Jeff Walla
Spring Lake,NJ
Summary
Food service professional with 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Proven ability to manage all aspects of food service operations, financial management and business Acumen. Looking to obtain a leadership position in a premiere organization with an opportunity for personal growth and professional development.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dining Services Coordinator (New Development)
Sunrise Senior Living
09.2023 - Current
- Trained new staff members on proper food handling techniques and safety protocols for consistent service delivery.
- Implemented creative marketing strategies to attract new customers, resulting in increased daily foot traffic for the establishment.
- Organized special events such as themed nights or holiday dinners, enhancing guest experiences and generating repeat business.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement in service standards.
- Oversaw budget management for the dining services department, identifying opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality.
- Assisted in menu planning by analyzing sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions regarding future offerings.
- Contributed to the establishment''s positive reputation with exceptional customer service, leading to increased word-of-mouth referrals and repeat clientele.
Regional Director of Dining
Sunrise Senior Living
03.2022 - 09.2023
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new products and services, meeting customer demands while driving revenue growth.
- Implemented robust performance management systems to identify areas for improvement and support employee development.
- Delivered comprehensive training programs to build highly skilled teams capable of delivering on company goals and objectives.
- Motivated employees through effective communication, recognition programs, and tailored incentive structures that aligned with corporate objectives.
- Championed organizational culture change initiatives that fostered collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.
- Managed the integration of new acquisitions, ensuring a smooth transition and alignment with the overall strategic vision.
Dining Services Coordinator
Sunrise Senior Living
03.2018 - 03.2022
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and efficient meal services in the dining area.
- Managed inventory effectively to minimize food spoilage and reduce costs.
- Streamlined food preparation processes for improved quality and reduced waste.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement in service standards.
- Oversaw budget management for the dining services department, identifying opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality.
- Assisted in menu planning by analyzing sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions regarding future offerings.
Director of Nutritional services
The Atrium at Navesink Harbor
07.2016 - 03.2018
- Direct the overall dining operation of an upscale independent and long term care retirement community
- Provide an exceptional dining experience for all a la cart, special functions and marketing events for possible new resident move ins and tours
- Plan and coordinate the LIVWELL program for the residents to promote clean and healthy eating by introducing monthly super food offerings to coincide with their meal choices on a daily basis
- Managed establishment finances, including counting cash and receipts and completing bank deposits
- Brought in new business by creating specialty dishes and capitalizing on marketing opportunities
- Met strict quality standards, continuously monitoring food handling and safety.
Executive Chef (Compass group)
Trinitas Regional Medical Center
05.2014 - 07.2016
- Monitored and coordinated the day to day operations of a high volume kitchen to assure that the maximum quality was being offered to patients, families and guests
- Contributed in the planning of budgets and improvement programs based on the department's goals and objectives
- Procured super foods and local organic products that contributed to the wellness of patient services
- Planned and executed off site programs for the local YMCA educating families about healthy cooking using garden grown vegetable
- Planned and directed a $1.5 million dollar retail renovation in the hospital that caters to administration, doctors, staff & visitors
- Met operational, financial, and service goals consistently based on skilled staffing assessments and adjustments
- Boosted staff performance by continuously monitoring daily production.
Regional food service director
Meridian Quality Care
04.2010 - 05.2014
- Responsible for overseeing the food service programs for five assisted living programs in Monmouth, Somerset and ocean counties
- Implemented policies & procedures, DOH compliance for the certificate of occupancy
- Created vendor relationships for the procurement of all new equipment, small-ware's and perishable goods
- Successfully developed and modified staffing schedules that adhered to budget guidelines during the start up periods for all newly hired team members
- Elevated team productivity and performance using improved training and motivational strategies
- Maintained consistently high customer satisfaction ratings through proactive service management strategies.
Food Service Director
Hackensack Meridian Health Nursing & Rehabilitation - Brick
04.2006 - 04.2010
- Directed the daily kitchen operations of a 137 bed sub acute nursing & rehab facility
- Instituted a sit and dine program in both sub acute and long term care units, providing wait staff in a restaurant style atmosphere
- Created a new four week cycle menu and an always available menu with healthier option made from scratch with fresh ingredients
- Controlled costs with effective supply management and monitoring of food use
- Met strict quality standards, continuously monitoring food handling and safety
- Developed solid relationships with staff, customers, and vendors.
Club House Manager
Rumson Country Club
11.2000 - 04.2006
- Responsible for the execution of all banquet and a la carte functions of the club for membership to include but not limited to weddings, theme inspired parties, holiday buffets and candle light dinners
- Controlled labor costs by streamlining work flows based on expected demands
- Planned and developed operational budgets to include the main club house and a brand new sailing and pool club in excess of $ 6.5 million dollars annually
- Executed the final planning of membership requests to ensure that all aspects of a function were met
- Met customer demands by tracking market changes and adapting strategies to match.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI05.1997
Skills
- Proficient in online ordering platforms, inventory management systems and Points of service
- Operations Management
- KPI Tracking
- Data Analysis
- Inventory Management
- Cost Control
- Client Account Management
- Finance and Accounting Oversight
- Management Team Building
- Expanding & advancing opportunities
- Leading through vision & values
Accomplishments
- CERTIFIED ASSISTED LIVING ADMINISTRATOR
- CERTIFIED DIETARY MANAGER (2006)
- SERVSAFE (2015)
- ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER FOR THE CDM PROGRAM @ UMDNJ
- JAMES BEARD AWARD "BEST REGIONAL RESTAURANT"
Additional Information
Open to relocation
Hobbies and Interests
- Fishing
- Golfing
Certification
- CDM, CFPP, Association of nutrition and food Service Professionals - 2006
Timeline
Dining Services Coordinator (New Development)
Sunrise Senior Living
09.2023 - Current
Regional Director of Dining
Sunrise Senior Living
03.2022 - 09.2023
Dining Services Coordinator
Sunrise Senior Living
03.2018 - 03.2022
Director of Nutritional services
The Atrium at Navesink Harbor
07.2016 - 03.2018
Executive Chef (Compass group)
Trinitas Regional Medical Center
05.2014 - 07.2016
Regional food service director
Meridian Quality Care
04.2010 - 05.2014
Food Service Director
Hackensack Meridian Health Nursing & Rehabilitation - Brick
04.2006 - 04.2010
Club House Manager
Rumson Country Club
11.2000 - 04.2006
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University