Steve Ercole
Chicago
Summary
Senior Buyer with extensive experience at Restaurant Depot, excelling in supplier negotiations and relationship management. Proven track record in optimizing supply chains and enhancing operational efficiency. Strong team-builder committed to staff development, fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement, resulting in significant cost savings and increased customer loyalty.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Buyer
Restaurant Depot
09.2021 - Current
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and quality products.
- Developed inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Conducted thorough spend analysis to identify areas for potential cost savings and efficiencies.
- Controlled sell and Margins of product.
- Closely monitoring inventory levels and forecasting demand accurately.
- Working with 26 vendors and over 1500 SKU's
- Purchase Non food items for restaurants.
Regional Compliance Manager
Restaurant Depot
01.2015 - 09.2021
- Trained staff on compliance and HACCP standards.
- Developed key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of compliance programs, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Prepared and presented comprehensive reports to upper management and audit team, covering issues and recommendations.
- Monitored regulatory changes, advising leadership on necessary adjustments to maintain compliance status.
- Ensured timely completion of mandatory training modules across all departments, emphasizing the importance of adherence to legal requirements and corporate guidelines.
- Acted as a visible presence in the workplace, championing the importance of a strong compliance culture and leading by example.
- Collaborated with HR and IT to develop and implement code of business and ethics and anti-harassment policies and related personnel training.
- Executed corporate food safety strategies, policies and procedures.
Manager
Restaurant Depot
07.2012 - 01.2015
- Managed teams of 75 plus employees and 11 departments inside of unit.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by keeping abreast of industry developments, updating policies as necessary, and conducting regular audits.
- Mentored team members, fostering professional development and enhancing performance.
- Implemented process improvements that increased operational productivity by streamlining workflows.
- Managed daily operations while maintaining a high level of efficiency, productivity, and customer service.
- Maintained secure environment for customers. We are a working warehouse.
- Maximized cross-selling opportunities by training staff on product offerings across various departments within the organization.
- Championed community engagement initiatives that helped raise the brand''s profile while giving back to the local area through charitable endeavors.
- Built strong relationships with key clients, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
Education
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Joliet Junior College
Joliet, ILSkills
- Supplier negotiations
- Supplier relationship management
- Supply chain optimization
- Operations management
- Staff development
- Sales management
- Strong team-builder
- Customer relationships
- Verbal/written communication
- Approachable
- Employee development
Timeline
Senior Buyer
Restaurant Depot
09.2021 - Current
Regional Compliance Manager
Restaurant Depot
01.2015 - 09.2021
Manager
Restaurant Depot
07.2012 - 01.2015
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Joliet Junior College