Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Charles Ferber

East Amherst

Summary

A results-oriented Vice President of Operations with over 20 years of experience leading multi-million-dollar operations across diverse industries. Committed to delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer experiences, with a relentless focus on exceeding company goals. A proven, hands-on leader with extensive expertise in daily planning, process optimization, and team development. Known for cultivating high-performing, engaged teams and building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with key partners, vendors, and clients. Recognized for successfully turning around underperforming operations and driving sustained growth and profitability.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Vice President of Operations

New York Beer Project
11.2020 - Current
  • Oversee four high-volume restaurant locations, each including a restaurant, brewery, multiple bars, and private event spaces, ensuring seamless operations across all departments.
  • Supervise a team of 40 salaried managers and 5 regional directors, and staff of 400 promoting a culture of high performance, collaboration, and accountability.
  • Led the company's expansion from two to four locations, serving as Project Manager for new builds in Orchard Park, NY, and Orlando, FL.
  • Manage all aspects of day-to-day operations, including restaurant and kitchen management, facilities, brewing schedules, menu development, and private event coordination.
  • Cultivated a winning team, ensuring strong communication and teamwork across all locations.
  • Review daily financial reports to make informed decisions, optimizing operational efficiency and profitability.
  • Ensure labor goals were met across all locations, providing direction and support to General Managers to maintain staffing levels in line with business needs.
  • Conduct weekly site visits to all locations to ensure operational standards were met, identify areas for improvement, and support leadership teams.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive company-wide training program to ensure consistent operational standards and alignment across all locations.
  • Championed company culture initiatives, ensuring that core values were upheld and reflected in daily operations.
  • Lead weekly manager meetings and monthly regional team meetings to review performance, address challenges, and set strategic goals.

General Manager

Legends Hospitality - Darien Lake Amphitheater
09.2017 - 11.2020
  • Managed operational success across multiple venues, overseeing a team of over 500 employees, including both exempt and non-exempt staff.
  • Developed and maintained the annual venue budget, achieving consistent margin targets and overseeing P&L to ensure alignment with growth objectives.
  • Produced weekly financial reports and forecasts to track progress and inform decision-making.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction and per capita spending by $5+, resulting in a 35% increase in venue sales.
  • Spearheaded a successful upselling sales training initiative, incorporating staff incentives and rewards, which improved culture, morale, and revenue.
  • Recognized as the model for upselling initiatives by Live Nation and Legends nationally.
  • Coordinated vendor relationships and managed product pricing to maximize profitability and service quality.
  • Awarded the 2018 Commitment to Excellence Award for outstanding performance and leadership.

Operations Manager - Food Service/Retail

Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort
11.2014 - 09.2017
  • Increased top-line sales by $3 million and guest per capita spend by over $2.00 during my tenure, driving overall revenue growth.
  • Oversaw the successful operation of 42 quick service restaurants, two sit-down restaurants, and a catering facility, ensuring operational excellence and customer satisfaction across diverse dining formats.
  • Implemented new pricing and marketing strategies, resulting in improved product visibility, customer engagement, and overall profitability.
  • Led the transition to new POS systems, including the deployment of new hardware and software across all locations, improving transaction speed and accuracy.
  • Introduced digital signage and digital menu boards across all points of sale, enhancing guest experience and maximizing revenue potential.
  • Optimized the menu by reducing options, which increased service speed, improved food quality, minimized waste, and boosted sustainability.
  • Managed staffing and talent development, overseeing the hiring, placement, and training of over 500 seasonal staff members, ensuring high levels of service and team efficiency.
  • Developed vendor partnerships and purchasing programs to ensure the delivery of high-quality products at an affordable price, elevating the guest experience while maintaining cost control.

VIP/In-Seat Supervisor

Aramark - Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
01.2013 - 11.2014
  • Managed VIP Club Operations which held up to 1,000 VIP clients at any given time. This included the successful operation of two bars within the club.
  • Directed our in-seat wait staff servicing 70 VIP suites within the venue.
  • Organized and maintained inventory levels to ensure our profit margins were met.
  • Trained front-line staff in all areas of the operation.
  • Ensured the quality of food and beverages coming form the VIP Kitchen and Bar.

Assistant Operations Manager - Food Service/Retail

Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort
04.2006 - 12.2012
  • Lead a team of 15 supervisors and over 300 front-line employees in the daily operation of all theme park food and beverage operations.
  • Ensured Supervisors and staff were achieving sales goals while adhering to all applicable policies and procedures.
  • Developed and implemented all new-employee training programs.
  • Responded to and resolved all guest concerns or complaints to ensure repeated and return business.

Education

Business Administration

St. Bonaventure University
St. Bonaventure, NY

Erie Community College
Williamsville, NY

Skills

  • P&L Management
  • Multi-Unit/Venue Management
  • Budget Development/Financial Forecasting
  • Talent Acquisition & Development
  • Finance and accounting oversight
  • Client/Customer Relationship Development
  • Project Management
  • KPI Focused & Driven
  • Strategic planning and execution
  • Operations management
  • Purchasing and planning
  • New-Build project management

Timeline

Vice President of Operations

New York Beer Project
11.2020 - Current

General Manager

Legends Hospitality - Darien Lake Amphitheater
09.2017 - 11.2020

Operations Manager - Food Service/Retail

Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort
11.2014 - 09.2017

VIP/In-Seat Supervisor

Aramark - Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
01.2013 - 11.2014

Assistant Operations Manager - Food Service/Retail

Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort
04.2006 - 12.2012

Business Administration

St. Bonaventure University

Erie Community College
Charles Ferber