Alexa Merrill
Bellingham,MA
Summary
Dynamic Operations Manager with extensive experience at Sodexo Campus Services, excelling in team leadership and inventory management. Proven track record of enhancing customer satisfaction through innovative menu development and effective employee training. Championed safety protocols, significantly reducing workplace accidents while fostering strong client relationships and a collaborative work environment.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager, Food Service/Universities
Sodexo Campus Services
06.2022 - Current
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Championed safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment, reducing workplace accidents significantly.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
Executive Chef/Colleges & Universities
Sodexo Campus Services
07.2018 - 06.2022
- Developed and implemented seasonal menus to enhance dining experience and meet diverse dietary needs.
- Led kitchen staff in preparing high-quality meals while maintaining strict food safety standards.
- Streamlined kitchen operations by optimizing inventory management and reducing food waste.
- Mentored junior chefs, fostering culinary skills and promoting teamwork within the kitchen.
Executive Chef Resident Dining
Sodexo Campus Services
05.2009 - 07.2018
- Directed culinary operations for campus dining facilities, ensuring high standards of food quality and presentation.
- Developed and implemented seasonal menus, enhancing student satisfaction and promoting local ingredients.
- Managed inventory control systems to optimize food cost efficiency and minimize waste.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff on culinary techniques and safety protocols, fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Oversaw compliance with health regulations, ensuring safe food handling practices throughout the kitchen operations.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
- Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Implemented special events promotions such as theme nights or cooking demonstrations to attract new clientele and boost sales revenues.
- Collaborated with other Executive Chefs within the company network to share best practices and develop new menu items that showcased each property''s unique offerings.
Food Service Manager
Sodexo Campus Services
08.2006 - 05.2009
- Oversaw daily food service operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing supply chain processes for efficiency and cost control.
- Developed training programs to enhance staff performance and service quality across dining facilities.
- Implemented menu changes based on customer feedback, boosting satisfaction rates among students and staff.
- Tracked food production levels, meal counts, and supply costs.
- Reviewed and approved employee schedules and timesheets.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication among team members and resolving conflicts effectively.
- Upheld company policies consistently across all areas of operation while remaining flexible enough to address unique situations as they arose within the workplace setting.
- Maintained compliance with company policies and procedures for food safety, sanitation, and quality.
- Ensured high standards of cleanliness and sanitation with regular inspections and staff training.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI06-1998
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Employee relations and conflict resolution
- Planning and implementation
- Inventory management
- Policies and procedures implementation
- Employee motivation
- Customer relationship management
- MS office
- Client relationships
- Inventory control
- Customer service
Certification
Serve Safe Certified
Allertrain Certified
TIPS Certified
Timeline
Operations Manager, Food Service/Universities
Sodexo Campus Services
06.2022 - Current
Executive Chef/Colleges & Universities
Sodexo Campus Services
07.2018 - 06.2022
Executive Chef Resident Dining
Sodexo Campus Services
05.2009 - 07.2018
Food Service Manager
Sodexo Campus Services
08.2006 - 05.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University