JOSEPH R. BACKUS
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Warehouse Operations Team Lead with hands-on experience across replenishment, inventory flow, dock activity, scheduling, and team training in a high-volume distribution setting. Supports safe, accurate movement of product, steady throughput, and consistent execution across multiple departments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Team Lead
Neovia Logistics
Whirlpool
08.2022 - Current
- Cross-functional Team Lead trusted to help run operations across multiple departments at a high-volume Whirlpool distribution site, including Replenishment, Pick Tower, Scheduling, Picking, Pack/Ship, Outbound Dock, and Inbound Receiving.
- Lead daily operations in the Replenishment department, ensuring accurate, on-time stock movement to support continuous picking and production flow
- Managed operations across multiple departments including Pick Tower, Scheduling, Picking, Pack/Ship, Outbound, and Inbound Receiving.
- Coordinate with scheduling to align staffing and workflow with daily volume demands, helping the site consistently meet throughput targets
- Monitor inbound and outbound dock activity to ensure accurate receiving, staging, and shipment of product
- Trained and mentored team members on equipment operation, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures, enhancing team capabilities and compliance.
- Operate dock stocker, reach truck, and turret truck equipment to safely and efficiently move inventory throughout the facility
- Reinforced safety and accountability culture, promoting best practices across all departments.
Kitchen Manager
Hooters Inc.
South Bend, Indiana
08.2018 - 08.2022
- Coordinated daily kitchen operations, overseeing meal prep, cooking methods, portion sizing, and plate presentation.
- Managed inventory ordering and stock rotation for kitchen supplies to ensure optimal availability.
- Supported cooks with prep methods and portion control, contributing to adherence to menu procedures.
- Checked food quality and plate presentation before service.
- Maintained cleanliness of kitchen equipment and reported repair needs promptly.
- Supported kitchen staff scheduling and daily line operations at Hooters Restaurant.
Line Cook
Hooters Inc.
Merrillville, Indiana
05.2015 - 08.2018
- Cooked multiple orders simultaneously to meet high demand during busy periods.
- Operated fryers, grills, and heat lamps to maintain efficient service during peak hours.
- Monitored food temperatures to ensure compliance with health standards. and followed sanitation procedures to support food safety.
- Prepared wing orders for Hooters locations according to kitchen tickets and recipe standards.
- Handled several tasks at once while staying organized in a fast-paced environment.
Line Cook / Kitchen Operations
TGIF
Hobart, Indiana
02.2013 - 01.2014
- Directed food-preparation workflow on the line, coordinating multiple simultaneous orders to meet strict time and quality standards comparable to managing throughput across parallel warehouse pick stations
- Executed food preparation tasks across grill, fryer, and sauté stations in a busy kitchen environment.
- Prepared appetizers, sides, and main entrees to exact specifications, ensuring accuracy in order fulfillment
- Prepped ingredients, sauces, and garnishes for daily service
- Followed kitchen tickets and coordinated timing with expo staff
Food Preparation Lead
Seasons 52 on the Plaza
Kansas City, Missouri
08.2011 - 01.2013
- Executed standardized recipes with precision, maintaining strict adherence to quality-control standards and processes
- Managed preparation of hot and cold product ahead of service, ensuring adequate supply was staged and available for the entire shift mirroring inventory staging and replenishment functions
- Executed daily tasks with accuracy and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
- Proposed new strategies and solutions to improve team efficiency and results.
- Worked successfully with a diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Line / Prep / Carryout Coordinator
Forelias Jack Stack
Kansas City, Missouri
10.2006 - 09.2011
- Managed carryout order fulfillment, advising customers and accurately assembling both small and large orders directly comparable to pack/ship order accuracy
- Coordinated preparation of large quantities and varieties of product to specific instructions across multiple stations, ensuring consistency in high-volume operations
- Acquired baking skills through hands-on practice in a professional kitchen., expanding versatility across production processes
2nd Lead Cook (Supervisor)
Lutheran Ranches of the Rockies
Fort Collins, Colorado
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Supervised kitchen staff and coordinated production of meals for 200-300 people, enhancing team leadership and scheduling effectiveness
- Trained and mentored young staff in food-preparation fundamentals, fostering skills in coaching and knowledge transfer
- Prepared meals to meet special dietary requirements, reflecting strong attention to detail and process accuracy
- Planned menus and placed all supplier orders direct experience in demand planning and inventory procurement
Education
High School -
Westport Senior High School
Kansas City, Missouri01-2004
Skills
- Inventory control and order accuracy
- Production scheduling and throughput
- Operations leadership
- Staff supervision and training
- Process improvement strategies
- Material handling certification
- Warehouse operations management
- Inventory replenishment techniques
- Equipment operation expertise
- Equipment operation
Certification
Dock Stocker Certified Operator, Reach Truck Certified Operator, Turret Truck Certified Operator
Timeline
Team Lead
Neovia Logistics
08.2022 - Current
Kitchen Manager
Hooters Inc.
08.2018 - 08.2022
Line Cook
Hooters Inc.
05.2015 - 08.2018
Line Cook / Kitchen Operations
TGIF
02.2013 - 01.2014
Food Preparation Lead
Seasons 52 on the Plaza
08.2011 - 01.2013
Line / Prep / Carryout Coordinator
Forelias Jack Stack
10.2006 - 09.2011
2nd Lead Cook (Supervisor)
Lutheran Ranches of the Rockies
01.2004 - 01.2007
High School -
Westport Senior High School