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
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
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
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
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