Akil Talley
Detroit,MI
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Detroit People's Food Co-op, enhancing operational performance and achieving a 70% year-over-year sales increase through strategic planning and team leadership. Expert in P&L management and staff training, I excel in fostering high-quality service and innovative marketing strategies. My approach combines strong time management with effective recruitment, driving success and growth.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Detroit People's Food Co-op
Detroit, MI
01.2024 - Current
- Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
- Trained employees on duties, policies and procedures.
- Provided guidance and support to subordinate managers in order to foster an atmosphere of cooperation throughout the organization.
- Oversaw product development initiatives from concept through completion stages.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Structured HR consulting services to support clients during organizational developments and changes.
- Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures.
- Implemented employee recognition programs to motivate staff members towards achieving organizational goals.
- Assisted in the recruitment process by interviewing potential candidates for open positions.
- Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
- Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
- Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Directed daily operations, achieving weekly sales of over $80,000.
Prepared Foods Team Leader/Assistant General Manager
Village Market IGA
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
11.2022 - 01.2024
- Created recipes for new menu items, taking into account dietary restrictions or special requests from customers.
- Ordered supplies and equipment as needed to maintain efficient operations.
- Utilized knowledge of dietary restrictions and allergens to prepare food safely for all customers.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Assisted in the development of marketing strategies for prepared foods products.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resolving issues and ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Checked deliveries by comparing invoices to merchandise.
- Planned menus for daily specials, utilizing seasonal ingredients whenever possible.
- Managed pricing policies for prepared food items, adjusting prices as necessary based on market trends.
- Assisted customers with orders, providing recommendations and answering questions regarding ingredients and preparation methods.
- Achieved a 70% year-over-year increase in sales through effective team leadership and strategic planning.
Chef/General Manager
Oak House Deli
Royal Oak, MI
02.2022 - 11.2022
- Assessed inventory levels and placed orders to replenish goods before supplies depleted.
- Supervised food preparation staff to deliver high-quality results.
- Supervised team members during meal service to ensure accuracy of orders.
- Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to stock fridge ahead of busy periods.
- Maintained a clean work environment by adhering to sanitation policies and procedures.
- Prepared workstations with ingredients and tools to increase efficiency.
- Ensured compliance with all health, safety and hygiene regulations within the kitchen area.
- Instructed cooks and other workers in preparation, cooking, garnishing and presentation of food
- Delegated tasks and supervised kitchen staff to optimize food preparation, presentation and safety.
- Checked quality of food products to meet high standards.
- Boosted sales by 60% within a nine-month period.
Kitchen Manager
Whole Foods Market Inc
Detroit, MI
01.2019 - 03.2022
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Ordered ingredients and supplies to maintain adequate inventory levels for the kitchen.
- Analyzed financial data including sales reports, budgeting information and cost analysis reports to make operational decisions.
- Planned kitchen staff schedules to maximize coverage and encourage collaboration.
- Received, organized and rotated paper goods and food ingredients.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
- Trained workers in food preparation, money handling, and cleaning roles to facilitate restaurant operations.
- Motivated kitchen staff by establishing goals to increase productivity and quality.
- Promoted an atmosphere of teamwork among kitchen staff members by fostering open communication between team members.
- Monitored sanitation practices to ensure that all employees adhere to health department regulations.
- Trained new employees on kitchen procedures and policies.
- Worked with vendors to establish strong relationships and maintain proper inventory supplies.
Prepared Foods Team Leader
Fresh Thyme Market
Farmington Hills, MI
08.2016 - 01.2019
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner, ensuring satisfaction at all times.
- Analyzed sales data to identify areas for improvement or growth opportunities.
- Delivered exceptional service to meet customers' prepared foods needs.
- Monitored food temperatures to ensure safety and quality for consumption.
- Developed training materials and conducted regular staff meetings to ensure proper execution of tasks and procedures.
- Worked closely with other departments within the store to coordinate activities related to prepared foods production.
- Coached staff on strategies to enhance performance and improve customer relations.
- Packaged, labeled, and displayed prepared foods for sale, ensuring visual appeal.
- Assisted in menu planning and development based on seasonality and customer preferences.
- Provided leadership to team members on an ongoing basis, setting expectations and providing guidance as needed.
- Managed inventory, restocking ingredients and supplies as needed.
- Minimized department spoilage through effective inventory management.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
- Participated in regular health and safety audits, implementing corrective actions as needed.
Prepared Foods Team Leader
Whole Foods Market Inc
West Bloomfield, MI
09.2005 - 06.2016
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Supervised team members during shifts, delegating tasks accordingly.
- Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
- Created tasty dishes using popular recipes, delighting patrons and generating return business.
- Inspected food preparation areas regularly to ensure cleanliness and compliance with health codes.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Conducted regular checks on food storage areas for organization and cleanliness.
- Observed key food safety procedures by checking proper storage and appropriate temperatures for cold and frozen items.
- Oversaw food preparation, production and presentation according to quality standards.
Education
High School Diploma -
Cass Technical High School
Detroit, MI06-1997
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology
Wayne State University
Detroit, MISkills
- Sales
- Advertising and marketing
- Branding
- Time management
- Recruitment
- Staff training and development
- P&L management
- Performance evaluations
- Budget analysis
Affiliations
- basketball
- small business owner
- chef
Accomplishments
- t-shirt business
- Detroit Spirit Award winner
- National Cooperative Grocers Award winner
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
General Manager
Detroit People's Food Co-op
01.2024 - Current
Prepared Foods Team Leader/Assistant General Manager
Village Market IGA
11.2022 - 01.2024
Chef/General Manager
Oak House Deli
02.2022 - 11.2022
Kitchen Manager
Whole Foods Market Inc
01.2019 - 03.2022
Prepared Foods Team Leader
Fresh Thyme Market
08.2016 - 01.2019
Prepared Foods Team Leader
Whole Foods Market Inc
09.2005 - 06.2016
High School Diploma -
Cass Technical High School
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology
Wayne State University