Dynamic Director with a strong vision and decision-making skills. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of problem-solving, planning, and technical operations. Able to effectively oversee every facet of production and navigate challenges. Excels at coordinating production plans and efficiently allocating personnel resources to meet tight deadlines. Committed to excellence and thrives in high-pressure environments. A valuable asset to any organization.
Hi, I’m
Joseph Nelson
Visionary Leader
Grayslake,Illinois
Summary
Overview
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Upper Crust Food Service
Senior Director of Business and Technology Strategy
05.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Developed and managed the technology roadmap for the organization
- Built people and systems infrastructure for a long-term acquisition-based growth mindset
- Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workload among team members.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational excellence within the organization.
- Cultivated a culture of innovation by promoting creative thinking and encouraging employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of solutions.
- Led cross-functional teams to successfully launch new products, meeting deadlines and budgets.
Campus Cooks (Acquired by Upper Crust)
Chief of Staff
07.2020 - 05.2024
Job overview
- Implemented and championed the EOS Model (Entrepreneurial Operating System) in the 'Integrator' role and accountability set
- Planned workforce and resources to meet demands and needs of the organization in all departments for short and long-term goals
- Led the executive leadership team in cross-functional collaboration, drove departmental initiatives that aligned with overall company strategy for all Human Resources, Operations, Finance, Technology, Sales and Marketing Directors
- Attended and facilitated meetings to make informed business decisions, provide administrative support and evaluate progress toward goals and objectives.
- Aligned departmental goals with overall company vision, ensuring cohesive progress towards shared objectives.
- Provided comprehensive support to the CEO, enabling them to focus on critical decision-making and leadership tasks.
- Oversaw change management initiatives, minimizing disruption while maximizing positive outcomes during periods of transition.
- Developed and executed strategic initiatives for improved company growth and long-term success.
Campus Cooks
Director of Technology
08.2015 - 07.2020
Job overview
- Served as primary decision-maker for internal technology spending, creating budget guidelines to reduce waste and decrease unnecessary upgrades.
- Authored wide-ranging roadmaps, determining how technology would be integrated into business operations for maximum return on investment (ROI).
- System admin and strategy lead for Salesforce, Pardot, TrueContext, MS Suite (Including Teams, Stream, Power Platform, etc.), PandaDoc, and Zoom among other smaller products.
- Evaluated emerging technologies for potential integration into existing infrastructure, staying ahead of industry trends and advancements.
- Fostered a culture of innovation by encouraging experimentation with new tools/technologies among team members.
Campus Cooks
Client Success Manager
07.2013 - 07.2015
Job overview
- Maintained customer contracts, pricing, renewals, and scope of work changes while handling partner billing for all customers via company tools including Quickbooks
- Redefined the companies’ strategy on its use of Salesforce by presenting suggestions, opportunities, benefits, and potential efficiencies of Integrations, automation, activity tracking, etc
- Participated in strategic planning meetings to align department objectives with broader company goals related to client success management efforts.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of clients, cross-collaborating with field operations to ensure delivery of products and services to meet their unique needs.
- Hosted quarterly/weekly/monthly status calls, engagement calendars, and ad hoc meetings with clients to promote client satisfaction and keep all parties abreast of changing environment.
- Evaluated customer problems, implemented resolutions, and followed up with clients to manage additional problems and maintain satisfaction.
Campus Cooks
Regional Operations Manager
07.2011 - 06.2013
Job overview
- Multi-unit food service operations management; including setting budgets, customer collaboration, employee relations, and directing sales teams to develop strategies for increasing local market share and revenue growth.
- Designed multiple operational playbooks including 7Keys to Success and Crisis Management.
- Designed menus and events for up to 800 people
- Coordinated with other regional managers to share best practices, streamline processes, and improve overall organizational effectiveness.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving strategies.
- Traveled to Dallas, College Station, and Austin locations per week to manage each store and perform reviews of individual managers and employees.
- Led weekly meetings with regional staff to review progress, address challenges and drive timely task completion.
Campus Cooks
Learning and Development Manager
07.2009 - 06.2011
Job overview
- Designed and implemented the first corporate training department and program
- Created the company menu writing and recipe guidebooks by leading cross-functional teams for execution and content design.
- Trained all new chefs in-person and opened all new accounts in Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Florida from 2009-2011.
- Managed annual training budgets, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources for maximum impact on employee development.
- Conducted thorough needs assessments for individual departments to tailor training solutions accordingly.
- Streamlined onboarding processes for new hires, resulting in reduced time to productivity.
- Organized and edited training manuals, multimedia visual aids, and other educational materials.
Campus Cooks
Executive Chef
08.2004 - 06.2009
Job overview
- Lead private chefs at multiple locations at the University of Illinois and Illinois State University
- Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
- Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive prices on ingredients and supplies.
- Maximized profitability by effectively managing food costs through portion control and minimizing waste.
Education
International Academy of Design and TechnologyChicago, IL
A.A.S. from Interactive Media
01.2001
University Overview
Joliet Junior CollegeJoliet, IL
No Degree from Culinary Arts
University Overview
Skills
- Technology strategy
- Budget management
- Operational excellence
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Project management
- Innovation culture
- Strategic planning
- Data analysis
- Continuous improvement
- Collaborative leadership
- Culture transformation
- Decision-making
Personality
Personality
- Strategic, Individualization, Activator, Responsibility, Adaptability (Strengths Finder)
- C-Analyst (DISC)
- 3-3-8-6 (Kolbe)
- INTP-T
- Type 8-The protector (Enneagram)
Languages
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Senior Director of Business and Technology Strategy
Upper Crust Food Service
05.2024 - Current
Chief of Staff
Campus Cooks (Acquired by Upper Crust)
07.2020 - 05.2024
Director of Technology
Campus Cooks
08.2015 - 07.2020
Client Success Manager
Campus Cooks
07.2013 - 07.2015
Regional Operations Manager
Campus Cooks
07.2011 - 06.2013
Learning and Development Manager
Campus Cooks
07.2009 - 06.2011
Executive Chef
Campus Cooks
08.2004 - 06.2009
International Academy of Design and Technology
A.A.S. from Interactive Media
Joliet Junior College
No Degree from Culinary Arts
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