Operations & Purchasing Leader (30+ Years)

JAMES GOTTSCHALK

Hamilton, ON · 647-***-**** · ************@*******.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Operations leader with 30+ years of progressive experience, beginning at McDonald’s at age 16 and advancing through General Manager and multi-unit leadership roles. Proven track record managing high-volume operations generating up to

$10M+ annually, with full P&L accountability, inventory control, labor optimization, and union relations. Strong background in team development, cost reduction, compliance, and driving operational excellence. Seeking an Area Manager or multi-unit Operations leadership role.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Operations & Leadership Financial & Inventory People & Compliance Multi-Unit Operations

P&L Ownership

KPI Management

Revenue Growth

Process Improvement

Operational Audits

Budgeting & Forecasting

Inventory Management

Cost Reduction

Vendor Negotiation

Shrink Control

Financial Reporting

Team Building & Training

Labor Cost Control

Union Environment

Performance Management

Health & Safety

Customer Experience

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Owner / Operator

We Mark It (Laser Engraving & Custom Products) · Brampton / Hamilton, ON · 2020 – Present

• Founded and manage all day-to-day operations of a custom products company, overseeing production, sales, purchasing, and customer fulfillment.

• Source products and materials from international vendors; manage lead times, quality, and cost.

• Maintain full financial records using Intuit QuickBooks; control expenses and deliver consistently high customer satisfaction.

• Develop fundraising partnerships and custom award programs for organizations, expanding revenue streams. General Manager

Kelseys Original Roadhouse · Mississauga, ON · 2012 – 2020

• Promoted from Guest Services Manager to General Manager; fully accountable for daily operations of a 320-seat restaurant generating approximately $75,000 in weekly sales.

• Led recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management for a team of 35 employees plus 3 managers (peak staffing of 50+).

• Directed all banquet and private-event operations for groups up to 320 guests, including bookings, planning, execution, and payment.

• Owned weekly inventory and vendor relations for food, beverages, liquor, and smallwares; drove cost-effective purchasing and controlled waste.

• Prepared and tracked sales budgets and weekly P&L reports; processed payroll and streamlined controllable expenses to meet overhead targets.

• Built community partnerships and hosted major charity events (Corvettes for Kids, Reach for the Rainbow), increasing brand visibility and new business.

Assistant Food & Beverage Manager – Multi-Unit

HMS Host – Toronto Pearson International Airport · Mississauga, ON · 2009 – 2012

• Managed three high-volume units (full-service restaurant, Canada’s busiest Starbucks, and Great Canadian Bagel) with combined annual sales exceeding $11.5 million.

• Supervised a daily staff of 40 within a unionized environment; administered progressive discipline and communicated with union stewards.

• Placed an average of 7,000 daily purchases across all three units while tightly controlling costs, overstock, and inventory.

• Performed monthly food audits, cash audits, and ensured HACCP and food-safety standards were met; prepared P&L statements and management reports.

• Completed Freeman Customer Service Training and enforced full compliance with company and airport operational standards.

General Manager

Prince of Ales · Toronto, ON · 2007 – 2009

• Full P&L responsibility for restaurant operations including staff management (up to 25 employees), vendor relations, budgeting, and inventory controls.

• Recruited, hired, supervised, scheduled, and motivated the team; planned and managed significant remodeling projects that improved guest experience.

• Maintained expenses below budget through accurate forecasting, waste reduction, and disciplined purchasing procedures.

• Developed marketing campaigns and maintained strong client relationships, including team sponsorships and company partnerships.

Management Consultant

Muddy Moose Tap Bar & Grill · Mississauga, ON · 2005 – 2007

• Led and motivated employees through in-house training and incentive plans, resulting in higher productivity and improved employee and customer satisfaction.

• Created daily reporting tools that reduced inventory inaccuracies, spillage, and shortages; decreased expenditures by 15% through standardized ordering and stock controls.

• Implemented a new Point-of-Sale system that increased operational efficiency and accuracy; developed event nights and promotional materials to drive business.

Crew Member / Shift Leadership

McDonald’s · Ontario · Started at age 16

• Began career in the quick-service industry at age 16, building foundational skills in high-volume customer service, food safety, teamwork, and operational standards that supported progressive advancement into management roles. TECHNICAL SKILLS

Microsoft Office Suite · POS Systems · Inventory Management Systems · Financial Reporting · Intuit QuickBooks · Operational Reporting

CERTIFICATIONS

Food Handler Certified · Smart Serve Certified

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