ZAHI ELHAJ
Freehold,NJ
Summary
Results-driven professional with a passion for the restaurant industry. Possesses a unique blend of business, operations, product, and partnerships, allowing for seamless collaboration in cross-functional teams. Effective communicator and relationship builder, well-equipped to bridge internal and external stakeholders. Proven ability to gather customer insights, analyze market trends, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product strategy and development. Strong background in building strategic partnerships, vendor management, and driving revenue growth. Excels in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Product And Partnerships Manager
Ontime Delivery
01.2021 - 03.2024
- Developed and executed the product roadmap for advanced delivery management software, integrating with Square POS and Deliverect for enhanced functionality and seamless testing.
- Forged strategic partnerships with major platforms like Shift4, UberEats, and DoorDash, broadening market reach and enabling access to on-demand drivers.
- Conducted extensive market research, including over 100 discovery meetings and client interviews, to inform product development and user-centric features.
- Led agile development processes, from sprint planning to user testing, ensuring product alignment with customer needs and strategic goals.
- Managed a cross-functional team of engineers and designers, delivering the project within budget and timeline constraints while fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Drove product enhancements through continuous user research, feedback integration, and the management of a prioritized product backlog using Microsoft DevOps.
- Developed and executed a comprehensive go-to-market strategy, achieving product recognition in local tech publications and establishing market presence.
- Employed data analysis and competitive insights to refine product positioning, pricing strategies, and market opportunities, enhancing product market fit and user satisfaction.
- Coordinated effectively with marketing, sales, and external partners to launch and promote the product, leveraging industry relationships to maximize outreach and impact.
- Implemented efficient project management and agile methodologies, optimizing resource allocation and budget management, and reducing production costs through strategic negotiations.
Director of Operations
Are U Hungry
06.2005 - 02.2024
- Forged and managed strategic partnerships with food delivery platforms, local suppliers, businesses, and Penn State University, enhancing the brand's market presence and logistical efficiency.
- Led the development and implementation of effective marketing and strategic plans across third-party channels, achieving continuous revenue growth and organizational objectives.
- Oversaw budget management and resource optimization, applying data-driven strategies for operational improvement and cost reduction, resulting in significant savings.
- Ensured optimal resource utilization by employing effective project management methodologies that maximized ROI without compromising quality or deadline adherence.
- Analyzed and responded to customer feedback through reputation management tools, and identified areas for improvement to drive business success.
- Delivered exceptional customer experiences by implementing strategies focused on meeting evolving needs and expectations.
- Collaborated with the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, and Delivery Manager on key aspects including staffing, training, and marketing to ensure business excellence.
- Spearheaded operations, driving sustained business growth especially in food delivery processing over 36,000 orders per year and consistently achieving over 20% profit margin.
- Fostered a culture of engagement and professional growth among employees through targeted training programs and a collaborative work environment.
Director of Operations
Chrome Lounge
12.2012 - 03.2020
- Spearheaded the launch and development of CHROME, an upscale lounge, from brand identity creation and operational systems setup to executing daily operations, focusing on providing a distinctive experience to the Penn State community with craft cocktails, small plates, and nightly entertainment.
- Drove customer engagement and sales through the development and execution of a targeted social media marketing strategy, emphasizing weekly events and signature cocktails.
- Strengthened community and university relations by hosting regular private events, enhancing brand visibility and securing repeat patronage through effective relationship building.
- Led a data-driven approach to improve operational efficiency and financial performance, including P&L analysis, which played a crucial role in strategic planning and decision-making processes.
- Championed employee development and a culture of collaboration by implementing comprehensive training programs and mentoring initiatives, contributing to improved team performance and employee satisfaction.
- Facilitated talent acquisition and onboarding processes, optimizing team composition and fostering a productive work environment.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction and operational cohesiveness through continuous feedback analysis, implementing process improvements, and cost-saving measures to maximize profitability and resource allocation.
Education
Coursework - Computer Information Systems
Rider University
Lawrence, NJ05.2005
General Coursework -
Middlesex County College
Edison, NJ08.2004
Coursework - Computer Information Systems
Saint Joseph University of Beirut
01.2001
Skills
- Product Management
- Product Strategy
- Market Analysis
- Agile Methodologies
- API Integrations
- SQL Proficiency
- Account Management
- Business Analysis
- Go-to-Market Strategy
- Contract Negotiation
- Strategic Planning
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Effective Communication
Certification
- Web Development, Chubb Institute Of Technology
- IIBA Product Owner Analysis
Passions
- Restaurant Technology Innovation
- Soccer
Leadership Impact
A seasoned professional continuously showcasing exceptional leadership and influence in the field. An innovative senior executive, who led the creation and growth of two original food and beverage concepts, starting from inception, to full-scale profitable operations. Most recently managed product and partnerships as a co-founder of a restaurant technology startup, aiming to automate and revolutionize delivery management for restaurants delivering through in-house drivers.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Arabic
Full Professional
Quote
Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing.
Warren Buffett
Software
Microsoft Azure DevOps
Microsoft Office
SQL
CRM
Apollo
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Interests
Soccer
Technology Innovation
Self Improvement
Business Books
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with a team of 4 developers in the development of Ontime's Delivery Management Software.
- Established multiple key partnerships with restaurant tech industry leaders including Square, Uber, and Doordash.
- Improved functionality and optimized route generation, eliminating over 70% of late orders, reducing driver payroll by 10% and increasing driver income by 15%.
- Supervised a team of two general managers, eight managers and fifty staff members between two businesses simultaneously.
- Increased sales at Are U Hungry to 1.1M in net sales and over 20% in profitability.
- Developed Chrome Lounge's brand to reach over 36,000 guest visits per year from a 1500 sqft venue with an impeccable security record with zero incidents in 7 years.
Timeline
Product And Partnerships Manager
Ontime Delivery
01.2021 - 03.2024
Director of Operations
Chrome Lounge
12.2012 - 03.2020
Director of Operations
Are U Hungry
06.2005 - 02.2024
Coursework - Computer Information Systems
Rider University
General Coursework -
Middlesex County College
Coursework - Computer Information Systems
Saint Joseph University of Beirut
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