Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

JOHN E. DILLARRD

Dillard,GA

Summary

Experienced Operations Manager with a strong background in hotel and restaurant management, specializing in strategic planning, project management, and team leadership. Proven ability to enhance customer service, reduce operational costs, and implement cost-efficient practices. Adept at managing high-profile events, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering positive relationships with staff and vendors. Committed to maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency across all areas of operations.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Director Of Operations and General Manager

Dillard House
Dillard, GA
1 2000 - 1 2024
  • Managed high-profile restaurant serving up to 2,000 people per day with changing menu
  • Scheduled and managed staff across various departments including BOH, FOH, front desk, hotel, and group sales
  • Ensured compliance with food quality, safety standards, and health codes
  • Managed USDA meat processing and canning facilities
  • Forecasted food needs based on seasonal numbers and ensured efficient kitchen operations
  • Oversaw and managed staff of 150
  • Handled and resolved all customer complaints
  • Coordinated maintenance and security issues
  • Managed regulatory compliance including health inspections and OSHA standards
  • Developed high-quality event and catering component
  • Booked and sold events with large-scale corporations (e.g., UGA, Coca-Cola, GA State Government)
  • Coordinated all meeting issues including A/V, breakout sessions, entertainment, and menus
  • Handled logistical considerations for offsite events across North GA, Western NC, and Upper State SC
  • Guided cross-functional teams promoting collaboration and operational effectiveness
  • Developed and maintained energy management program, resulting in significant reduction in energy consumption
  • Instituted facility-wide preventive maintenance program decreasing overall equipment downtime
  • Enhanced customer service strategies, achieving marked increase in guest satisfaction
  • Managed significant renovation projects enhancing operational efficiency while upholding guest experience standards
  • Oversaw budgeting and financial planning delivering cost reductions without compromising service quality
  • Fostered culture of excellence among staff leading to heightened morale and reduced turnover.

Dining Room Manager

The Boiler Room
Franklin, NC
06.2002 - 01.2003
  • Oversaw dining room operations maintaining exemplary customer service and dining experiences
  • Coordinated with culinary staff to ensure efficient and high-quality food service
  • Managed inventory of dining supplies and liaised with suppliers to ensure availability of materials.
  • Led planning, set up and takedown for special events
  • Assisted in budget development for dining room department by analyzing past trends and making informed projections for future needs
  • Developed strong relationships with guests, resulting in high rate of repeat clientele

Assistant General Manager

Dillard House
Dillard, Georgia
12.1993 - 06.2002
  • Assisted in managing hotel operations with focus on guest satisfaction, staff coordination, and facility maintenance
  • Acted as point of contact for guest concerns resolving issues promptly and efficiently
  • Supported maintenance team in implementing routine preventive maintenance schedule.
  • Enhanced communication among team members through regular meetings, promoting open dialogue about challenges and opportunities for improvement
  • Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving concerns in timely manner

Conference Service Supervisor

Chateau Elan (Operated and Owned by Marriott)
Braselton, GA
08.1993 - 12.1993
  • Coordinated setup and service of meetings and banquet events managing maintenance and readiness of conference facilities
  • Ensured all event facilities were prepared according to client specifications and company standards
  • Supervised team responsible for event setups, breakdowns, and ongoing facility needs during events.

Education

Bachelor's - Family and Consumer Science, Major in Hotel Restaurant, Hospitality

University of Georgia
Athens, GA
08.1987 - 05.1991

Skills

Restaurant Management - 10 years

Facilities Maintenance - 10 years

Operations Management - 10 years

Budgeting and Cost Control - 10 years

Health and Safety Compliance - 10 years

Event Management - 10 years

Staff Training and Development - 10 years

Vendor and Contract Negotiations - 10 years

Customer Service Excellence - 10 years

Property Management and Upkeep - 10 years

Community Relations - 10 years

Government Relations - 10 years

Operations Oversight

Operational Efficiency

Workforce Planning

Quality Assurance

Timeline

Dining Room Manager

The Boiler Room
06.2002 - 01.2003

Assistant General Manager

Dillard House
12.1993 - 06.2002

Conference Service Supervisor

Chateau Elan (Operated and Owned by Marriott)
08.1993 - 12.1993

Bachelor's - Family and Consumer Science, Major in Hotel Restaurant, Hospitality

University of Georgia
08.1987 - 05.1991

Director Of Operations and General Manager

Dillard House
1 2000 - 1 2024
JOHN E. DILLARRD