Derek Trahan
Hammond,LA
Summary
Performance-oriented Sales Leader offering exceptional record of achievement over a 18-year career in the Food Service business. Tenacious manager with a strategic and analytical approach to solving problems, bringing in customers and accomplishing profit targets. Talented in identifying and capitalizing on emerging market trends and revenue opportunities. Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Director
Starboard Group (McAlister's Deli Franchise)
10.2021 - Current
- Conducted competitor analysis to highlight competitor strengths and weaknesses and forecast projected business.
- Analyzed financial performance of area by monitoring budgets and expenses, reviewing financial statements and recommending appropriate actions.
- Performed audits to reduce and control loss and meet internal audit and compliance objectives.
- Conducted routine inspections to check quality and compliance with established specifications.
- Determined performance benchmarks and completed ongoing evaluation of employee work.
- Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, training, and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.
- Prepared, calibrated, and monitored production levels to achieve targets.
- Tracked hours and inventory usage, and prepared associated reports.
- Planned sequence of operations and established schedule.
- Processed orders and issued documentation.
- Maintained clean and well-organized production areas to avoid violations or unnecessary work delays due to hazards or inefficient layouts.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
Senior Area Catering Sales Manager
McAlister's Deli Corporation
10.2013 - 10.2021
- Performed service and menu upgrades and upselling activities to meet predetermined revenue objectives.
- Organized corporate meetings, special events and social occasions to satisfy client requirements and increase facility revenue volumes.
- Installed Monkey Media at all Corporate locations and trained all managers on how to operate Monkey store consoles.
- Trained all locations on Aloha POS system.
- Managed 4 Salaried Area Catering Managers that each had 6 to 10 locations. Helped create marketing plans and developed sales goals for all managers to initiate at their individual locations.
- Assisted on 6 New Store Openings and did LRM marketing plan week prior to drive revenue.
General Manager
Sweet Peppers Deli
05.2012 - 09.2013
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision and long-range planning.
- Reduced costs, managed delivery schedules and performed risk analysis to improve overall profitability.
- Applied performance data to evaluate and improve operations, target current business conditions and forecast needs.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
General Manager
Backyard Burger
12.2010 - 05.2012
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Delivered business strategy and developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules and contract negotiations.
- Worked in fast-paced environment with sense of urgency to serve guests quickly.
General Manager
McAlister's Deli
08.2005 - 12.2010
- Gathered employee data to develop monthly work schedules, enabling proper staffing for all departments for each shift.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision and long-range planning.
- Set, enforced and optimized internal policies to maintain responsiveness to demands.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures and technology systems.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
Education
Business Administration
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TNAssociate of Arts - Meat Merchandising And Processing
Jones County Junior College
Ellisville, MSSkills
- Handling Complaints
- Directing Team Members
- Disciplinary Action
- Vendor Relationships
- Sales team recruitment
- Client acquisition
- Sales generation
- Sales strategy
- Marketing campaign development
- Accomplished manager
- Strategic planning
- Extensive personal network
- Systems and software programs
- Business development and planning
Accomplishments
- Won the Red Shoe Award from Corporate McAlister's in 2015.
- Received MVP of Corporate McAlisters in 2019.
Timeline
Area Director
Starboard Group (McAlister's Deli Franchise)
10.2021 - Current
Senior Area Catering Sales Manager
McAlister's Deli Corporation
10.2013 - 10.2021
General Manager
Sweet Peppers Deli
05.2012 - 09.2013
General Manager
Backyard Burger
12.2010 - 05.2012
General Manager
McAlister's Deli
08.2005 - 12.2010
Business Administration
Middle Tennessee State University
Associate of Arts - Meat Merchandising And Processing
Jones County Junior College
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