Jennifer Guptill
Kittery,Maine
Summary
To find meaningful employment with a dynamic team that challenges the status quo and thrives in results-oriented environments. As a dedicated and focused food industry specialist with over 15 years of experience, I excel at prioritizing and completing multiple tasks simultaneously with achievable goals. As a high-achieving management professional, I offer excellent communication and detail-oriented organizational systems to facilitate and innovate solutions through efficiencies. I am a high-energy professional with talent for leading by example and inspiring peak performance by fostering strong effective team relationships.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager
Food & Beverage Industry
08.2023 - Current
- Implementing core systems and curated hospitality programs for several projects in the greater Seacoast area including restaurants, upscale markets and bakeries.
- Establishing vendor relationships with management ensuring timely delivery of products within budget parameters.
- Providing innovative solutions and efficiencies for existing programs.
- Designing effective communication strategies between internal departments, vendors and customers for growth.
Director of Operations & Purchasing
Hearth Food Garden
Portsmouth, NH
01.2022 - 08.2023
- Opening team leader for 17,000 square foot food hall in downtown Portsmouth
- Defined and refined all operational systems by providing tools for each department to be successful including communications, purchasing, receiving, POS system, scheduling, payroll, facilities management, etc
- Selected local industry professionals, vendors, suppliers, growers, and artisans that aligned with our core values
- Fostered positive relationships between our suppliers and vendors with front of the house and back of the house leaders to create a cohesive team.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
- Reviewed contracts with vendors to ensure compliance with regulations and terms and conditions.
- Created policies and procedures for improved workflow processes.
- Managed day-to-day operations of a large staff in multiple departments.
- Provided leadership and guidance to subordinate managers and supervisors.
Director of Purchasing
GOOD TO-GO
Kittery, ME
06.2016 - 09.2022
- Directly recruited by former colleague as efficiencies consultant; promoted to Director of Purchasing to scale up operations for leading dehydrated meal brand in the outdoor lifestyle food manufacturing industry.
- Developed and implemented purchasing policies and procedures.
- Analyzed current purchasing contracts to identify cost savings opportunities.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with suppliers to ensure best quality and value for the organization.
- Established relationships with key vendors, ensuring quality products and services are delivered on time at competitive prices.
- Responsible for product development and securing strong vendor relationships to ensure quality control, food costs and fluidity of supply chain.
- Managed inventory levels, monitored stock availability, and identified potential shortages (especially during COVID) in a timely manner.
- Conducted research into new products, vendors, and processes in collaboration with our marketing team to expand brand offerings.
- Coordinated shipping schedules with freight forwarders or transportation companies in order to minimize delivery delays.
- Collaborated with internal departments such as finance, logistics, manufacturing, marketing, and sales to identify needs and provide solutions related to purchasing or product issues.
Director of Operations
PEPPERRELL COVE
Kittery Point, ME
04.2019 - 03.2020
- Established collaborative culture with owners, board of directors and staff to instill positive work environment.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures for all restaurant operations to ensure compliance with health regulations and quality control standards.
- Supervised and managed the daily operations of the food and beverage department, including staff scheduling, inventory control, cost management, menu planning and customer service.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers in order to secure discounts on bulk orders of food and beverage items.
- Maintained excellent communication between front-of-house staff and back-of-house staff in order to provide efficient service throughout the entire dining experience.
Hospitality and Event Consultant
THE BUNGALOW CLUB
Exeter, NH
04.2018 - 03.2020
- Consulted on all opening aspects for a private club including hiring lead staff: General Manager, Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director.
- Developed employee manual, fine dining service standards, private event program as well as an inspired monthly calendar of events to enrich club membership with seasonal activities.
- Conducted market research and analysis of competition in order to identify improvement opportunities for services provided.
- Established quality standards for all hospitality services rendered in accordance with industry best practices.
General Manager
LIL'S CAFE
Kittery, ME
09.2013 - 06.2016
- Consulted on all opening aspects for a new café; recruited, hired, and trained staff for both back and front of the house including pastry chefs, bakers, managers, baristas and front line staff.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase customer satisfaction by analyzing sales data to identify opportunities for growth.
- Reviewed performance evaluations of employees on a regular basis in order to enhance their productivity levels and scale up operations.
- Implemented cost-saving measures throughout the organization without compromising quality of product or service delivery.
- Ensured compliance with all local health codes, sanitation regulations, and company policies.
Director of Events
THE ONE HUNDRED CLUB
Portsmouth, NH
05.2011 - 09.2013
- Managed all aspects of private events for an exclusive private Club with discerning clientele.
- Expanded function offerings, enhanced relationships with existing members, and opened the Club to non-member community events to expand revenue.
- Managed, booked, detailed, and facilitated social and corporate events to steadily increase revenue.
- Built robust vendor network to secure cost-effective, high-quality products.
- Directed florists, photographers, musicians and event designers to create unforgettable events.
- Applied industry knowledge and personal expertise to customize meetings, conferences and intimate social events to elevate Club standards and build reputation.
Portfolio Manager & Catering Manager
OCEAN PROPERTIES, LTD.
Portsmouth, NH
01.2005 - 05.2011
- Hired in as a Corporate Catering Manager and after proven success, promoted to Social Catering Manager and then Portfolio Sales Manager within the parent company.
- Maintained all aspects of events and projects from booking to detailing for both social and corporate events for four resorts within the company's portfolio.
- Developed and implemented sales strategies to increase revenue and profitability while maintaining exceptional customer service for high end clientele.
- Responded to customer inquiries and negotiated contracts with clients for maximum profit.
- Attended industry-related functions such as trade shows, conventions, and conferences for both the Opal Collection and Marriott brands.
Bristol Lounge Assistant Manager & Catering Manager
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BOSTON
Boston, MA
08.1997 - 04.2004
- Hired in as Assistant Manager in the Bristol Lounge and after proven success, promoted to Conference Services and Catering Manager in the Executive offices.
- Tapped for and successfully completed the Four Seasons Management Training Program.
- Provided excellent customer service by anticipating guest needs and responding quickly to requests.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Managed, booked, detailed, and facilitated social and corporate events by creating an exceptional customer experiences for high end clientele.
- Developed strategies to maximize customer satisfaction and increase sales in catering services.
Education
Associate - Baking And Pastry Arts
The Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, NY05.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Double Major in Art History and English
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY05.1992
Skills
- Strong time management and organizational skills in fast paced environments
- Ability to foster positive work culture driven by empathy and inclusivity
- High level of confidentiality and integrity in all work aspects
- Highly collaborative team member with 15 years in the food service and manufacturing industries
- Regularly tapped by leadership for project management
- Proficient in purchasing, logistics, vendor sourcing, cost control, inventory and supply chain management
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, POS systems (Toast, Digital Dining, Jonas), Payroll (ADP, Gusto, Toast), Scheduling Platforms (7 Shifts, Deputy), Bamboo HR, Quick Books
Accomplishments
LIL'S
- Successful completion of Four Seasons Management training program.
- Successful completion of Marriot Salesforce training program.
- Board member for Share Our Strength (now Plates for Change) addressing food insecurity in the seacoast area.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Project Manager
Food & Beverage Industry
08.2023 - Current
Director of Operations & Purchasing
Hearth Food Garden
01.2022 - 08.2023
Director of Operations
PEPPERRELL COVE
04.2019 - 03.2020
Hospitality and Event Consultant
THE BUNGALOW CLUB
04.2018 - 03.2020
Director of Purchasing
GOOD TO-GO
06.2016 - 09.2022
General Manager
LIL'S CAFE
09.2013 - 06.2016
Director of Events
THE ONE HUNDRED CLUB
05.2011 - 09.2013
Portfolio Manager & Catering Manager
OCEAN PROPERTIES, LTD.
01.2005 - 05.2011
Bristol Lounge Assistant Manager & Catering Manager
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BOSTON
08.1997 - 04.2004
Associate - Baking And Pastry Arts
The Culinary Institute of America
Bachelor of Arts - Double Major in Art History and English
Ithaca College
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