Thilak Sampath

Results-driven Operations & Production Management professional with 20+ years of progressive leadership experience across food manufacturing, commissary operations, multi-unit restaurant management, and inventory/warehouse control. Demonstrated ability to drive efficiency gains, reduce costs, and build high-performing teams in both Canadian and international environments. Known for implementing systems and KPI frameworks that deliver measurable results — including a 25% sales increase at A&W and a 15% improvement in inventory accuracy at Colonial Countertops.

Holds deep expertise in HACCP, food safety compliance, supply chain coordination, and continuous process improvement.

Inventory Controller / ERP Systems Coordinator / Yard Incharge - Colonial Countertops - Surrey, BC

(2023-05)

• Oversee receiving, storage, and material flow for production operations; introduced a cycle-count process that improved stock accuracy by 15% and keeps inventory value consistently under control.
• Serve as IT Help Desk support for all branch purchase departments within the Epicor ERP system — troubleshooting issues, guiding staff through system processes, and ensuring accurate data entry across locations.
• Process inter-branch inventory transfers using Transfer Orders in Epicor, ensuring accurate movement records and timely delivery of materials to all branch locations.
• Issue materials to the production unit on request, tracking all movements within Epicor to maintain real-time inventory accuracy.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal departments proactively to prevent stock shortages and production delays; generate KPI reports to support forecasting and planning.
• Perform daily forklift operational checks and maintain a safe, organized storage yard for efficient material retrieval and handling.

Forklift Operator - Neovia Logistics / Samsung SDS - Surrey, BC

(2021-05 - 2023-04)

• Supported full warehouse cycle: receiving, put-away, order picking, packing, and shipping with consistently high order accuracy.
• Entered receiving data against purchase orders in the warehouse management system; printed and processed inventory put-away lists.
• Organized materials to optimize production flow and reduce retrieval time.

Custodian - Burnaby School District - Burnaby, BC

(2019-06)

• Maintained building security, performed safety inspections, and responded swiftly to emergency situations such as flooding or spills.
• Operated industrial equipment (floor buffers, pressure washers, carpet cleaners, snow blowers) safely and in compliance with health and safety regulations.

Operations Manager - A&W Restaurants - British Columbia

(2016-06 - 2019-05)

• Drove a 25% increase in sales across multiple locations by implementing targeted business strategies and expanding into new markets.
• Coached restaurant management teams in controlling key variable costs (food, labour, and controllables) to improve profitability.
• Led recruitment, training, delegation, and performance management processes to build high-performing operations teams.
• Ensured industry-leading guest experience standards as measured by Brand Compliance Reports and Guest Connect metrics.

Assistant General Manager - Denny's Restaurant - British Columbia

(2014-08 - 2016-06)

• Held full P&L accountability including budgeting, NOP, food cost, labour cost, and inventory management for a high-volume location.
• Directed hiring, scheduling, training, and performance management for a large front- and back-of-house team.
• Maintained SOP, OSAT, BPR, and Pride Review compliance; assisted district manager with weekly and monthly reporting.

Restaurant Manager - Freshslice Pizza - West Vancouver, BC

(2014-01 - 2014-07)

• Managed daily operations, food quality, inventory, purchasing, and P&L for a standalone quick-service location.
• Supervised and trained staff in food handling, customer service, and safety protocols.

Commissary Manager - Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd (Domino's India) - Bangalore, India

(2011-07 - 2013-12)

• Led large-scale food production and distribution hub supplying multiple Domino's regional stores with zero unplanned supply interruptions.
• Maintained the highest HACCP, food safety, and quality standards across all production lines.
• Managed KPIs, MIS reporting, vendor negotiations, inventory control, and warehouse dispatching.

Operations Manager - Al-Suwaiket Trading & Contracting - Saudi Arabia

(2007-06 - 2011-05)

• Spearheaded full operational oversight of a 300-person property including housekeeping, front office, and food & beverage departments.
• Designed and implemented systems, processes, and procedures to improve operational efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Oversaw financial management, budget planning, accounting, and payroll.

Senior Operations Manager - Hotel Surabi International - Vellore, India

(2004-01 - 2007-05)

• Directed and mentored a team of 120 staff across multiple outlets, establishing a culture of quality and customer-first service.
• Led annual budget planning by department based on forecasted sales volumes; established short- and long-term operational goals.
• Resolved escalated customer issues and contributed to policy and procedure development.

Regional Operations Manager - Pizza Corner India Pvt. Ltd. - Southern India — 25 Outlets

(1999-06 - 2003-12)

• Oversaw regional operations across 25 outlets, including routine safety inspections, vendor negotiations, and operational improvements.
• Developed and implemented regional policies and procedures to maximize productivity; monitored KPIs and addressed performance gaps.
• Assisted department heads with project planning and organized conferences/workshops to improve operational practices across the region.

Bachelor of Science - Hotel & Catering Management - Madras University, India (1999)