Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Jay Farren

Summary

Dynamic leader with extensive experience in hospitality and catering management, notably with American Airlines. Excelled in enhancing food safety and culinary standards, achieving significant waste reduction through efficient inventory practices. Skilled in staff leadership and problem-solving, fostering team collaboration and driving revenue growth. Proven track record in operational excellence and customer satisfaction, embodying top-tier service promotion and strategic planning skills.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Regional Catering Manager

American Airlines
01.2023 - Current

Regional Catering Manager responsible for ensuring all caterers meet American Airlines culinary and food safety standards.

Audit kitchens for food safety and recipe standards with unannounced audits monthly.

Work with vendor to ensure all products are meeting standards.

Hold caterers accountable for timeliness on catering aircraft. Verify through safety audits that caterers are safely catering all aircraft following American Airlines safety protocols.

  • Developed and conducted staff training programs, enhancing team skills and service levels.
  • Reduced waste and optimized resource use by introducing efficient inventory management practices.

Managing Partner

Chili's Bar and Grill
11.2006 - 12.2022
  • Negotiated high-value contracts with clients, securing profitable partnerships for the company.
  • Established and implemented business procedures and process improvements.
  • Mentored junior staff members, resulting in a more cohesive team and increased overall performance.
  • Spearheaded successful client engagements resulting in repeat business and positive referrals from satisfied clients.
  • Oversaw financial management of the firm, including budgeting, forecasting, and analysis, ensuring fiscal responsibility and profitability.
  • Optimized resource allocation, reducing operational costs while maintaining service quality standards.
  • Led recruitment efforts to attract top talent, contributing to a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting client demands effectively.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive organizational improvements and meet strategic objectives.
  • Established clear communication channels within the organization, fostering collaboration among team members towards shared goals.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members to ensure alignment with company goals and foster professional development.
  • Championed change management initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency without compromising on service quality or employee satisfaction.
  • Managed restaurant scheduling, foodservice and customer service.
  • Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff development through training programs and workshops.
  • Audited kitchen and front of house to guarantee cost-effectiveness of restaurant.
  • Managed complex projects across multiple departments, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
  • Introduced comprehensive training program for staff, boosting skill levels and fostering knowledgeable and efficient workforce.
  • Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.

Manager

Chili's Bar and Grill
07.1999 - 11.2006
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
  • Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.

Restaurant Manager/In Room Dining Manager

Quality Hotel and Resort
01.1997 - 08.1998
  • Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
  • Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
  • Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
  • Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
  • Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
  • Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
  • Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
  • Promoted a positive work environment with proactive conflict resolution strategies and team-building activities.
  • Conducted performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas of improvement while recognizing outstanding achievements as well.
  • Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
  • Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
  • Ensured compliance with local health department regulations through regular staff training sessions and facility inspections.
  • Conducted health, safety, and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
  • Fostered an inclusive atmosphere with open communication channels for all employees to voice concerns or suggestions freely.

Room Service Supervisor

Wigwam Golf Resort
09.1990 - 10.1996
  • Reviewed daily sales reports to monitor revenue goals and identify areas for improvement in the room service department.
  • Provided clear direction and guidance to team members, fostering a positive work environment conducive to growth and development.
  • Coordinated special event setups as needed, collaborating with catering or banquet teams to fulfill requirements accurately.
  • Managed inventory levels to minimize waste while maintaining adequate supplies for daily operations.
  • Maximized team efficiency by delegating tasks according to individual strengths and capabilities.
  • Continuously improved processes within the department by identifying areas of opportunity and implementing solutions to address them.
  • Facilitated open communication channels within the department, promoting a collaborative work environment where ideas were shared freely.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving room service complaints and concerns.
  • Handled escalated guest issues professionally, working towards swift resolutions that satisfied all parties involved.
  • Collaborated with other departments to ensure smooth workflow between front-of-house and back-of-house teams.
  • Ensured timely delivery of all orders by closely monitoring progress from order placement through delivery completion.
  • Developed strong relationships with team members through effective communication and collaboration.

Education

High School Diploma -

Tolleson Union High School
Tolleson, AZ
05-1990

Skills

  • Event planning proficiency
  • Staff leadership
  • Food safety
  • File management
  • Sanitation standards
  • Staff supervision
  • Revenue growth
  • Staff scheduling
  • Food presentation
  • Portion control
  • ServSafe manager
  • Order documentation
  • Inventory management
  • Service promotion
  • Portioning
  • Food and beverage costing
  • Kitchen staff leadership
  • Schedule control
  • Food and beverage sales
  • Menu tastings
  • Attendance oversight
  • Critical thinking
  • Food plating and presentation
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Problem-solving
  • Training and onboarding
  • Customer service
  • Work Planning and Prioritization
  • Reliable and responsible
  • Safe food handling
  • Team leadership
  • Delegating assignments and tasks
  • Kitchen staff coordination
  • Money handling
  • Quality control
  • Employee supervision
  • Quality assurance
  • Recruitment and hiring
  • Performance improvement
  • Relationship building
  • Managing reservations and large parties
  • Operations management
  • Back of house management
  • Recruitment
  • Supply ordering and management
  • Monitoring food preparation
  • Scheduling
  • Strategic planning
  • ServSafe food manager

Accomplishments

  • Achieved 65% more audits 2022 to 2023 resulting in improved passenger experience, better costs and overall improvement year over year.
  • Supervised team of 18 different kitchens throughout the system.
  • Managed big events with high profile attendance and flights from the Super Bowl, Formula One and Consumer Electronics Show.

Certification

  • ServeSafe Manager Certified for both FoodService and Alcohol Service.
  • Proctor for training both

Timeline

Regional Catering Manager

American Airlines
01.2023 - Current

Managing Partner

Chili's Bar and Grill
11.2006 - 12.2022

Manager

Chili's Bar and Grill
07.1999 - 11.2006

Restaurant Manager/In Room Dining Manager

Quality Hotel and Resort
01.1997 - 08.1998

Room Service Supervisor

Wigwam Golf Resort
09.1990 - 10.1996

High School Diploma -

Tolleson Union High School
Jay Farren