Talent Acquisition & Multi-Unit Operations Leader

Dan Cohen

St. Charles,, ***** Missouri 314-***-**** **********@*****.***

Personal Summary

Strategic and commercially astute executive with over two decades of progressive leadership spanning talent acquisition and multi- unit operations. Proven track record of architecting high-impact workforce strategies, optimizing operational performance, and driving sustained revenue growth in dynamic, fast-paced environments. Adept at aligning human capital initiatives with organizational objectives, fostering high-performing teams, and delivering measurable business outcomes through data-driven decision-making, operational discipline, and cross-functional collaboration. Skills

• Vendor Negotiation

• Process Improvement

• Full-Cycle Recruitment

• Operational Optimization

• Talent Acquisition Strategy

• Strategic Workforce Planning

• Cost Containment & Reduction

• Profit & Loss (P&L) Management

• Leadership & Team Development

• Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

• Training & Development Programs

• Customer Experience Enhancement

Experience

RECRUITER 04/2024 - 05/2025

GPAC

Directed end-to-end recruitment lifecycle, identifying and securing high-impact talent across diverse organizational levels while aligning candidate profiles with strategic business objectives and long-term workforce planning initiatives

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Engineered sophisticated sourcing strategies, leveraging digital platforms and professional networks to engage passive candidates

and build robust pipelines of top-tier talent in highly competitive markets

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Orchestrated seamless interview processes, enhancing candidate experience through consistent communication and meticulous coordination between stakeholders and hiring teams

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Partnered strategically with hiring managers to interpret evolving business needs, delivering tailored talent solutions that improved hiring efficiency, quality of hire, and organizational fit

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FOOD & BEVERAGE CONSULTANT 06/2022 - 12/2023

Bar K

Revitalized operational performance by implementing data-driven cost controls, reducing labor expenses by 9% and significantly lowering food costs from 39% to 26% while maintaining product quality

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Negotiated and restructured vendor agreements, achieving substantial cost savings and improving supply chain efficiency through strategic sourcing and vendor relationship management

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Led the successful launch of a new location, orchestrating pre-opening strategy, staffing, and operations resulting in a 100% increase in profitability within the first six months

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Developed and standardized training programs and operational manuals, ensuring consistency across multiple locations while elevating team performance and service delivery

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DISTRICT MANAGER & GENERAL MANAGER 04/2016 - 04/2022 Bandana's BBQ

Oversaw multi-unit operations across six locations, driving consistent revenue growth and operational excellence through strategic leadership, performance monitoring, and team development

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Cultivated a high-performance culture, mentoring leadership teams and reducing employee turnover to below 15% while building a strong internal pipeline for future management roles

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Achieved top-tier recognition with multiple “Manager of the Year” awards by consistently exceeding performance benchmarks and implementing innovative operational strategies

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Spearheaded initiatives to enhance customer engagement and dine-in experiences, resulting in increased sales and improved brand loyalty across the district

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AREA DIRECTOR & GENERAL MANAGER 01/2009 - 04/2016 Chevy's Fresh Mex

Directed operations for multiple high-revenue locations generating up to $3.2M annually, ensuring financial performance through rigorous oversight of budgets, staffing, and operational standards

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Negotiated high-value vendor contracts and optimized procurement strategies, driving cost efficiencies while maintaining quality and operational continuity

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Implemented disciplined cost-control frameworks, achieving industry-leading labor cost ratios and strengthening overall financial health of the business units

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Led menu innovation and compliance initiatives, aligning operational practices with corporate standards and enhancing brand consistency across all locations

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GENERAL MANAGER & MANAGER 11/1998 - 12/2008

Houlihan's Restaurant

Managed high-volume restaurant operations with weekly revenues exceeding $100K, ensuring exceptional service standards and consistent delivery of premium guest experiences

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Optimized workforce scheduling, inventory management, and operational workflows to improve efficiency and reduce waste across both front- and back-of-house functions

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Directed large-scale events and corporate partnerships, successfully executing functions for up to 600+ guests while maintaining operational precision and customer satisfaction

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Drove sustained revenue growth by exceeding sales targets through strategic planning, team leadership and execution of customer-focused initiatives

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Education and Training

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, IL

Education and Training

other

Technical Proficiencies

• Microsoft Office, Aloha, NBO and CTUIT Inventory and Cost Analysis Software,

• Micros and Squirrel POS Systems, R365, Toast, Indeed recruiter, LinkedIn recruiter, Zoom info Additional Experience

• Kitchen Manager & Assistant Kitchen Manager, Houlihan's Restaurant, St. Louis, MO Certifications

• Certified in FOH and BOH, ServSafe, 2022-2027

• Certified Proctor, ServSafe, 2022-2025

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