Shawn Nykaza
Bensenville,IL.
Summary
Versatile General Manager with 20 years of experience overseeing daily hospitality operations. Decisive planner and analytical problem solver with skill in managing teams to meet stringent objectives. Personable and collaborative demeanor demonstrated through polished communication and willingness to apply team feedback to resolve challenges.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant General Manager
Catering Sensation
Roselle, IL
07.2020 - Current
- Oversaw inventory by ordering precise quantities of stock and executing corrective actions to drive profitability
- Mentored and motivated team members to achieve challenging business goals
- Maintained well-controlled business inventory with minimal losses by enforcing solid monitoring and management structures
- Managed team schedule with eye for coverage needs and individual strengths
- Oversaw computer database and physical filing systems
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules and contract negotiations
- Cut food cost 8% by menu costing with 3 vendors
General Manager
Jewell Events Catering
Deerfield, IL
02.2017 - 05.2020
- Solely responsible for operations of 4 cafes
- Relationship results were seen through vendor negotiations
- Successful execution of financial stewardship, including accounting, payroll, forecasting, and budgeting
- Reduced payroll cost through implementation of strategic scheduling structure and procedures
- Implementation and management of marketing including advertising, promotional pricing and events, and weekly menu development
- Attracted, coached, inspired, and managed team.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision and long-range planning.
- Established and administered annual budget with controls to prevent overages, minimize burn rate and support sustainability objectives.
Event Coordinator
Catering Sensation
Roselle, IL
03.2016 - 02.2017
- Partnered with Director of Operations to plan and manage various events including weddings, business meetings, reunions, fundraisers, and corporate events
- Lead and coached up to 60 direct reports at each event
- Liaison for conflict resolution including customers, clients, and staff
- Created and delivered on client’s vision for their events
- Implemented strategic strategies to attract and retain staff
- Assisted with menu pricing and food costing.
Sr. Catering Manager
Compass Group, Dominican University
River Forest, IL
07.2013 - 08.2016
- Coordinated campus events
- Created and implemented catering manual
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure high levels of productivity
- Secured new clients and accounts by analyzing and catering menus to specific needs.
- Met with clients to outline desired goals and prepared quotes for overall catering costs.
- Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
- Worked with chefs to plan menus according to client needs and budgets.
- Reviewed pricing and ordered food ingredients, kitchen appliances and supplies.
- Organized and oversaw food service training to educate employees on resetting tables, relaying orders to cooks and upselling food and beverages.
- Drove operational improvements which resulted in savings and improved profit margins
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment
General Manager
Compass Group Drinker, Biddle, & Reath
Chicago, IL
08.2015 - 03.2016
- Focused on overall relations with customers, clients, and vendors
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to create menus and provide top quality food
- Achieved roll out of new culinary programs in conjunction with compass marketing
- Oversaw P&L and budgeting
- Held meetings with management to deliver financial forecasts and set budgets.
Catering Manager/Sales
Fox & Obel
Chicago, IL
05.2004 - 07.2013
- Identified and targeted key corporate accounts developing new client relationships, venue and community partnerships
- Solely responsible for full-cycle recruitment, coaching, and training of staff
- Developed and coordinated all aspects of account and client management
- Managed daily operations and finances
- Forecasted departmental sales and developed strategic initiatives to increase sales.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Advertising Marketing
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL05.2004
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Creative Suite
- QuickBooks
- Team leadership expertise
- Decision Making
- Budget Control
- Employee Motivation
- Administrative Management
- Financial leadership ability
- Client account management
- Performance improvement
- Relationship building
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Coaching and mentoring
- Operations management
Certification
- License - Serve Safe Manager July 2029
Timeline
Assistant General Manager
Catering Sensation
07.2020 - Current
General Manager
Jewell Events Catering
02.2017 - 05.2020
Event Coordinator
Catering Sensation
03.2016 - 02.2017
General Manager
Compass Group Drinker, Biddle, & Reath
08.2015 - 03.2016
Sr. Catering Manager
Compass Group, Dominican University
07.2013 - 08.2016
Catering Manager/Sales
Fox & Obel
05.2004 - 07.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Advertising Marketing
Columbia College Chicago