Operations Leader - P&L, Team Development, Process Improvement
Resume:
Christopher Koonce
Raton, FL ***** *************@*****.***
SUMMARY
Highly motivated Operations Manager with over a decade of experience in dynamic, high-volume environments, consistently driving operational efficiency, cost optimization, and superior customer satisfaction. Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, manage complex projects, and foster strong cross-functional partnerships. Adept at financial management, problem-solving, and implementing strategic initiatives to achieve measurable improvements in key performance indicators.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Project Management & Prioritization: Strong organizational skills, Project Planning, Deadline Management, Initiative Prioritization
Operational Excellence: Process Improvement, Cost Control, Inventory Management, Quality Assurance, Strategic Planning
Team Leadership & Development: Performance Management, Coaching & Mentoring, Training & Onboarding, Conflict Resolution, Employee Engagement
Financial & Resource Management: P&L Ownership, Budget Planning, Labor Forecasting, Vendor Management, Resource Allocation, Cash Control
Stakeholder & Customer Relationship Management: Customer Satisfaction, Client Engagement, Problem Solving, Cross-functional Collaboration, Communication, Maintaining positive client health scores
Technology: POS Systems (Aloha, MICROS), OpenTable, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Scheduling Tools, Salesforce, Microsoft Outlook Suite
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
General Manager Wood and Fire Restaurant – Delray Beach, FL August 2025 – Present
Direct overall restaurant operations, including FOH and BOH management, ensuring seamless guest experiences and operational efficiency.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of over 140 employees through training, coaching, and performance management initiatives.
Manage full P&L responsibilities, including forecasting, budgeting, cost control, and labor analysis to achieve revenue and profitability goals.
Oversee vendor relations, inventory control, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
Drive community engagement, marketing strategies, and guest loyalty initiatives to expand brand presence in Delray Beach.
Implement process improvements to streamline service standards, increase efficiency, and maximize profitability.
Operations Manager Darden / Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Boca Raton, FL May 2024– May 2025
Spearheaded comprehensive operations across kitchen, beverage, and service departments, demonstrating robust leadership.
Directed projects to reduce kitchen waste through revised par levels and real-time receiving verification protocol, directly improving food cost margins.
Revamped beverage inventory management, leading to a decrease in overstock and aligning COGS in line with regional standards.
Designed and executed numerous wine dinners annually, showcasing luxury wine pairings and enhancing guest loyalty and marketing exposure.
Mentored service team during peak seasons, significantly increasing speed-of-service metrics while maintaining consistent 5-star OpenTable reviews.
Ensured rigorous adherence to company policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
Anticipated inventory levels and organized stock strategically.
Operations Manager P.F. Chang’s – Boca Raton, FL March 2023 – March 2024
Oversaw front- and back-of-house operations for a high-traffic location, enhancing team productivity through scheduling optimization and labor analysis.
Trained and onboarded new hires, contributing to reduced turnover through coaching and employee engagement strategies.
Implemented daily pre-shift meetings and team accountability boards, which elevated internal QA scores and customer satisfaction ratings.
Collaborated with culinary leads to enforce portion control and batch prep consistency, effectively trimming food waste costs.
Operations Manager J. Alexander’s Restaurants – Boca Raton, FL January 2021 – September 2022
Managed restaurant operations with a focus on food quality, guest satisfaction, and financial performance.
Enhanced team service delivery by launching incentive-based performance programs, resulting in improved upselling and check averages.
Played a critical role in streamlining hiring and training procedures, which reduced onboarding time.
Partnered with executive chefs to revise prep guides and improve menu consistency across all dayparts.
Electrician Apprentice Domitries Construction – Sofia, Bulgaria January 2018 – June 2020
Assisted licensed electricians with the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems.
Gained practical experience with wiring, conduit bending, and troubleshooting.
Maintained strict adherence to safety regulations and building codes on diverse construction sites.
Restaurant Service Manager, Beverage Program Manager, EKM Ignite Restaurant Group – Daytona Beach, FL & Fort Lauderdale, FL June 2010 – November 2017
Managed front-of-house operations, ensuring high service standards and guest satisfaction.
Developed and oversaw the beverage program, optimizing inventory and increasing profitability.
Conducted comprehensive inventories and balanced P&L statements.
Implemented various operational improvements to enhance efficiency and guest experience.
Promoted to EKM, demonstrating leadership in kitchen management and operational efficiency.
New Store Opener/RT Position BJ’s Restaurants LLC – Daytona Beach, FL June 2005 – June 2010
Contributed to successful new restaurant openings by training staff and establishing operational procedures.
Ensured consistent service quality and adherence to brand standards across various locations.
EDUCATION
Commercial and Residential Electric (2 years) – Atlantic Technical Center – Coconut Creek, FL
High School Diploma – Olympic Heights Community High School – Boca Raton, FL
CERTIFICATIONS
ServSafe Manager Certified (valid through 2026)
Food Handler Certification
Valid Driver’s License
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