Neil Barakat
Saint Charles,MO
Summary
Dynamic operations leader with extensive experience at Home Xpressions Furniture, excelling in strategic planning and employee development. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and driving revenue growth through innovative marketing strategies and risk management. Adept at fostering positive team environments and resolving conflicts to maximize productivity.
Reliable and hardworking professional works autonomously or in teams to serve several customers per shift. Experience managing staff and day-to-day operations. Thriving interpersonal and multitasking skills honed in fast-paced customer-focused environment.
Ambitious professional brings friendly, outgoing nature over several years of customer service and management experience. Track record of developing and training support staff and meeting high thresholds for critical quality standards. Adeptly negotiates vendor contracts to meet customer satisfaction needs.
Knowledgeable professional with several years of experience bringing planning and problem-solving abilities. Focused on maximizing resource utilization to support scalable operations and increase bottom-line profitability. Organized and systematic with natural relationship-building and leadership talents.
Seasoned professional in general and operations management with comprehensive experience leading teams, optimizing processes, and implementing cost-effective strategies. Skilled in strategic planning, staff development, and operational efficiency, consistently improving workflow and reducing costs. Proven track record of enhancing overall business performance through effective leadership and innovative problem-solving.
Hardworking employee with customer service, multitasking, and time management abilities. Devoted to giving every customer a positive and memorable experience.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Assistant General Manager
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Chesterfield, Missouri
06.2025 - Current
- Maintained accurate records of employee attendance, payroll information, sales figures.
- Developed and implemented effective strategies to maximize sales and profits.
- Monitored inventory levels and placed orders for new stock as needed.
- Ensured that customer service standards were met or exceeded at all times.
- Provided training, guidance, and support to staff members on proper procedures and policies.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Performed administrative tasks such as filing paperwork, preparing documents.
- Implemented safety protocols to protect both customers and employees from potential hazards.
- Managed daily operations of the store, including scheduling and supervising staff.
- Motivated and led team members to work together to achieve targets.
General Manager/Director of Operations
Express Stop
St Louis, MO
10.2023 - 05.2025
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
- Identified areas of improvement in current business practices and collaborated with other departments to develop action plans for implementation.
- Developed marketing strategies designed to increase brand awareness within target markets.
- Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on supplies and materials.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations regarding food safety standards.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Trained employees on duties, policies and procedures.
- Created schedules and monitored payroll to remain within budget.
- Administered employee discipline through verbal and written warnings.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired qualified staff for open positions.
- Supervised employees through planning, assignments, and direction.
- Managed inventory levels and conducted corrective action planning to minimize long-term costs.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate stock was available at all times.
- Resolved customer service issues in a timely manner while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Reviewed contracts with vendors to ensure compliance with regulations and terms and conditions.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers ensuring best value pricing options were secured.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
Operating Partner
Home Xpressions Furniture
St Louis, MO
01.2020 - 12.2023
- Monitored industry trends to keep operations competitive and innovative.
- Resolved conflicts within teams promptly to maintain a positive work environment.
- Liaised between different departments to ensure cohesive business operations.
- Scheduled shifts and assigned tasks to optimize workforce productivity.
- Led training and onboarding programs to assist new hires with meeting targets.
- Contributed to marketing campaigns and promotional updates on social media platforms.
- Tracked labor, sales, and inventory and managed operations to maximize returns.
- Performed facility checks to verify cleanliness and client safety.
- Organized meetings between internal teams and external partners and stakeholders as needed.
General Manager/Executive Director of Operations
Florissant Furniture
Florissant, MO
04.2008 - 12.2019
- Spearheaded quality improvement programs at all levels, helping organization modernize and optimize with strategic approach.
- Approved client account changes and billing cycles with focus on accuracy and cost-reduction.
- Implemented best practices for vendor selection, contract negotiations and logistics optimization to improve operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute integrated strategies that drove business growth.
- Implemented quality control measures, enabling consistent delivery of products and services.
- Implemented strategic plans to reach new clients, increase profits and boost market share.
- Minimized risk and safeguarded assets through stringent enforcement of regulatory requirements.
- Maintained effective inventory management systems to deliver accurate stock levels and eliminate shortage issues.
- Managed staff, resources and facilities to achieve optimal productivity and performance.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure efficiency and productivity in the workplace.
- Monitored inventory levels to prevent stockouts while minimizing excess inventory costs.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and community leaders.
- Developed marketing strategies that increased brand awareness and customer engagement.
- Addressed employee concerns and conflicts, fostering a positive work environment.
- Supervised staff recruitment, training, and development to build a high-performing team.
- Monitored and controlled department budget to grow revenue and contain expenses.
- Analyzed and optimized sales, marketing and promotional strategies using industry expertise.
- Scheduled shifts to minimize labor costs and drive productivity.
- Oversaw daily operations with practiced eye, focusing on efficiency, team collaboration and process improvements.
- De-escalated employee disputes using appropriate mediation techniques for minimal staff disruption.
- Built relationships with vendors and monitored supply chain to spot and correct deficiencies.
- Resolved problems, provided open communication and recommended discipline and terminations.
Education
ASSOCIATE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA 08.1990 - 01.1994
Skills
- Customer relationship management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Schedule oversight
- Risk management
- Recruitment and hiring
- Positive attitude
- Managing operations and efficiency
- Complex Problem-solving
- Employee development
- Negotiation
- Budget management
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Relationship building
- Cost reduction
- Strategic planning
- Time management abilities
- Interpersonal relations
- Marketing strategy
- Communication skills
- Management consultation
- Preventive Maintenance
- Time management
- Conflict resolution
- Performance management
- Business administration
- Revenue growth
- Reliability
- Multitasking capacity
- Shift scheduling
- Customer service
- Sales strategy
- Problem resolution
- Attention to detail
- Goal setting
- Marketing management
- Customer relations
- Good judgment
- Quality control
- Professional and courteous
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Excellent communication
- Vendor management
- Crisis management
- Teamwork
- Contract negotiation
- Negotiation and conflict resolution
- Business intelligence
- Inventory management
- Staff training
Timeline
Assistant General Manager
Dave’s Hot Chicken
06.2025 - Current
General Manager/Director of Operations
Express Stop
10.2023 - 05.2025
Operating Partner
Home Xpressions Furniture
01.2020 - 12.2023
General Manager/Executive Director of Operations
Florissant Furniture
04.2008 - 12.2019
ASSOCIATE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
University of New Orleans
08.1990 - 01.1994
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