Operations Manager Cost Control

Eric Huson

Saint Peters, MO

+1-314-***-**** *******@*****.***

Operations Manager

Versatile and performance-driven operations leader with experience directing multi-unit operations, optimizing profitability, and elevating service excellence across diverse markets. Skilled in strategic planning, financial management, and process optimization with a proven ability to lead large teams, streamline systems, and strengthen brand performance. Proficient at driving growth through data-driven decision-making, effective cost control, and innovative marketing strategies while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction. Recognized for building high-performing teams, mentoring future leaders, and fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence that consistently delivers measurable business results.

Selected Highlights:

Oversaw P&L management, maintaining profitability within target through disciplined cost control, labor optimization, and margin analysis at Jersey Mike’s.

Managed daily operations for a full-service restaurant for Caleco’s Restaurant, leading employees across culinary, bar, and service teams to meet strict performance and quality standards.

Developed and executed strategic marketing campaigns that increased guest traffic and expanded brand recognition at Jersey Mike’s.

Directed SEO and PPC campaigns that expanded Wapango Restaurant's digital reach and improved click-through rates via data-driven keyword strategies and ad optimization.

Streamlined scheduling and payroll systems using digital tools to enhance Chevy’s Fresh Mex labor forecasting accuracy and improve operational transparency.

Core Competencies

Staff Training & Development P&L Management Labor Cost Control Budget Forecasting Vendor Relations Multi-Site Operations Performance Analytics Compliance Oversight Customer Retention Revenue Growth Strategies Process Improvement Strategic Scheduling Quality Assurance Cross-Functional Leadership Inventory Management Sales Optimization Conflict Resolution Operational Auditing Team Engagement Continuous Improvement

Professional Experience

Jersey Mike’s Subs, Webster Groves, MO July 2013 – Present

Owner / Training Manager

Directed multi-unit operations across the St. Louis market, generating millions in annual revenue while maintaining double-digit year-over-year sales growth.

Trained and mentored new franchise owners and associates on operational efficiency, leadership, and customer engagement, strengthening overall market performance.

Reduced food and labor costs via improved forecasting, inventory systems, and vendor contract negotiations.

Caleco’s Restaurant December 2010 – July 2013

Manager

Championed operational efficiency by redesigning scheduling systems and reallocating labor resources during peak hours.

Improved guest satisfaction ratings through staff retraining, service recovery initiatives, and consistent performance monitoring.

Controlled cost of goods and overhead to maintain operating margins above corporate benchmarks by conducting thorough vendor audits and disciplined expense tracking.

Wapango Restaurant December 2006 – November 2010

Server / Night Manager

Promoted to Manager and supervised nightly operations for the restaurant, reconciling daily revenue while ensuring cash control and compliance integrity.

Supported a culture of service excellence, increasing repeat guest visits by promoting outstanding service consistency and personalized engagement.

Strengthened team performance and retention by fostering a collaborative work culture and implementing streamlined closing and communication procedures.

SEO & PPC Coordinator September 2009 – March 2010

Managed client advertising budgets while maintaining commendable ROI growth on multiple concurrent campaigns and projects.

Produced advanced performance reports and analytics dashboards that enhanced executive decision-making and campaign refinement.

Strengthened client relationships by engaging in consistent communication, transparent reporting, and strategic consultation aligned with business objectives.

Led internal training sessions to upskill team members in SEO strategy, analytics interpretation, and digital marketing best practices, improving overall departmental performance.

Chevy’s Fresh Mex, Saint Charles, MO October 2005 – December 2006

Service Manager

Drove front- and back-of-house operations, generating tangible sales, ensuring consistent delivery of brand, service, and quality standards.

Recruited, trained, and supervised staff members, improving service efficiency and minimizing turnover via targeted coaching and retention programs.

Initiated cost-control measures and vendor negotiations that lowered supply expenses while maintaining quality and compliance with health and safety standards.

Developed new menu items through cost-benefit analysis and market insight, recording significant expansion in average customer spend and repeat patronage.

Ruby Tuesday December 2002 – September 2005

Restaurant Manager

Coordinated all daily operations of the restaurant, maintaining compliance with corporate standards and achieving top-quartile performance in audits.

Managed full P&L responsibility, maintaining food and labor costs under corporate.

Launched community-based marketing initiatives that drove same-store sales growth within one year.

Additional Experience:

Restaurant Manager at Casa Gallardo-Bridgeton, MO

Education

University of Phoenix

Master’s Degree-Business Management

Southwest Missouri State University

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Management

Additional Credentials

Technical Skills: Microsoft Windows / Microsoft Office (Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint)

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