Katy Bale
Director of Operations
Aurora,CO
Summary
Dynamic operations leader with a proven track record of driving a reduction in expenses through strategic cost control and mentoring a team of 700+. Expert in financial management and curriculum design, I excel in optimizing processes and enhancing employee engagement across multiple restaurant locations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Breckenridge-Wynkoop, LLC
Denver, CO
01.2022 - Current
- Implemented strategic initiatives that increased operational efficiency
- Developed and managed budgets exceeding $30 million, ensuring optimal resource allocation
- Conduct weekly financial calls with all restaurant managers to maintain goals and strive to beat labor, COG's and direct cost goals
- Manage and mentor a team of 65+ restaurant managers, providing training and ongoing development to ensure consistent service standards across all locations
- Lead and oversee day-to-day operations of multiple restaurant locations, ensuring smooth service, high guest satisfaction, and financial performance
- Managed regular audits to ensure compliance with state, federal, and corporate standards
- Negotiating contracts with suppliers and vendors to ensure cost-effective, high-quality supplies
- Monitor financial performance, including budgeting, P&L management, and cost control, achieving a significant reduction in expenses year-over-year
- Continuously improve menu offerings, service quality, and overall dining experience
- Collaborate with executive chefs and kitchen teams to optimize menu planning, inventory management, and kitchen operations, reducing food waste
- Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts, achieving a reduction in supply chain costs while maintaining high-quality standards
Training and Development Manager
Breckenridge-Wynkoop, LLC
Denver, CO
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Focus on career development and satisfaction of 600+ employees operating seven restaurant locations
- Delivered training classes, informational seminars and compliance meetings to 600+ employees within the organization
- Designs and deploys employee training, retention, and development programs including talent acquisition and management tactics, incentivizing strategies, and performance evaluations
- Evaluated staff performance and uncovers opportunities
- Exercised cross-functional leadership with senior management including the VP of Marketing, Director of Beer and Spirits, and Director of Operations
- Reduced employee turnover by rolling out incentivizing programs to promote employee engagement and satisfaction
- Led successful transition to Toast POS for 6 locations, increasing operations efficiency and maintaining high quality guest service
Training and Team Development
Yard House
Denver, CO
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Took leadership initiative to introduce business process re-engineering to the training programs based on evaluation and analysis of training effectiveness
- Facilitated educational/training programs enabling staff development in various areas including customer service, hospitality, F&B operations as leadership/management
- Presented training programs for 200 employees via conferences, workshops, special events, and online/e-learning classes
Restaurant Manager
California Pizza Kitchen
, CO
01.2003 - 01.2010
- Assisted in conducting interviews, training, and development for all new hires
- Increased number of marketing events to one every week producing revenue growth and brand recognition
- Developed yearly budget and was responsible for ensuring labor, COGS, and direct costs goals were met
- Displayed knowledge of F&B distribution, HR, and best practices of the hospitality and restaurant industry
- Managed $50K in inventory per week and forecasted F&B ordering requirements with attention to cost-effective initiatives
Education
MBA - Organizational Leadership
Regis University
01.2015
BA - Communication Theory, Focus on Team Communication and Organizational Management; Minor in Biology
Metropolitan State University of Denver
01.2012
Leadership Certification -
Mountain State Employers Council
01.2019
Change Management Certification -
Mountain State Employers Council
01.2016
Skills
- Mentoring & Coaching
- Operational Strategy
- Cost Control and Cost-reduction Initiatives
- Operational Setup
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Management
- Curriculum Design
- Succession Coaching
- Supply Chain Management
- Technology Integration
- MS Office
- RSI & R365
- Toast, Dash, Aloha, and Micros
- Trainual and TalentLMS
- Cicerone Certification
- Sommelier Certification
- ServSafe Alcohol, Food, and Allergen Certifications
Volunteer Experience
Urban Peak Youth Center, Denver, CO, Volunteer / At-Risk Youth Mentor, 01/09 - 12/16, Mentored, coached, and supported at-risk youth., Encouraged academic engagement, behavioral modification, and self-sufficiency goals as well as basic life and coping skills.
Technical Skills And Certifications
- MS Office
- RSI
- R365
- Toast
- Trainual
- TalentLMS
- Certified Level One Cicerone
- Certified ServSafe Alcohol Instructor and Proctor
- Professional Training Certificate
- Servsafe Allergen and Food Handling Certification
- Certified Level Two Sommelier
- Master Sommeliers
Highlighted Skills And Achievements
- Effective mentor and coach to restaurant managers and staff, fostering a collaborative culture.
- Expertise in creating and executing operational strategies to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
- Skilled in controlling food and labor costs while maintaining high service and product quality.
- Spearheaded cost-reduction initiatives that lowered food and labor costs by 15% while maintaining quality standards and guest satisfaction.
- Led the successful opening of 3 new locations, including overseeing staffing, training, and operational setup, contributing to a 25% increase in the company’s total revenue.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Operations
Breckenridge-Wynkoop, LLC
01.2022 - Current
Training and Development Manager
Breckenridge-Wynkoop, LLC
01.2015 - 01.2021
Training and Team Development
Yard House
01.2010 - 01.2015
Restaurant Manager
California Pizza Kitchen
01.2003 - 01.2010
MBA - Organizational Leadership
Regis University
BA - Communication Theory, Focus on Team Communication and Organizational Management; Minor in Biology
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Leadership Certification -
Mountain State Employers Council
Change Management Certification -
Mountain State Employers Council
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