Gabriel Velez
Woodstock ,GA
Summary
Highly accomplished, results-driven professional with proven track record in overseeing strategic customer service, team leadership, sales, and administrative management functions, driving growth and exceeding revenue targets in hospitality and retail industry. Credible history of success in building strong relationships and exceeding revenue targets. Dynamic, strategic leader, skilled in identifying new business opportunities and driving sustainable growth in competitive markets. Persuasive communicator/negotiator, adept at closing deals and cultivating partnerships with key stakeholders. Consistently surpass sales goals while upholding highest standards of professionalism/integrity. Excellence in inventory management, monitoring goods, and ordering processes to maintain optimal stock.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Store Manager
Lidl Grocery US
01.2018 - Current
- Manage/supervise team of up to 35 members daily, cultivating motivated and high-performing workforce.
- Demonstrate expertise in inventory management, monitoring goods in, goods out, and ordering processes to maintain optimal stock levels.
- Supervise overall organization merchandising of store, ensuring freshness and cleanliness, enhancing customer experience, and driving repeat business.
- Strategically created weekly schedules based on business needs and team availability, ensuring seamless operations/optimal staffing.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives and managed expenses effectively, contributing to substantial reduction in operational costs.
- Fostered a positive and productive team environment, empowering employees to excel and contribute to store's success.
- Drove (KPIs) through development of a culture that prioritized high store standards and adherence to correct processes.
- Generated boost in product sales/customer retention by proactively analyzing market trends and customer preferences.
- Successfully resolved customer complaints and concerns, maintaining optimal customer satisfaction rate.
Sous Chef
Porch Light Latin Kitchen
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Directed culinary team in crafting innovative Latin-inspired dishes, elevating the restaurant's menu offerings.
- Coordinated food preparation and presentation, ensuring adherence to high standards of quality and safety.
- Streamlined kitchen workflows, enhancing collaboration among staff and optimizing service delivery during peak hours.
- Led training sessions for kitchen staff, fostering skill development and promoting a culture of excellence.
Sous Chef
Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, Buckhead Diner
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Developed seasonal menus by analyzing customer feedback and market trends to drive guest satisfaction.
- Cultivated relationships with local suppliers, securing fresh ingredients that support sustainability initiatives within the kitchen.
- Implemented rigorous sanitation protocols, ensuring compliance with health regulations and maintaining a safe work environment.
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
Saucier, Line Cook
Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, Kyma
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Directed kitchen operations, ensuring timely food preparation and exceptional presentation to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Coordinated team training sessions, fostering skill development and promoting a culture of culinary excellence.
- Managed inventory processes, optimizing stock levels while reducing waste and maintaining high-quality standards.
- Implemented strict sanitation protocols, guaranteeing compliance with health regulations and promoting kitchen safety.
- Oversaw quality control measures in food preparation, ensuring adherence to high standards across all dishes.
- Maintained high-quality food standards by ensuring consistent execution of recipes and presentation techniques.
Pastry Chef
Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, Nava
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Crafted and executed innovative pastry designs, enhancing dessert offerings and elevating customer dining experiences.
- Managed inventory control processes for pastry ingredients, optimizing stock levels while minimizing waste effectively.
- Developed and implemented rigorous quality control measures, ensuring consistency and high standards across all pastries.
- Effectively managed multiple tasks simultaneously during high-volume periods, maintaining consistent quality across all products.
- Consistently met tight deadlines for special orders, ensuring client satisfaction and repeat business.
Education
Associates Degree - Baking and Pastry Arts
Johnson & Wales University
Charlotte, North CarolinaBachelors Degree - Hotel and Restaurant Management
Johnson & Wales University
Charlotte, North CarolinaSkills
- Cost-saving Initiatives
- Training & Development
- Market Trends Analysis
- Strategic Team Leadership
- Schedule Management
- Key Performance Indicators
- Performance Oversight
- Customer Satisfaction
- Merchandising Operations
- Cross-functional Support
- Revenue Optimization
- Inventory Management
Websites
Certification
ServSafe Certified, 2018- Present
Affiliations
- National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, 2008-Present
- American Culinary Federation, Member, 2009-Present
Timeline
Store Manager
Lidl Grocery US
01.2018 - Current
Sous Chef
Porch Light Latin Kitchen
01.2017 - 01.2018
Sous Chef
Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, Buckhead Diner
01.2015 - 01.2017
Saucier, Line Cook
Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, Kyma
01.2012 - 01.2015
Pastry Chef
Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, Nava
01.2011 - 01.2012
Associates Degree - Baking and Pastry Arts
Johnson & Wales University
Bachelors Degree - Hotel and Restaurant Management
Johnson & Wales University