Catherine Buresh

Innovative operations leader who transforms business processes through automation and technology solutions fulfillment for clients in high-volume culinary services industry sectors.

• Project management expertise in food service software, e.g., needs assessment, sales, implementation, and evaluating solutions for effectiveness.

• Expert in unique culinary services business needs, and how to deploy digital technology to create meaningful improvement transformations.

• Empowers teams to cultivate new ideas and deliver complex, innovative products. Committed to talent development that fosters employee engagement and supports corporate objectives; exceptional mentor and coach.

• Leads cross-functional initiatives, e.g., process improvement, cost reduction, business development, sales campaigns, and product development.

• Engaging, collaborative style; supports team mission; fosters positive work environments; builds effective stakeholder relationships to produce business value.

• Instills team members’ sense of ownership; encourages decision-making, promotes accountability, and validates contributions; builds confidence and personal growth.

Apple, Inc. | Statistical Data & Automation Manager | Cupertino, CA    2014 to Present

Leads enterprise automation, database, and statistical data reporting operations team to support Caffè Macs, Apple’s internal employee-only cafeterias located at regional company campuses (~18K+ employees). 

Directs order automation analysis and data management operations for the food services. Identifies, resolves, and deploys solutions to address trend analysis, pricing, data, and waste reduction issues. Manages food labeling system data services and file transfer protocol site. Supports back office databases; trains users. 

Aggregates, analyzes, and produces weekly statistical reports for senior leaders, e.g., comparative weekly statistics, buying/spending trends, periodic sales reports, and annual paper usage report. Collaborates with senior leaders on budget review, trends, and category projection.

• Developed and implemented solutions with processes to automate all food service purchase data; cut labor 50%.
• Evolved processes to Cloud-based platform. Trained users, boosted accuracy by 60%; produced up to 22% cost savings.
  • Automated ordering and invoicing processes to track inventory from purchase to production, including alignment with specific recipes. Worked with vendors to integrate ordering and invoicing data flow.
  • Launched Cloud-based invoice scanning technology; cut processing errors and boosted invoice accuracy.
  • Partnered with a programmer to automate warehouse inventory management.
• Sourced, developed, and deployed first labeling system for items in Caffè Macs, the commissary, and espresso bars. 
• Analyzed inventory management processes; authored and executed SOPs to boost team productivity. 
• Trained staff to develop capabilities in efficiency, organization, and team workflow.
• Fostered effective vendor relationships; negotiated cost savings, enhanced configuration support and service delivery; refined inventory practices; improved operational efficiency.

Catherine Buresh | Page 2

C CASA Restaurant | Director of Operations | Napa, CA     2013 to 2014

Upscale taqueria with reimagined Mexican flavors and globally inspired ingredients.

Led restaurant team to achieve high volume restaurant operations and standards compliance. Empowered department managers to achieve their potential by setting clear goals and through frequent, effective communication. Sourced and procured consumables and equipment to meet budgetary projections. 

Transformed business with limited systems and staffing; designed and executed comprehensive standard operating procedures to impact receiving, hiring, training, and food handling. 

• Produced overall business process efficiency by 40% through internal systems improvement.
  • Developed new training program to promote internal career growth, e.g., supervisory/management career paths and cross training. Combined with new recruiting processes, boosted process efficiency by 20%, reduced labor up to 7%, and enhanced team’s ability to meet target goals.
  • Streamlined inventory management; introduced pars, order guides, and FIFO standards to maintain stock levels; cut waste by up to 17%; negotiated with vendors to cut costs; aligned menu pricing with business plan; directly influenced profitability. 
  • Introduced new food handling and sanitation policies. 
  • Championed effective food, beverage, and labor cost control best practices across all three locations.

Culinary Software Services | Manager of Operations | Boulder, CO     2000 to 2013

Leader in back-of-the-house software technology for the food service industry.

Developed business revenue streams and procedures to improve business performance; managed resources; restructured hiring methodology; built and maintained effective client and vendor relationships. 

Developed new sales initiatives with focus on customer retention, customer success, and sales/revenue stream growth. Partnered with Marketing to execute campaigns; boosted brand visibility and participated in industry events.

Collaborated with programming to advance software, from development life cycle to support systems. Managed product rollouts from inception through completion of implementation; served as a liaison between customers and programmers.

• Presented to C-level clients; brought in to close large deals. Negotiated terms and pricing with 95% close rate.
• Identified/developed new revenue streams/ boosted monthly gross revenue from $64K to $350K.
• Led hiring processes to attract top candidates and strengthen sales team. Reduced previous 200% turnover rate; achieved 5.5 year average tenure.
• Mentored sales and support staff: improved customer relations, team morale, engagement, and performance.
• Innovated new training and consulting programs that created new revenue streams. 
• Provided functional support for software implementation projects. Created onsite design/implementation strategies training program.

Previous Employment – Early Career 

Manager of Operations for multiple restaurants. Maintained inventory and managed costs to align with menus and business plan. Hired personnel, wrote training materials, and established career growth pathways. 

Consistently increased revenue and exceeded company profitability targets. Upheld strict health, sanitation and safety (HACCP) standards compliance. Maintained smooth, efficient daily operations, and exceptional customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Bachelor of Science (BS), Business Management | Colorado State University Global Campus

Associate of Arts (AA), Food Science and Technology | Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs, IA

Diploma, Industrial Cooking and Baking | Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs, IA

Studies in Agriculture and Animal Science | Texas State University | San Marcos, TX