Erwin Arzola
Casselberry,FL
Summary
Operations and leadership professional with over 11 years of experience in budget management, staff training, and efficiency enhancement in high-volume settings. Expertise in vendor negotiations, cost control, and successful project execution, demonstrated by a strong track record of launching new business initiatives. Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, MarginEdge, and various inventory systems. Open to remote roles in operations, project management, or client success.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager (Head Chef Role)
Umi Japanese Resturant
Winter Park, FL
04.2025 - Current
- Lead daily operations, including hiring, scheduling, and cost management.
- Manage vendor relations, ordering, and multi-department workflow.
- Drive menu and process innovations to improve efficiency and service.
Senior Operations Lead (Executive Chef Role)
DUNE by Laurent Tourondel
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
01.2022 - 03.2025
- Oversaw budgets, scheduling, and inventory across departments.
- Negotiated vendor pricing, reducing costs and waste.
- Trained and mentored 15+ employees; supported new restaurant launch.
- Collaborated with kitchen team to streamline food preparation processes.
- Developed training materials for staff development and onboarding programs.
Leadership Roles – Chef & Sous Chef
Starr Restaurants(W Hotel), Benihana, Sushi Garage
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
11.2014 - 01.2022
- Managed teams in high-volume environments, focusing on training, compliance, and operations.
- Supported openings, special events, and process improvements.
- Monitored food preparation methods, portion sizes and garnishing of dishes to ensure that food was prepared in accordance with the restaurant's recipes and presentation standards.
- Instructed cooks and other workers in preparation, cooking, garnishing and presentation of food
Skills
- Vendor management
- Cost control and budgeting
- Menu innovation
- Inventory management
- Staff training and development
- Operations management
- Project coordination
- Client relations
- Microsoft 365 proficiency
- Communication and leadership skills
Certification
- ServSafe Food Safety Manager – Valid through 2038
Timeline
Operations Manager (Head Chef Role)
Umi Japanese Resturant
04.2025 - Current
Senior Operations Lead (Executive Chef Role)
DUNE by Laurent Tourondel
01.2022 - 03.2025
Leadership Roles – Chef & Sous Chef
Starr Restaurants(W Hotel), Benihana, Sushi Garage
11.2014 - 01.2022