D A N I E L R. C O S T E L L O

** ******** ****** ***** *********, NJ 07031 201-***-****

advqpm@r.postjobfree.com www.LinkedIn.com/in/DanielCostello1027 F O OD R E T A I L & F O O D S E R V I C E O P E R A T I ONS MANAGEMENT Time & Cost-Efficient Operations Profitable Business Growth Optimal Customer Experience Proactive, tenacious professional with 20+ years of expertise pioneering strategies and initiatives that streamline workflow, boost productivity, cut costs, and drive revenue. Motivational leader experienced in managing large cross-functional teams, coaching and developing team members, and fostering collaboration and high performance. Readily communicate with customers to collect feedback on their guest experience and utilize suggestions to enhance services. Exceptionally organized, quick thinker and problem solver who is able to multitask, prioritize, and thrive in fast-paced environments. Consistently guarantee adherence to effective merchandising, quality, food safety, and compliance standards. NOTEWORTHY CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS:

Led team in ranking as one of the top university food service operations in the county, coming in 11th among all universities in 2014, earning the Loyal E. Horton Bronze Residential Dining Concepts Award for the small school category, and a feature in Campus Dining Today Magazine (p. 68). (Manhattan College)

Reduced and successfully maintained food costs at just 30% for 7-year tenure, driving significant revenue growth for the company. (Manhattan College)

Successfully maintained a low 28-30% food cost at for entire 17-year tenure. (Seton Hall)

Managed operations for high-profile events that included prestigious attendees and guests of honor such as President George H. W. Bush, Colin Powell, Ray Kelly - NYC Police Commissioner, Tony Blair, Mikhail Gorbachev, former NJ Governor Richard Codey, Steve Adubato, Rupert Murdoch, and Newark’s Archbishop Myers. (Seton Hall) Key Expertise Includes:

Cross-functional Team Supervision Multi-Site Leadership Staff Recruitment & Training

Budget Management Financial Analysis & Forecasting Profit & Loss (P&L)

Marketing & Guest Relations Inventory Control & Purchasing Food Sanitation Practices

Policy & Procedure Development Cost Reduction Initiatives Profit Growth Strategies

Vendor Negotiation & Management Catering Event Management Ongoing Service Enhancements P R O F E S S I ONAL E X P E R I E N C E

Manhattan College – Compass Group / Gourmet Dining, LLC, Riverdale, NY OPERATIONS DIRECTOR / PURCHASING MANAGER / EXECUTIVE CHEF 6/2013 – 6/2020 Directed a busy, multi-site university food service operation that served 5200 square meals a day and included Kelly Commons

(Forte Pizzeria, Grilled to Perfection, Manhattan Sandwich & Salad Shop, and Wok it Up), a faculty lounge feeding 125 people daily, Locke’s Dining Hall (6 breakfast stations, 12 lunch stations, and 12 dinner stations), Thomas Hall (Café 1853 and Manhattan Convenience Store), and a Starbucks (coffee, sandwiches, and desserts). Managed catering for on and off-campus administrative events of up to 2500 attendees.

Daniel R. Costello 201-***-**** advqpm@r.postjobfree.com Page 2

Directed a 130-member, cross-functional team of Floor Managers, Chefs, and Cashiers,, ensuring an efficient, skilled team by recruiting, training, scheduling, and evaluating all food service personnel.

Prepared, administered, and monitored a $12M annual account ($8M food court/dining services, $4M event catering), overseeing all P&L, cost and revenue forecasting, expenditure authorization, and cost-cutting initiatives.

Developed menu items and pricing, spearheading enticing new options, meeting with customers to discuss dietary needs and plan adaptations, and collaborating with nutritionists to ensure USDA Meal Pattern and nutritional requirements were met.

Managed food, beverage, supply, and equipment purchasing and inventory, conducting vendor sourcing, negotiations, management, and evaluation and always ensuring strict portion control and resource optimization to diminish costs.

Maintained high standards of food preparation, sanitation, and safety and coordinated all equipment maintenance.

Developed marketing plans that promoted university nutrition services to students, parents, staff, and the community.

Assessed customer preferences and industry trends to develop strategic plans for continuous program improvement.

Prepared and maintained all records for required audits and reviews. Seton Hall University – Gourmet Dining, LLC, South Orange, NJ FOOD SERVICE MANAGER / PURCHASING MANAGER / EXECUTIVE HEAD CHEF 1996 – 6/2013 Oversaw a large, multi-site university food service operation that served 6500 square meals a day and included The Galleon Food Court (five major eateries and a convenience store), Pirate Dining Room (multiple stations available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily), and a Starbucks (coffee, sandwiches, and desserts). Oversaw food service operations for the University Seminary and managed catering for on and off-campus administrative events of up to 3,500 attendees.

Oversaw a 165-member, cross-functional team of Floor Managers, Chefs, and Cashiers.

Prepared, administered, and monitored a $14M annual account ($6M food court/dining services, $8M event catering).

Innovated an attractive array of menu items and ensured accommodation of customer dietary needs and USDA requirements.

Oversaw purchasing and inventory, led the vendor sourcing and management process, and instituted cost reduction strategies.

Directed quality food preparation, sanitation, and safety processes and oversaw equipment maintenance.

Designed creative marketing initiatives to promote nutrition services to students, parents, staff, and the community.

Spearheaded program improvements following thorough evaluation of patron preferences and industry trends.

Continuously maintained an organized records management system that promoted efficient audits and reviews. E D U C A T I ON

Culinary Arts Institute, Hudson County Community College, Jersey City, NJ ASSOCIATES IN APPLIED SCIENCES (AAS)

SERVSAFE CERTIFIED NJ (Through 2025)