STEFAN JELIC

Sous Chef

📞 +381 69 1992128
📧 hey@stefanjelic.com
📍 Non-EU passport

SUMMARY

A passionate chef with 10+ years of kitchen experience across cruise ships and upscale restaurants, now looking to put down roots with the right team. After building a diverse culinary toolkit in various settings, I'm ready to commit my skills to a long-term home where I can grow with one organization. Strong in team leadership, supplier relationships, and consistently delivering exceptional dining experiences that keep guests coming back. I am available for an immediate start, and open to seasonal or permanent positions.

EXPERIENCE

Head Chef
10/2024 - Present
Holy Smokes
Belgrade, Serbia

Made the leap to running my own kitchen after years of building up the right skills. Led a talented team in a busy restaurant known for its quality and consistency.

  • Built and mentored a tight-knit team of kitchen staff
  • Developed strong relationships with local suppliers
  • Took full ownership of menu quality and execution
https://holysmokes.rs/
Sous Chef
03/2024 - 09/2024
Cruise Boat
Zadar, Croatia

Partnered with the Head Chef on a boutique cruise experience, creating memorable meals for guests exploring the stunning Croatian coast.

Chef de Partie
11/2019 - 2022
Viking River Cruises
Danube/Rhein/Main

Viking is a cruise line providing river, ocean, and expedition cruises. Its operating headquarters are in Basel, Switzerland. After working as a Commi Chef with them in 2015, I was given a promotion and a new contract.

https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/
Family Caregiver
12/2017 - 11/2019
Professional Break
Zabela, Serbia

Took a planned break from kitchen work to care for my father through multiple surgeries and recovery. This experience reinforced my commitment to stability and dedication.

Chef de Partie
06/2016 - 11/2017
Avalon River Cruises
Danube/Rhein/Main

Managed my own galley section on luxury river cruises throughout Europe's most scenic waterways.

  • Ran a dedicated section with consistent quality
  • Handled food storage and inventory management
  • Maintained strict food safety standards
https://www.avalonwaterways.com/
Sous Chef
01/2016 - 05/2016
Byblos
Belgrade, Serbia

Stepped in as second-in-command at this upscale restaurant during a busy season.

https://www.byblos.rs/home-en.html
Commis Chef
07/2015 - 11/2015
Viking River Cruises
Danube/Rhein/Main

Contributed to the culinary team on one of the world's premier river cruise lines.

https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/
Head Chef
01/2015 - 07/2015
Keops
Belgrade, Serbia

Took on a temporary leadership role at this river boat restaurant while preparing for my international position.

https://keops.rs/en/menu/
Commis Chef
06/2014 - 09/2014
Etihad Airport Catering
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Created premium dining experiences for international travellers in Etihad's exclusive airport lounges.

https://www.etihad.com/en-de/plan/fly-with-etihad/lounges
Commis Chef
11/2012 - 05/2014
Intergalactic Diner
Belgrade, Serbia

Key cooking role at this popular themed restaurant chain known for quality food and great atmosphere.

  • Managed all menu items with consistency
  • Scheduled and trained kitchen support staff
  • Maintained detailed inventory records
https://www.intergalacticdiner.com/
Commis Chef (Internship)
05/2013 - 09/2013
Aquis Bella Beach
Hersonisos, Greece

Originally a 3-month curriculum placement that was extended due to excellent performance.

https://www.hersotels.gr/bella-beach
Commis Chef (Internship)
06/2012 - 09/2012
Hotel Riviera Resort
Herceg Novi, MNE

College curriculum placement at this coastal resort, preparing à la carte meals under senior guidance.

https://www.trivago.de/de/oar/hotel-riviera-resort-herceg-novi

EDUCATION

Gastronomy

The College of Hotel Management
Belgrade, Serbia
  • 170/180 ECTS successfully completed
  • https://www.vhs.edu.rs/

Cook

Hospitality & Tourism School
Belgrade, Serbia
  • Successfully completed a three-year vocational training (SSS) programme
  • Focus on practical skills
  • https://ut-skola.edu.rs/

LANGUAGES

English Near-native
Serbian Native
Bulgarian Intermediate
German Beginner

SKILLS

Mediteranean CuisineFine DiningVolume CateringInternational Menu DevelopmentDietary Restriction AdaptationsHACCP ImplementationKitchen Team LeadershipSupplier Relationship ManagementInventory Control SystemsCost ManagementStaff Training and DevelopmentCrisis Management
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