Paul Novak
Summerville
Summary
Resourceful professional with current experience in warehouse operations and team leadership. Demonstrated expertise in forklift operation with certifications, inventory management, and logistics in fast-paced settings. Proven ability to maintain safety and efficiency during overnight shifts.
Developed leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills in fast-paced kitchen environment, now seeking to transition into new field. Managed teams and ensured efficient operations, focusing on high-quality outcomes and customer satisfaction. Prepared to apply these skills in dynamic, collaborative setting to drive success in new role.
Bringing positive, organized, and energetic approach to managing kitchen operations. Understanding of food safety standards and inventory management, paired with skills in team leadership and efficient workflow coordination. Focused on creating cohesive kitchen environment that delivers high-quality dishes and maximizes customer satisfaction.
Offering strong foundation in organizational and leadership skills, ready to learn and grow within kitchen management role. Delivers ability to quickly grasp food safety standards and efficient kitchen operations.
Ambitious with proven track record of creating successful food service operations, managing staff and increasing profits. Extensive experience in menu design, ordering supplies and creating innovative solutions to food service challenges. Well-versed in hospitality standards and natural knack for building relationships with customers.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Production Specialist
Publix Distribution center
Dacula, GA
09.2023 - 06.2026
- Led receiving, assembly, and distribution of fresh food products across multiple supermarket locations
- Coordinated warehouse operations to ensure timely and accurate product flow
- Enforced safety protocols and maintained organized warehouse environment
- Supervised team members to optimize productivity and adherence to standards
Kitchen Manager
Adriatic Grill
Lawrenceville, GA
11.2022 - 09.2023
- Managed daily kitchen operations ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards
- Delivered quality food preparation and customer service in a fast-paced environment
- Maintained organized and clean kitchen workspace to support efficient operations
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
- Streamlined food preparation processes to enhance operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented efficient inventory management procedures.
- Trained new employees on kitchen equipment and safety protocols.
- Coordinated menu planning to optimize food cost management and minimize waste.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to improve team productivity and morale.
- Collaborated with suppliers to maintain quality ingredient sourcing and timely deliveries.
- Led initiatives for continuous improvement in food quality and service delivery standards.
- Reduced employee turnover rates by creating a supportive work environment that encouraged personal development opportunities.
- Coordinated special events catering services, providing exceptional food offerings tailored to individual client requests.
- Increased employee retention rates through effective hiring practices and ongoing training programs.
- Implemented rigorous safety protocols, ensuring a clean and hazard-free work environment for all employees.
- Championed sustainability initiatives, implementing eco-friendly practices in waste management and ingredient sourcing.
- Managed inventory effectively, reducing waste and optimizing budget allocation for food supplies.
- Elevated dining experiences for guests through the implementation of innovative culinary techniques and attention to detail in plating presentations.
- Developed strong team cohesion by fostering open communication and providing constructive feedback to staff members.
- Maintained compliance with local health regulations through diligent adherence to sanitation procedures.
- Enhanced overall customer satisfaction by maintaining high-quality food and presentation standards.
- Achieved cost savings by negotiating favorable contracts with vendors, securing high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Collaborated with executive chefs to design creative menus that catered to diverse dietary preferences and requirements.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by regularly evaluating performance metrics and identifying areas for optimization.
- Streamlined kitchen operations by delegating tasks efficiently among team members, maximizing productivity levels.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
- Mentored junior staff members, sharing industry knowledge and promoting professional growth opportunities.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration between front-of-house and back-of-house teams, ensuring seamless service delivery during peak hours.
- Ensured timely food preparation while adhering to strict quality control guidelines, resulting in consistently positive guest feedback.
- Led regular staff meetings to discuss operational challenges, share best practices, and ensure alignment with company goals.
- Balanced staffing needs with budget constraints, effectively managing labor costs without compromising service quality.
- Developed and implemented kitchen policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for kitchen operations and comply with regulations.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
Relief Merchandiser
Coca Cola United
Lawrenceville, GA
08.2025 - 11.2025
- Operated forklifts and pallet jacks to stock and transport Coca-Cola products efficiently
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring stock accuracy and availability.
- Collaborated with team members to execute promotional campaigns effectively.
- Monitored shelf space and product placement for optimal merchandising standards.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and improve product assortment strategies.
- Removed damaged, out-of-code, not-in-set and discontinued items from displays.
- Trained new staff on merchandising techniques and company policies.
- Implemented visual merchandising standards to align with brand guidelines.
- Coordinated with suppliers to maintain stock levels and delivery schedules.
- Updated pricing and signage to complete product displays and educate customers.
- Managed inventory levels with regular monitoring, ordering, and stock replenishment for optimal product availability.
- Answered customer questions regarding store merchandise, department information, and pricing.
- Monitored inventory levels and kept adequate stock in product displays on sales floor.
- Presented store update suggestions and layouts to management and stakeholders.
- Investigated current trends and innovative techniques to create unique displays.
- Utilized paper, fabric and props to create displays.
- Used props and lighting to enhance appearance and visibility of displays.
- Analyzed customer feedback and shopper trends to inform display designs.
- Developed visual merchandising plans and strategies to promote store offerings.
- Monitored store traffic and customer engagement to determine display effectiveness.
- Scheduled regular maintenance and repair of displays for longevity.
- Incorporated new design techniques to create innovative and eye-catching displays.
- Conducted visual inspections to discard damaged or expired products ensuring quality control
- Managed store-to-store stocking, proper shelving, and warehouse organization
- Maintained compliance with safety procedures during all material handling activities
- Organized product displays to enhance visibility and drive sales.
- Enhanced overall store appearance by applying careful consideration to product and display locations.
- Promoted seasonal products and trends to move stock and prepare for incoming inventory.
- Created visual displays to highlight new and featured products.
- Organized store merchandise racks by size, style, and color.
Education
Upper secondary education - Criminal justice
06.1996
Education (Some college) - undefined
Rider University
06.1995
Skills
- Forklift
- Warehouse management
- Inventory management
- Safety standards in production
- Shipping & receiving
- Team management
- Production planning
- Logistics
- Material handling
- Pallet jack
- Continuous improvement
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Operations management
- Customer service
- Food safety
- Multitasking and organization
- Staff supervision
- Food preparation
- Staff training and development
- Kitchen management
- Inventory control
- Waste reduction
- Problem-solving
- Safe food handling
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Vendor relations
- Staff management
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Sanitation standards
- Health code compliance
- Recipes and menu planning
- Supply ordering
- Product rotation
- Order accuracy
Certification
- Driver's License
- ServSafe
Section name
Work with disabled kids for 6 years.
Timeline
Relief Merchandiser
Coca Cola United
08.2025 - 11.2025
Production Specialist
Publix Distribution center
09.2023 - 06.2026
Kitchen Manager
Adriatic Grill
11.2022 - 09.2023
Education (Some college) - undefined
Rider University