Gerardo Salazar
Fishers,IN
Summary
Dynamic Assistant Director of Operations at Levy-Indianapolis Motor Speedway / Gainbridge, recognized for expertise in strategic planning and execution. Successfully spearheaded operational initiatives that enhanced efficiency and elevated customer satisfaction ratings while implementing robust financial controls to minimize costs. Proven ability in logistics management, driving team development and achieving substantial process improvements.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Operations
Levy-Indianapolis Motor Speedway / Gainbridge
Indianapolis, IN
01.2017 - Current
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
- Managed day-to-day operations of a large staff in multiple departments.
- Coordinated activities between different departments to ensure successful completion of projects.
- Analyzed financial data to make informed decisions on cost savings initiatives.
- Provided leadership and guidance to subordinate managers and supervisors.
- Conducted performance reviews for direct reports and provided feedback for improvement opportunities.
- Implemented systems for monitoring employee attendance, scheduling, payroll.
- Developed training programs for new employees as well as existing staff members.
- Resolved customer service issues in a timely manner while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw the implementation of new technology solutions designed to streamline processes.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate stock was available at all times.
- Identified areas where process improvements could be made resulting in increased productivity.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, industry standards.
- Set goals and expectations for direct reports using performance review process, holding staff accountable.
- Assessed and evaluated business procedures and implemented structure to improve day-to-day operations.
- Recognized employees for demonstrating excellent service resulting in increased company morale.
- Analyzed data across variety of sources to identify trends, patterns and areas of opportunity.
- Developed and maintained client relationships to grow business and improve account retention.
- Enhanced customer service and satisfaction through policy and procedural changes.
- Contributed to organizational strategic direction to improve products and services.
- Successfully improved employment turnover through creating incentive and training programs.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Created effective business plans to focus strategic decisions on long-term objectives.
- Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
- Implemented campaigns and promotions to help with developing goods and services.
Director of Premium Service
Levy Restaurants-Banker life Fielhouse
Indianapolis, IN
09.2015 - 12.2017
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in operational performance metrics.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
- Reviewed internal reports and identified areas of risk or potential cost savings.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss progress and identify areas of improvement.
- Established processes to ensure efficient workflow throughout the organization.
- Initiated new projects that resulted in increased productivity across all departments.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to develop action plans for improving services offered.
- Organized special events such as conferences or training sessions for employees.
- Monitored staff performance and addressed issues.
- Trained employees on additional job positions to maintain coverage of roles.
Director of Catering
Levy Restaurants- Churchill Downs
Louisville, KY
11.2013 - 09.2015
- Developed and implemented catering policies, procedures, menus and pricing structures.
- Oversee all Premium Areas, Suites, Clubs, and Group Sales.
- Established customer service standards to ensure the highest level of satisfaction for guests.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in the kitchen areas.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
- Managed day-to-day operations of a large staff in multiple departments.
- Coordinated activities between different departments to ensure successful completion of projects.
- Analyzed financial data to make informed decisions on cost savings initiatives.
- Provided leadership and guidance to subordinate managers and supervisors.
- Maintained budgeting documents for accurate tracking of expenses.
- Conducted performance reviews for direct reports and provided feedback for improvement opportunities.
- Implemented systems for monitoring employee attendance, scheduling, payroll.
- Oversaw the implementation of new technology solutions designed to streamline processes.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate stock was available at all times.
Director of Catering
Levy Restaurants- Ravinia and Fulton' on the River
Chicago, IL
10.2008 - 10.2013
- Developed and implemented catering policies, procedures, menus and pricing structures.
- Established customer service standards to ensure the highest level of satisfaction for guests.
- Managed all aspects of day-to-day operations including scheduling, ordering supplies, overseeing staff and resolving customer complaints.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in the kitchen areas.
- Organized special events such as weddings, corporate meetings and holiday parties.
- Supervised team members in preparation of food items for various functions according to established recipes.
- Coordinated delivery schedules with vendors to ensure timely arrival of ingredients and products.
- Maintained accurate records of inventory levels, sales figures and financial transactions.
- Provided leadership through coaching, mentoring, motivating and developing team members.
- Monitored budgets regularly to ensure that expenses were kept within allocated limits.
- Assisted customers with selecting appropriate menus based on their budget constraints.
- Planned ahead to set catering budgets and goals, evaluated success via analytics and order tracker system and tracked catering trends with focus on quality and food cost controls.
- Worked with chefs to prepare custom menus, special meals, and featured beverages.
- Scheduled, organized and led food tastings to facilitate selections and surpass expectations.
- Prepared and led food service training programs to teach staff various tasks.
- Addressed and resolved customer complaints, ensuring a positive experience and fostering repeat business.
Director of Premium Services
Levy Restaurants- Spiaggia
Chicago, IL
06.2003 - 09.2008
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and maximize customer satisfaction.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
- Coordinated training activities for employees to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Implemented employee recognition programs to motivate staff members towards achieving organizational goals.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
- Trained employees on duties, policies and procedures.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired qualified staff for open positions.
- Supervised employees through planning, assignments, and direction.
- Recruited, trained and empowered employees to achieve key performance indicators.
- Administered employee discipline through verbal and written warnings.
- Guided management and supervisory staff to promote smooth operations.
- Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of associates and managers.
- Developed service and sales strategies to improve retention and revenue.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
Director of Catering
Levy Restaurants-Le Méridien Hotel
Chicago, IL
05.2001 - 06.2003
- Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for the company.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in operational performance metrics.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
- Created detailed plans outlining timelines, goals, budgets, staffing needs and other requirements for projects.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to identify trends in product performance or customer service issues.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers by responding promptly to inquiries or complaints.
- Partnered with staff to create professional development plans to support personal and business growth.
- Coordinated activities with other departments to expedite work and improve collaboration.
- Represented the organization at industry events, conferences, and public meetings.
- Facilitated professional development programs to build a high-performing team.
Director of Catering
Kimpton Monaco Chicago
Chicago, IL
02.1997 - 04.2001
- Developed and implemented catering policies, procedures, menus and pricing structures.
- Established customer service standards to ensure the highest level of satisfaction for guests.
- Managed all aspects of day-to-day operations including scheduling, ordering supplies, overseeing staff and resolving customer complaints.
- Created marketing strategies to promote catering services in order to maximize profits.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in the kitchen areas.
- Organized special events such as weddings, corporate meetings and holiday parties.
- Supervised team members in preparation of food items for various functions according to established recipes.
- Maintained accurate records of inventory levels, sales figures and financial transactions.
- Analyzed customer feedback surveys to identify opportunities for improvement in service quality.
- Trained new employees on relevant job duties such as food preparation techniques and customer service protocols.
- Provided leadership through coaching, mentoring, motivating and developing team members.
- Conducted regular performance reviews with staff members to assess strengths and weaknesses.
- Contributed ideas towards menu design by incorporating seasonal ingredients into dishes.
- Collaborated with other departments such as sales or marketing teams when necessary.
- Worked closely with chefs and cooks in order to create unique culinary experiences for guests.
- Grew business through outside catering sales, executed food deliveries to perfection and devised and implemented marketing and promotional campaigns.
- Collaborated with other sales personnel to solicit, negotiate and book new catering business, maintained contact with current accounts and arranged details of catering events.
- Worked with chefs to prepare custom menus, special meals, and featured beverages.
- Gathered customer requirements and worked with catering team in implementing specifications.
- Implemented rigorous quality control procedures to maintain high standards in food preparation and presentation.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing Practice
Richard Daley City College
Chicago, ILSkills
- Scheduling and coordination
- Logistics management
- Strategic planning and execution
- Leadership training
- Financial controls implementation
- Process improvements
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Accomplishments
- Levy-Dream Team 2019
Timeline
Assistant Director of Operations
Levy-Indianapolis Motor Speedway / Gainbridge
01.2017 - Current
Director of Premium Service
Levy Restaurants-Banker life Fielhouse
09.2015 - 12.2017
Director of Catering
Levy Restaurants- Churchill Downs
11.2013 - 09.2015
Director of Catering
Levy Restaurants- Ravinia and Fulton' on the River
10.2008 - 10.2013
Director of Premium Services
Levy Restaurants- Spiaggia
06.2003 - 09.2008
Director of Catering
Levy Restaurants-Le Méridien Hotel
05.2001 - 06.2003
Director of Catering
Kimpton Monaco Chicago
02.1997 - 04.2001
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing Practice
Richard Daley City College
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