Ephraim (Effi) Kahana
Cleveland,OH
Summary
Strategic Operations Leader with a proven record of optimizing logistics, transportation, warehouse workflows, multi-site operations, ERP/WMS systems, and enterprise-level administrative management. Experienced in leading large teams (350+ employees), driving cost-savings initiatives, installing operational software, redesigning warehouses, and implementing organization-wide process improvements. Adept at building strong cross-department collaboration, elevating performance metrics, and supporting executive leadership in scaling operations and improving profitability.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
POLLACK FOOD DISTRIBUTORS
Cleveland, OH
08.2024 - 11.2025
- Directed all warehouse, purchasing, transportation, equipment, and customer-facing operational functions.
- Implemented enterprise ERP and WMS system improvements that enhanced accuracy, accountability, and transparency.
- Led a full warehouse reorganization: slotted and barcoded all inventory, redesigned shelving systems, and eliminated obsolete stock.
- Oversaw inbound/outbound logistics, route optimization, transportation compliance, fleet oversight, and delivery performance.
- Implemented workflow automations that reduced expenses by over $75,000 per month.
- Strengthened vendor relationships, evaluated purchasing efficiency, and ensured consistent stock rotation.
- Created staff training standards, operational SOPs, and cross-team communication structures.
Transportation Manager → Operations Manager → Administrator
FREUND’S FISH MARKET
Brooklyn, NY
07.2022 - 08.2024
- Began by overseeing routing, dispatch, driver scheduling, fleet workflow, and departmental coordination.
- Implemented delivery management technology that improved on-time performance and reduced logistics costs.
- Promoted to Operations Manager, overseeing two retail stores, including staffing, supply flow, and day-to-day execution.
- Advanced to Administrator, managing operations for 350+ employees company-wide across multiple divisions.
- Standardized reporting, communication, compliance procedures, and operational technology.
- Acted as a cross-department liaison between HR, transportation, production, purchasing, retail, and administrative leadership.
- Managed scheduling and routing for delivery vehicles, optimizing travel efficiency.
Operations / Restaurant Manager
THE ICE CREAM HOUSE
Brooklyn, NY
04.2018 - 07.2022
- Directed multi-function daily operations, including staffing, training, scheduling, and frontline service execution.
- Implemented new POS platforms, digital ordering tools, and inventory tracking processes.
- Improved workflow efficiency through reorganized floor plans, operational SOPs, and cross-team communication.
- Managed vendor relationships, supply purchasing, inventory controls, and cost-management processes.
- Built high-performance teams, conducted leadership coaching, and maintained regulatory compliance.
- Directed daily operations to ensure efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices for food safety and customer engagement.
Office Manager
YOELY BOY / CITI COLLISION
Brooklyn Ny
05.2015 - 04.2018
- Managed trucking logistics, including dispatch, routing, delivery coordination, and independent driver onboarding.
- Maintained fleet safety compliance, inspection records, and operational documentation.
- Prepared DMV filings, insurance submissions, leasing documents, and executive administrative support.
- Oversaw workflow organization and implemented structured documentation processes.
Skills
- Strategic Operations Planning
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Organizational Development
- KPI Tracking & Performance Measurement
- Process Optimization & SOP Development
- Change Management
- Cost Reduction Strategy
- Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Vendor & Contract Negotiation
- Budget Awareness & Cost Controls
- ERP Systems
- WMS Systems
- Warehouse Slotting & Barcoding
- POS Platforms
- Transportation Routing Tools
- Digital Ordering Tools
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Cloud-Based Operational Dashboards
- Data-Driven Reporting Tools
- ERP & WMS Systems
- Warehouse Optimization
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Team Leadership
- Organizational Efficiency
- Fleet & Transportation Oversight
- Client Relations
- Vendor Management
- Scheduling & Staff Coordination
- Internal loss prevention
- Warehouse operations
- Transportation regulations
- Safety management
- Route planning
- Fleet management
- Route optimization
- Performance maximization
- Business workflows
- Process integration
- Warehouse logistics
- Forklift trainer and operator
Accomplishments
- Saved the company approximately $75,000 am month by renegotiating contracts and work efficiency
- Reduced operational expenses by 15% by streamlining branch operations.
Languages
English
Yiddish
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Reduced operational expenses by more than $75,000 per month through system automation, workflow restructuring, and purchasing optimization., Successfully reorganized and barcoded full warehouses, improving inventory accuracy and pick-speed efficiency., Implemented ERP/WMS platforms that improved cross-department visibility and strengthened analytical reporting., Managed operations for 350+ employees across retail, warehouse, transportation, HR, purchasing, and production departments., Built, trained, and led high-performing teams across multiple organizations, improving retention and productivity.
Timeline
Operations Manager
POLLACK FOOD DISTRIBUTORS
08.2024 - 11.2025
Transportation Manager → Operations Manager → Administrator
FREUND’S FISH MARKET
07.2022 - 08.2024
Operations / Restaurant Manager
THE ICE CREAM HOUSE
04.2018 - 07.2022
Office Manager
YOELY BOY / CITI COLLISION
05.2015 - 04.2018