Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
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James Donneruno

James Donneruno

Orlando,FL

Summary

Operations Manager with a proven history of enhancing operational effectiveness to increase productivity and reduce costs. Demonstrates a strategic, results-oriented mindset that aligns with corporate goals. Expertise in process optimization, team leadership, and performance management contributes to sustainable organizational growth. Results-driven individual with a solid track record in delivering quality work. Passionate about continuous learning and professional development.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Franchise Support

TGI Fridays
Orlando, FL
07.2024 - Current
  • Primary liaison between TGI Fridays, Inc. And franchise owners/operators, supporting all franchise organizations.
  • Oversaw a team responsible for delivering EBITDA, sales growth, and operational excellence through partnership with franchisees to grow their businesses.
  • Partnered with corporate marketing to develop customized, local marketing plans, resulting in a 5% sales improvement in struggling markets.
  • Responsible for facilitating quarterly business reviews with each franchise owner and principal operator, offering guidance on tools and resources available to improve overall performance.
  • Conducted brand standards reviews in all franchise locations, and worked with franchise Multi-Unit Leaders to develop corrective action plans as needed. These reviews resulted in profit improvement in the cost of goods by 2.5%.

General Manager

TGI Fridays
Orlando, FLA
06.2023 - 07.2024
  • Lead a team of managers and team members to deliver operational excellence, resulting in increased guest counts, sales, profits, and growth. Increase sales by 12% through local store marketing, improvement in guest experience, and speed of service.
  • Ensured all decisions and actions aligned with the company playbook and guiding principles at all times.
  • Responsible for selecting, coaching, and developing all new managers and team members. During this time, I was able to reduce turnover from 145% to 86%.
  • Certified as a Center of Excellence restaurant to train new managers and above, restaurant leaders. During this time, I was able to train eight managers for the market and help with the interview and selection process with my Director of Operations.

Director of Human Resources

TGI Fridays
Orlando, FL
03.2023 - 06.2023
  • Facilitated communication between management regarding staffing plans. Conducted bi-weekly calls with outlining restaurants to improve their overall staffing needs.
  • Supported recruitment, hiring, and interview processes.
  • Partnered with department heads to determine necessary improvements.
  • Conducted thorough investigations into workplace harassment complaints.
  • Led staffing activities to secure qualified candidates.

Director of Recruitment

TGI Fridays
Orlando, FL
02.2022 - 03.2023
  • Coach and assist managers on effective interviewing techniques. Conduct a training session during the director meetings.
  • Engaged in career fairs to enhance the company's brand visibility and attract talent.
  • Worked with leadership teams to address staffing requirements quickly.
  • Conducted interviews and reference checks for candidates.
  • Coordinated the onboarding process to ensure efficient background checks and paperwork completion.
  • Developed job postings across multiple platforms, which included LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
  • Played an active role in the selection and onboarding of new employees.

L&D Manager

TGI Fridays
Orlando, FL
08.2021 - 02.2022
  • Part of a team that integrated a virtual brand (Krispy Rice) into our restaurant. Over this time frame, I opened 21 virtual kitchens throughout the Mid-Atlantic and West Coast. The AUV average was an additional sales increase of $1,800.
  • Designed and delivered training workshops, seminars, and presentations.
  • Restructured the New Store Opening smallwares opening order, reducing supply costs by $30K per opening.
  • Facilitated boot camps that result in reduced food costs in all locations participating.

Education

Business Administration

Davis And Elkins
Elkins, WV

Skills

  • Financial Evaluation
  • Problem-solving
  • Recruitment Proficiency
  • Guest Relations Management
  • Business planning
  • Team Building
  • Change Implementation Strategies
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Process improvement
  • Relationship building
  • Hiring and retention
  • Multitasking and organization
  • Operations management
  • Staff development
  • Strong Communication Skills
  • Decision-making

Accomplishments

  • Order of Golden Rose Award
  • General Manager of the Year
  • Sales Achievement Award
  • Communication Leadership Award

Certification

  • ServSafe Food Protection
  • Coverdale
  • InsideOut Coaching
  • Restaurant Management/Food & Beverage
  • Servant Leadership

Timeline

Director of Franchise Support

TGI Fridays
07.2024 - Current

General Manager

TGI Fridays
06.2023 - 07.2024

Director of Human Resources

TGI Fridays
03.2023 - 06.2023

Director of Recruitment

TGI Fridays
02.2022 - 03.2023

L&D Manager

TGI Fridays
08.2021 - 02.2022

Business Administration

Davis And Elkins

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James Donneruno