Christian Watson Email & Phone Number

Prospect Heights, Il, Us

Elgin, Il

Comprehensive Technical Compliance Manager for the entire portfolio of products and relationships for the Schuman Cheese company. Develop and refine the technical processes that govern and facilitate the growth and delivery of responsible and tasty products.

Barrington, Il

Object Win ContractorNLR -- National Label Reform FDA 2017Kosher -- Global Kosher Support Cross-functionalFSMA -- Team support for PQP 2017Assigned Cross-functionally to NAN PepsiCo Portfolio Iconic Brands: Gatorade, Kevita, Propel, Tropicana, Naked, and Quaker and more.Product labeling specialist for all regulatory compliance with new label reform in the US. Applying USDA/FDA standards to the current and development portfolios for global compliance. -… Show more Object Win ContractorNLR -- National Label Reform FDA 2017Kosher -- Global Kosher Support Cross-functionalFSMA -- Team support for PQP 2017Assigned Cross-functionally to NAN PepsiCo Portfolio Iconic Brands: Gatorade, Kevita, Propel, Tropicana, Naked, and Quaker and more.Product labeling specialist for all regulatory compliance with new label reform in the US. Applying USDA/FDA standards to the current and development portfolios for global compliance. - Schawk Blue Labeling Software -- Packaging layout editing- Product Vision database (L.I.D.S & P.L.I.D.S.) management- FSMA Ingreditent Alignment Project 2016 Global Cross Functional Team (eRMD primary task)- SAP- Process Improvement/ Continuous Improvement/ Process Efficiency Show less

Greater Atlanta Area

Skunk-works R&D Consulting company. "Making Healthy a Priority." Engineering a fresh take on nutritious, healthier, and sustainable foods created to be a viable competitor in every category. Helping you meet the demands of today's new marketplace through R&D and brand management.This company was started in relationship with iDig Snacks, LLC. to offer contract services to manufacturers lacking R&D Support as well as create Private Label opportunities for iDig Snacks, LLC… Show more Skunk-works R&D Consulting company. "Making Healthy a Priority." Engineering a fresh take on nutritious, healthier, and sustainable foods created to be a viable competitor in every category. Helping you meet the demands of today's new marketplace through R&D and brand management.This company was started in relationship with iDig Snacks, LLC. to offer contract services to manufacturers lacking R&D Support as well as create Private Label opportunities for iDig Snacks, LLC. • Prototype Concept Development Program - to meet the R&D demands of our clients and private label partners. Responsible for leading all prototype and variations through concept phase and developing benchmark ready products. • Ingredient Sourcing – Responsible for sourcing all ingredients, broker relationships, and International trade sourcing. Charged with ingredient specifications, Certificate of Analysis (CofA), logistics, label sourcing claims (i.e.- nonGMO), and compliance details for each ingredient. • Custom Formulation – Developed all custom formulation programs and presented detailed evolution changes for all proprietary brands and intellectual property. • Packaging Solutions – Researched and developed all packaging solution programs tailored to client needs. Achieved a 2013 US Patent for Innovative Packaging for TrailJerky™ snack mix. • Contract Packer Liaison – Managed all QA controls: Compliance, Regulation, Labeling and Microanalyses Lead (USDA/FDA). Develop HACCP to develop best practices for production. Research compliance for USDA/FDA regulation. • R&D Lab Specialist – Point of contact for all microanalyses and case study programs performed or sourced through 3rd Party laboratories for product evaluation, sensory tests, and shelf life. • Supply Chain/ Project Management – Managed all support data in a “Go to Market” strategy. Responsible for overall cost analysis, production timelines, commodity costing, service relationships, contract packing, and 3PL logistics. Show less

Greater Atlanta Area, Chicago

iDig Snacks LLC was originally a concept to support an existing Boar’s Head Distribution business in Atlanta Georgia, and quickly found a niche and growing customer base for healthier concepts in a strategy to add distribution to new “independent” products. Mid-size manufacturer, Good Health Natural Products, partnered with iDig Snacks LLC for exponential fulfillment DSD growth in fives states. Independent customer base and grocery grew to over 1600 customers in 5 states in the first 2 years… Show more iDig Snacks LLC was originally a concept to support an existing Boar’s Head Distribution business in Atlanta Georgia, and quickly found a niche and growing customer base for healthier concepts in a strategy to add distribution to new “independent” products. Mid-size manufacturer, Good Health Natural Products, partnered with iDig Snacks LLC for exponential fulfillment DSD growth in fives states. Independent customer base and grocery grew to over 1600 customers in 5 states in the first 2 years featuring a diverse product portfolio. Faced with immediate ramp-up, I was commissioned to develop the entire network: manage independent operator sales network, bMobile software (similar to SAP), customer service, manage grocery segment relationships (Publix, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club,Walgreens,and more), product logistics and fulfillment, and all accounts receivable/ payable. One of my largest impacts was developing a multi-media training support resource from scratch to service the entire fleet for field operations. • Lead DSD Operations including Annual Operating Plans, Accounts Receivables, Sales, Reporting and IT support.• High Volume fulfillment and logistics managed facility including inventory, warehousing, and routing. 3PL vendor negotiations and manufacturer liaison. • Manage 25 Independent Sales Teams in 5 different states representing 12 Major CPG Brands.• Coordinate Grocery Segment sales for over 1500 accounts: Publix, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and Sam’s Club. • Support all Independent Segment sales initiatives for manufactures targeting C-stores• Strategic and tactical planning on Accounts Receivables for all sales in region• IT Specialist – Training & Troubleshooting for all Field Operations. • Configure and Execute Manufacture’s Promos for entire sales force• Vet new products and manufacturers for S&OP PortfolioProducts: Good Health Natural Products, Tate's Bake Shop, Deep River Chips, and many more. Show less

Chicago, Il

Originally conceptualized by Unilever Executives, Cookwork.com was an Internet portal “start-up” developed to target the culinary foodservice professional as a business oriented website to engage and service the needs of chefs and culinary professionals (LinkedIn for Chefs). As the first employee, my primary objective was subject matter expert (SME) for all things culinary. I evolved into a leadership role: Global Content Resource Editor, Digital Sales and Marketing, Web-engagement… Show more Originally conceptualized by Unilever Executives, Cookwork.com was an Internet portal “start-up” developed to target the culinary foodservice professional as a business oriented website to engage and service the needs of chefs and culinary professionals (LinkedIn for Chefs). As the first employee, my primary objective was subject matter expert (SME) for all things culinary. I evolved into a leadership role: Global Content Resource Editor, Digital Sales and Marketing, Web-engagement Strategist. I was tasked with developing content strategies for client partnerships like Kraft Foods in an effort to drive traffic utilizing many of our tactics and developing new resources.• Plan & Execute all ‘Messaging’ across all Social Media within our Social Sphere (45k in network) • Create & Analyze Metrics for all Social Media (Engagement, Traffic, Memberships, et cetera) • Managed Global Team to execute sales initiatives for customers (Kraft, Emirates Airline, etc.) • Establish Goals for Editorial Content, Optimize Content Marketing & Impressions Strategies (Kraft Foods and other strategic campaigns)• Content Editor/Production: Social Networking, Marketing & Media Relations, Digital Ad Design • Source, Analyze and Plan Branded Recipes for Partners & Sponsors• Initiate Client Contacts & Sell Advertising Opportunities• Community “Super User” & Culinary Subject Matter Expert to drive engagement• Developed E-Commerce Relationships with Vendors, Boards and Customers• Managed Global Recipe Database including 5000+ Recipe from US Boards & Associations Show less

Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Prentice)

Pioneering a new concept in cantina-style hospital dining, Northwestern Memorial opened "TheFresh Market On Fairbanks" as an “open-air multi-kitchen concept” featuring fresh, natural and healthier concepts for this hospital dining facility in their new Woman’s Prentice Building. As the Production Manager (Executive Chef) I was charged with the staffing, menu development, and customer service for 750 meals per period. I personally developed a new Fresh-Mex concept that remains the outlet… Show more Pioneering a new concept in cantina-style hospital dining, Northwestern Memorial opened "TheFresh Market On Fairbanks" as an “open-air multi-kitchen concept” featuring fresh, natural and healthier concepts for this hospital dining facility in their new Woman’s Prentice Building. As the Production Manager (Executive Chef) I was charged with the staffing, menu development, and customer service for 750 meals per period. I personally developed a new Fresh-Mex concept that remains the outlet sales leader, as well as developing a 24-hour Grab & Go, Meal Replacement Programs, Artisan Sandwich Bar, and staff development for 45 FTE. Healthcare, Retail, and Nutrition Chicago, Illinois• Pilot Retail Concept: Menu development, Fast Casual/QSR Programs, Grab & Go Program, Cost Control, Digital POS Marketing Programs all new to the company. • Created Green Innovations, Trim Tracks Launch & Sustainable Market Program• Global Flavor Profiles featuring unique offerings daily from multiple micro-kitchens servicing 700 per meal period, created unique concepts similar to popular competitive marketplace leaders.• Lead Team of 40 FTE for all production in 7 independent kitchens for 24/7 Operation• Developed, planned and executed competitive dining stations rival to today’s popular QSR concepts (Chipotle, Corner Bakery, Subway, Starbucks, et cetera) Show less

Chicago, Nyc, Washington Dc

NYC based boutique hotel company Denihan Hospitality Group DHG, Affinia Brand, was growing into new markets outside of NYC. This business-casual concept offers a fresh modern concept with strategically positioned properties. My direct impact was as the F&B Director of new outlets. My Task Force Team was positioned to re-brand and develop new operations in key properties and analyze concepts, talent acquisition and retention, and outlet branding. I was fortunate to work at the Affinia… Show more NYC based boutique hotel company Denihan Hospitality Group DHG, Affinia Brand, was growing into new markets outside of NYC. This business-casual concept offers a fresh modern concept with strategically positioned properties. My direct impact was as the F&B Director of new outlets. My Task Force Team was positioned to re-brand and develop new operations in key properties and analyze concepts, talent acquisition and retention, and outlet branding. I was fortunate to work at the Affinia Chicago, Benjamin New York City, The 50 New York City, and Renaissance Washington DC. • New Property Brand Training & Staff Development• Managed Multiple Units at once with 30+ FTE per location• Brand Development & Regional Customization• Accountable for re-branding F&B financial reporting, promos, discounts, catering and performance• Cross-training departments managers for better coverage in gaps in service. Show less

Lajitas Tx

In the rugged wilderness of West Texas, between Big Bend National Park and the Mexico border, lies a unique destination resort situated on a 25,000-acre private estate. Lajitas is surrounded by the awesome scenery that—as Architectural Digest explains—inspired Franklin Delano Roosevelt to sign into law the creation of Big Bend National Park.• Developed menu operations for 5 food outlets: Ocatillo, Candellia, Resort Grocery Store, Boardwalk Ice Cream Shop, Mobile Catering, and Poolside… Show more In the rugged wilderness of West Texas, between Big Bend National Park and the Mexico border, lies a unique destination resort situated on a 25,000-acre private estate. Lajitas is surrounded by the awesome scenery that—as Architectural Digest explains—inspired Franklin Delano Roosevelt to sign into law the creation of Big Bend National Park.• Developed menu operations for 5 food outlets: Ocatillo, Candellia, Resort Grocery Store, Boardwalk Ice Cream Shop, Mobile Catering, and Poolside Service. • Managed Multiple Units with 45+ total F&B FTE • Brand Development & Regional Customization for "Bad Lands" theme• Executive Committee Member for all future developments on the Resort. • Accountable for managing F&B financial reporting, guest customer service, discounts, and catering. Show less

South Florida: South Beach, Coconut Grove, Boca, Miami And Atlanta

With 11 locations firmly rooted in the delicacy of Stone Crabs, Monty's offers a variety of locations from poolside dining & funky happy hour to elegant fine dining. As the Corporate Executive Chef, I managed development of staff and evolving menus focused on Florida Seafood. • Casual Concept: Menu development, Fast Casual Family Friendly Programs, Cost Control, and Season menu development. • Created Farmer's market shopping program to save the company $100k annually in produce… Show more With 11 locations firmly rooted in the delicacy of Stone Crabs, Monty's offers a variety of locations from poolside dining & funky happy hour to elegant fine dining. As the Corporate Executive Chef, I managed development of staff and evolving menus focused on Florida Seafood. • Casual Concept: Menu development, Fast Casual Family Friendly Programs, Cost Control, and Season menu development. • Created Farmer's market shopping program to save the company $100k annually in produce distribution. • Fine Dining Service Programs: Developed staff to deliver on higher expectations for growing, competitive Miami tourism scene. • Lead Team of 20 FTE per location for all production in 11 independent kitchens and staff development with mentoring programs. Show less

2 Locations (Tampa & Carrollwood): Opening Team 15 Locations

Johnny Carrabba's Modern American Italian -- burst onto the food scene born in Texas as the fastest growing full service family casual restaurant that became a national chain after sprouting in Florida and merging with Outback Steak House (Blooming Brands LLC). • New Property Brand Training & Staff Development• Operations Manager: Cost control, Labor Control and menu standards• Lead teams of 20 FTE per unit (Full Time Equivalents) in two different locations• Daily Specials… Show more Johnny Carrabba's Modern American Italian -- burst onto the food scene born in Texas as the fastest growing full service family casual restaurant that became a national chain after sprouting in Florida and merging with Outback Steak House (Blooming Brands LLC). • New Property Brand Training & Staff Development• Operations Manager: Cost control, Labor Control and menu standards• Lead teams of 20 FTE per unit (Full Time Equivalents) in two different locations• Daily Specials Development: Some items became company standardized "specials" recipes Show less

Mountian Warfare School Ca, Desertstorm/ Desert Sheild Middle East

Dessert Storm/ Dessert Shield: Received Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Citation, Marine Unit Citations, Kuwati Liberation Medal and an education in "discipline" that lasts a lifetime.

Bachelor Of Business Administration - Bba, Business Administration And Management, General, Cum Laude

Associate'S Degree, Culinary Arts

Activities and Societies: Ale & Lager, Wine Epicurean, CEIP