Ulrich Laue
Chief Operating Officer
Vancouver,BC
Summary
Accomplished Chief Operating Officer with progressive industry background in CPG and Hospitality and a decisive leadership style. Offers strategic planning abilities, background in change management and forward-thinking mindset. Ready for challenges and focused on meeting future demands.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
Salt Spring Coffee
4 2019 - Current
- Implementing and Managing Vision and Strategic Plan for Salt Spring Coffee's aggressive Growth and Expansion Plans resulting in 300% output capacity increase and 50% revenue growth
- Building on proven track record, supporting Organic and Regenerative Organic Agriculture and Fair to Farmer practices
- Driving Salt Spring Coffee to become Zero Waste Company by 2026
- Implemented Purpose Statement that "A company that flourishes with our communities from Crop to Cup"
- Drove implementation as Canada’s first licensed coffee roaster offering Regenerative Organic Certified Coffee
- Successfully reorganized and implemented Marketing Strategy
- Driving force of Strategic Plan & B Corp Strategy
- Successfully developed and launched multiple new products
- Oversaw Quality Assurance & SQF implementation at highest level
- Initiated Process Optimization & Automation
- Project Management
- Change Management
- Led operational oversight and budgetary supervision for 2 locations
- Oversaw all projects
- Led change management
- Optimized supply chain management strategies; reducing lead times while maintaining product quality standards for increased customer satisfaction rates
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions
- Championed adoption of new technology solutions to streamline operations, automate manual tasks, and improve overall efficiency levels
- Mentored team members by sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and providing constructive feedback; fostering inclusive and diverse culture of continuous learning and development within organization
- Represented organization at external meetings and events to promote and build relationships with key stakeholders
- Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration
General Manager, Operations (Contract)
Capilano Group
10.2017 - 03.2019
- Responsible for year over year revenue growth and day to day operation of world renowned Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, including Guest Services, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, and Facility Management
- Welcoming well over 1.2 million guests annually featuring 3 main attractions, 5 Food & Beverage venues and entertainment
- Triple Bottom Line Responsibility
- Increased Guest Services ratings
- Participated in Strategic Planning
- Responsible for Team Development and reduction of turn-over
- Led Change Management
- Successfully launched Cliff House Restaurant
- Oversaw Capilano Group Projects involving all 5 properties.
- Provided thoughtful guidance to personnel in navigating and resolving snags in productivity
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings
- Oversaw facility maintenance and janitorial teams
Full Time Father
03.2017 - 10.2017
- Full time care for daughter.
Corporate Director of Food & Beverage Services
AIDA Cruises
08.2016 - 02.2017
- Financial and operational responsibility for the Food and Beverage operation of 11 active and 2 new cruise liners under construction featuring over 70 restaurants and 110 bars generating over CAN$ 130 million in onboard Revenue
- Revenue Responsibility
- Strategic Planning
- New Build Planning
- Concept development
- Concept implementation
- Project Management
- Implementation of first Starbucks onboard a German cruise ship
- Shore side Liaison for all Hotel Managers
- Shore side Liaison for all F&B Managers.
Director of Operations
Alma Mater Society of UBC
09.2011 - 04.2016
- Responsibility to ensure the ongoing success and growth of the multiple businesses
- Facility-, retail- & lease management, sales, marketing, and security services for the society
- Part of project team for construction, commissioning, and startup of a new $CAN 100 million, Platinum LEED certified facility which opened in June 2015, featuring a modern, 64,000 sq
- Ft
- Conference and catering facility, 13 retail stores, 10 restaurants and eateries, including 4 liquor licensed venues, The Pit, Grand Noodle Emporium, Perch, and the Conference & Catering facilities
- Revenue growth
- Triple bottom line responsibility
- Strategic planning
- Labor relations
- Change management
- Concept development
- Rebranding
- Launch of Sales and Marketing department
- Facility management
- Retail lease negotiations
- Contract negotiations
- Building security.
Director, Food & Beverage
Grouse Mountain Resorts
12.2004 - 08.2011
- Reporting to the General Manager, solely responsible for the operation of 7 revenue centres with over 200 employees and annual revenues exceeding 10 million dollars
- Continuous revenue growth
- Significant and continuous increase of profit margin
- Implementation of sustainable practices, e.g., Ocean Wise, Green Table, Green Certification
- Quality assurance and improvement
- Introduction of an extensive employee training manual
- Ongoing trainings
- Active cost management
- Supplier contract negotiations
- Business development
- Concept development.
Manager, Food & Beverage
Holland America Line
10.1999 - 06.2004
- Reporting to the corporate Director of Food & Beverage responsible for the day-to-day operation of up to 6 restaurants and 16 bars and lounges with up to 400 employees
- Successfully commissioned Food & Beverage operation for 5 consecutive new built ships
- Increased Beverage Revenues
- Achieved consistently highest Public Health ratings
- Achieved consistently highest guest ratings
- Continuous increase revenues.
Education
MBA in Hotel Management -
01.1993 - 05.1995
Skills
Active Listening
Business Forecasting
Adaptability and Flexibility
Budget Planning
Cross-Functional Teamwork
Revenue Growth
Business Development
Effective Communicator and Public Speaker
People and Culture
Employee Motivation and Performance
Regulatory Compliance
Investor Relations
Active Listening
Linkedin Profile
http://ca.linkedin.com/in/ulilaue
Specialized Training
- Indigenous Canada, University of Alberta, 2022
- The Refinery, Business Acumen, Financial Planning and Budgeting, 2018
- Negotiation Workshop, Harvard Business School, 2011
- Attracting, Retaining & Developing People, by Sauder School of Business, Vancouver, BC, 2007
- Fundamentals of Finance and Accounting for Non- Financial Managers, Sauder School of Business, Vancouver, BC, 2006
Community Service
- Pacific Assistance Dog Society, Volunteer, 2022, present
- St Jude Parish, Volunteer & Donor, 2021, present
- Rare Disease Foundation, Vancouver, BC, Volunteer & Donor, 2018, present
- Strata Cooperation, Vancouver, BC, Council president/ member, 2008, present
- Greater Vancouver Food bank, Vancouver, BC, Volunteer, 2009
- Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver, BC, Donor, 2007, 2011
- We Day, Vancouver, Volunteer, 2010, 2011
- Grouse Grind Mountain Run for BC Children’s Hospital, Fundraiser, 2010
- Seek the Peak for Rethink Breast Cancer, Fundraiser, 2010
Timeline
General Manager, Operations (Contract) - Capilano Group
10.2017 - 03.2019
Full Time Father -
03.2017 - 10.2017
Corporate Director of Food & Beverage Services - AIDA Cruises
08.2016 - 02.2017
Director of Operations - Alma Mater Society of UBC
09.2011 - 04.2016
Director, Food & Beverage - Grouse Mountain Resorts
12.2004 - 08.2011
Manager, Food & Beverage - Holland America Line
10.1999 - 06.2004
Hotel- Management- School Heidelberg/ Germany - MBA in Hotel Management,
01.1993 - 05.1995
Chief Operating Officer - Salt Spring Coffee
4 2019 - Current