Jamie Ward
Coatsburg,IL
Summary
Proven leader in the culinary and management sectors, excelling in kitchen organization and employee supervision at TGI Fridays Franchise. Spearheaded initiatives that significantly enhanced operational efficiency and food safety standards, achieving substantial growth in customer satisfaction and sales. Expert in menu development and training management, consistently fostering team excellence and innovation. Diligent Cook possessing excellent cooking skills and strong knowledge of food safety. Proficient in maintaining well-stocked, organized and clean kitchen areas to maximize productivity. Dedicated team player with punctual nature and open communication style dedicated to working hard.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Cook
Blessing Health System
05.2021 - 05.2024
- Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
- Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
- Took over line positions in event of emergency.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Supervised line cooks to monitor food safety and order accuracy.
- Consistently met or exceeded health code standards by enforcing strict sanitation practices throughout the kitchen area.
General Manager
Fazoli's Restaurant
11.2014 - 04.2021
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
General Manager
TGI Fridays Franchise
02.2011 - 06.2014
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Implemented robust inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste/costs associated with excess product storage.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to create competitive advantages.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
Cafeteria Manager
JWCC
07.2005 - 07.2010
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
- Recruited trained, and supervised staff to ensure exceptional customer service in a fast-paced setting.
- Used software to analyze daily financial statements, balance statements and reimbursable meals.
- Created training materials for new hires to ensure consistent knowledge of policies and procedures across the team.
- Implemented new marketing strategies for increasing daily sales volume and attracting more customers.
- Monitored cash handling procedures closely, ensuring accuracy in transactions and reducing instances of theft or fraud.
- Inspected kitchen appliances, equipment and work areas to verify functional operation and cleanliness.
- Delegated daily staff responsibilities and job duties to improve quality of service, individual accountability and sanitary standards.
- Conducted counts of ingredients and items in kitchen and storage areas to maintain accurate inventory counts.
- Collaborated with vendors to negotiate contracts, ensuring the best quality products at competitive prices.
- Implemented innovative ideas for special events or promotions that increased community engagement within the cafeteria.
- Managed budgets, analyzing financial data to make informed decisions on purchasing and menu pricing.
Education
No Degree - Culinary Arts
John Wood Community College
Quincy, IL05.2005
GED -
James River Education Center
Bismarck, ND08.2001
Skills
- Meal Preparation
- Kitchen Management
- Food Safety
- Kitchen Organization
- Training Management
- Menu development
- Food inventory management
- Crew training
- Scheduling
- Spoilage prevention
- Special diets
- Employee Supervision
References
Willie Tortia, Owner Fifth Day LLC. TGI Friday's Franchise (309)696-7185
Duane McIntyre, Owner Fazoli's 5037 Franchise (217)242-5037
Gary Bracy, John Wood Community College (217)224-8772
Allison Dietrich, John Wood Community College (217)577-1188
Kiersten Rigg, Blessing Health System (217)779-5015
Jan Hummel (217)653-5573
Timeline
Lead Cook
Blessing Health System
05.2021 - 05.2024
General Manager
Fazoli's Restaurant
11.2014 - 04.2021
General Manager
TGI Fridays Franchise
02.2011 - 06.2014
Cafeteria Manager
JWCC
07.2005 - 07.2010
No Degree - Culinary Arts
John Wood Community College
GED -
James River Education Center
Similar Profiles
Tiffany WhiteTiffany White
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department at Blessing Health SystemRegistered Nurse, Emergency Department at Blessing Health System
Ravi SinhaRavi Sinha
Resident Physician at Blessing Health SystemResident Physician at Blessing Health System
Penny ReelPenny Reel
Medical Assistant at Blessing Health SystemMedical Assistant at Blessing Health System