledge
  • Menu Planning
  • Recipe creation
  • Chocolate work
  • Recipe Development
  • Allergen awareness
  • Dough handling
  • Baking Science
  • Training staff
  • Inventory Rotation
  • Catering expertise
  • Ingredient Sourcing
  • Reliable and Responsible
  • Dough Preparation and Baking
  • Attention to Detail
  • Management
  • Ingredient Preparation
  • Order Taking
  • Holiday baking
  • Oven Operation

Timeline

Pastry Chef-Head Baker

Dr. Sweet's Bakery
03.2012 - 03.2024

Pastry Chef-Production Manager

Boonzaaijers Dutch Bakery
05.2005 - 03.2012

Head Baker

Safeway
06.2002 - 05.2005

Executive Pastry Chef

American Classic Voyages
02.2001 - 10.2001

Foreman Bakery

Wonder Bread Bakery
01.1998 - 10.2001

Pastry Chef-Baker

Continental Pastries
04.1991 - 01.1998

Associate of Arts - Baking And Pastry Arts

Zespół Szkół Gastronomicznych
Rafal Zalewski