Joshua Rivera
Long Beach,CA
Summary
Dynamic Assistant General Manager with 20+ years of experience in the restaurant management industry, with a proven track record of excelling in leadership and team development. Achieved over a 10% reduction in liquor costs and staff turnover rates through innovative engagement initiatives. Skilled in digital marketing and project management, driving successful campaigns and enhancing operational efficiency. Passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, and contributing extensive experience and interpersonal skills toward furthering business growth and team development. Recently relocated to the Long Beach area from southern Orange County and currently seeking new restaurant/bar management opportunity.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Manager
Playa Mesa
Costa Mesa, CA
01.2022 - 05.2025
- Managed a team of 38 employees in front and back of house operations, ensuring effective training and supervision of staff, and responding to and addressing any guest-related concerns to ensure standards of quality and service.
- Created online and social media campaigns on platforms such as Yelp, with emphasis on private events and catering services offered.
- Initiated new scheduling provisions, helping cut labor costs by 9%.
- Implemented new inventory and training procedures for bartending staff, helping bring liquor costs down by 8%
Assistant General Manager
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Irvine, CA
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Utilized an extensive skill set obtained and developed over 20 years of experience in cross-functional roles in the hospitality and guest service industry to effectively manage multiple departments and positions, with proven success and growth.
- Conducted timely performance evaluations for front-of-house staff.
- Created 'Employee Day,' allowing team members to engage outside the work environment, growing overall morale, leading to a 10% drop in staff turnover.
- Streamlined and worked directly with the IT department in implementing the new POS software program, UKG.
Operations Manager
Amazon
Irvine, CA
12.2018 - 01.2020
- Oversaw and supervised a team of over 150 employees in the full-scale set-up and launch of the debut Amazon Fresh store in Irvine, CA.
- Optimized customer engagement through direct communication, helping secure a 97% positive guest reviews on Yelp.
- Instructed team members on safety protocols due to COVID restrictions.
- Developed and analyzed financial and inventory control reporting metrics, helping reduce inventory loss by 11% in just one quarter.
Lead Event Coordinator
Special Events Staffing
Los Angeles, CA
02.2009 - 11.2018
- Interviewed candidates, hired, and trained a team of over 160 employees for events ranging from private weddings to St. Jude Hospital celebrity charities, and the Oscars.
- Improved office efficiency through updating the HR system to an interactive software program, which helped streamline tasks, increasing productivity.
- Managed all social media accounts for the company, along with marketing, such as spearheading the David Lynch Foundation benefit concert in Los Angeles, which raised more than $120,000 for the foundation.
Education
A.S. - Business Management
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CASocial Media Marketing
Shaw Academy
Los Angeles, CASkills
- Leadership and team development
- Customer service and support
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution
- Effective communication
- Time management strategies
- Public speaking and presentation
- Project management skills
- Digital marketing expertise
- Safety compliance measures
- Cash handling proficiency
- Event planning coordination
- Culinary arts knowledge
- Spreadsheet management
- Hiring and onboarding processes
Timeline
Assistant General Manager
Playa Mesa
01.2022 - 05.2025
Assistant General Manager
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
01.2020 - 01.2022
Operations Manager
Amazon
12.2018 - 01.2020
Lead Event Coordinator
Special Events Staffing
02.2009 - 11.2018
A.S. - Business Management
Santa Monica College
Social Media Marketing
Shaw Academy