Mihir Kelkar
New York,NY
Summary
Dynamic Project and Operations Lead with a proven track record of scaling brand presence and enhancing operational infrastructure for startups and global enterprises. Expertise in navigating complex change management initiatives, including multi-site retail launches and comprehensive fulfillment overhauls. Data-driven strategist dedicated to optimizing workflows, managing high-value stakeholder partnerships, and cultivating robust talent pipelines that support rapid organizational growth. Committed to driving efficiency and innovation in every project.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Beverage Consultant
Assorted Locations
08.2015 - Current
- Owned the end-to-end lifecycle for four enterprise-level accounts spanning 10+ SKUs, applying formal project management frameworks to execute consultation contracts and deliver high-value outcomes.
- Drove market entry initiatives for new business launches, building process documentation and training modules that ensured team-wide operational readiness on schedule.
- Navigated complex stakeholder interests through proactive negotiation and conflict resolution, ensuring project cohesion across diverse internal and external teams.
- Collaborated with brand ambassadors and vendors to execute engagement-driven events, managing cross-functional logistics to increase market penetration and brand visibility.
Beverage Consultant
Spirited Away
04.2022 - 08.2023
- Managed a high-margin product catalog generating $225K+ in revenue, sustaining triple-digit average order values through bespoke client solutions and market synchronization.
- Acted as an advisory lead for key stakeholders, delivering actionable insights to support portfolio diversification and competitive brand positioning.
- Led the development of a differentiated non-alcoholic portfolio that scaled to 40% of off-premise sales through disciplined product curation.
Retail Partner
Boisson
07.2021 - 01.2022
- Partnered directly with the CEO and President to execute multi-site retail launches, establishing the logistical infrastructure, warehouse systems, and inventory workflows required for rapid scaling.
- Designed and executed a high-performance sales strategy that secured 10% of the company’s foundational $1MM revenue milestone, personally driving $100K+ in Q3/Q4 revenue.
- Elevated front-line performance through hands-on mentorship and professional development, increasing team productivity by 40%.
Operations Manager
Vinnie’s Pizzeria
07.2013 - 08.2018
- Built and sustained a robust talent pipeline, mentoring and promoting 30+ employees and developing four internal leadership successions to support multi-site growth.
- Led a comprehensive menu overhaul and streamlined fulfillment workflows, improving production efficiency while optimizing offerings for brand growth objectives.
- Scaled digital brand presence by 20% through strategic partnerships with prominent industry accounts and influencers.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
CUNY Queens College
Flushing, NYSkills
- End-to-End Lifecycle
- Change Management
- Market Entry Strategy
- Process Mapping
- Fulfillment Optimization
- POS Architecture
- Technical Writing (SOPs)
- Vendor & Logistics Mgmt
- Quantitative Analysis
- Data-Driven Forecasting
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Talent Development
Accomplishments
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) | Firmenich: Invited by the global leader in flavor and fragrance to deliver a category briefing and technical market analysis to Tier-1 enterprise clients, including The Coca-Cola Company.
- Global Program Coordinator | GSACS Scholarship: Managed international student cohorts across the MENA region to address UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); forged strategic cross-cultural partnerships and provided peer mentorship and tutelage to ensure inclusive program success.
- Guest Lecturer | Comparative Literature: Selected by faculty to design and deliver lectures on analytical synthesis; recognized for translating complex narratives into relatable, real-world frameworks.
Timeline
Beverage Consultant
Spirited Away
04.2022 - 08.2023
Retail Partner
Boisson
07.2021 - 01.2022
Beverage Consultant
Assorted Locations
08.2015 - Current
Operations Manager
Vinnie’s Pizzeria
07.2013 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
CUNY Queens College