Amanda Caldemeyer
Director Of Operations
GA
Summary
Focused Director of Operations with 22 years of success in driving customer-oriented programs and developing high performing service-oriented teams. Accomplished in working with organizational leaders to establish business goals and devise strategies driving revenue generation and business growth.
Overview
2
2
years of post-secondary education
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Olive Garden
Port Wentworth , GA
06.2014 - 05.2021
- Directed teams of 9 restaurants in operational development of service network, including implementation of quality requirements and operating standards.
- Supported 900+ team members to maximize quality and work efficiency.
- Analyzed P&L and daily sales reports to evaluate performance, adjust strategies and maintain agile, sustainable operations.
- Increased profits from .8% to 4.5% year over year by managing labor, waste and controllable spending.
- Recruited, hired and trained managers.
- Observed each employees individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness, promoted over 20 restaurant managers and 10 general managers.
- Directed management meetings to enhance collaboration and maintain culture based on trust and group problem-solving.
- Directed HR operations, including strategic workforce planning, goal cascading, performance management, staffing and benefits administration.
- Oversaw operations and reviewed performance measures of 9 locations of full service restaurants, with over $40 million in sales and $10 million in annual performance earnings.
- Supervised, developed and conducted performance evaluations for 38 location Managers..
- Successfully redeveloped 8 restaurants in business operations from full service to togo only, during pandemic.
General Manager
Olive Garden
Morehead City, NC
05.2010 - 06.2014
- Led new restaurant opening and achieved top 10% in company based on sales, labor, guest metrics and waste in first year.
- Received award for most improved team member turnover, FY2014
- Hired, trained and developed minimum of 3 managers and 100 team members on staff regularly.
- Drove business growth while leading operations, strategic vision and long-range planning.
- Organized budgets, oversaw P&Ls and achieved margin targets.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules and contract negotiations.
- Developed, implemented and managed business plans to promote profitable food and beverage sales.
General Manager
Olive Garden
Burlington, NC
03.2009 - 05.2010
- Directed successful operational turnaround, lowering waste, increasing productivity and lowering team member turnover.
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.
- Protected business, team members and customers by monitoring alcohol consumption and keeping operation in line with legal service requirements.
- Verified accurate records and sufficient supplies by conducting monthly inventories of food, beverages, glassware and other materials.
- Implemented and managed business plans to promote profitable food and beverage sales.
- Met, greeted and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
Restaurant Manager
Olive Garden
Wilmington, NC
02.2007 - 03.2009
- Purchased adequate quantities of necessary restaurant items, including food, beverages, equipment and supplies.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained and supervised staff of 40 to 75 team members
- Clearly and promptly communicated pertinent information to staff, such as large reservations or last minute menu changes.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Oversaw front of house personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime.
- Resolved challenging customer complaints to full satisfaction, promoting brand loyalty and maximizing repeat business.
- Conducted health, safety and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Maintained safe working and guest environment to reduce risk of injury and accidents.
Office Manager
Fibber McGees/Copper Penny
Wilmington , NC
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks and customer-focused events.
- Assisted servers with specialty drinks orders by preparing on-demand items without delay.
- Checked ID cards and verified bar guests were of legal age.
- Handled money, balanced tills, processed credit card payment batches and prepared bank deposits.
- Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
- Assisted in preparing dining room for special upcoming functions, including decorating and generating and printing out special group menus.
- Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines and mixers.
Restaurant Manager
Red Lobster
Cedar Rapids , IA
11.1996 - 03.2000
- Maintained kitchen hardware and repaired tools or ordered equipment as needed.
- Motivated team of 30 employees to maintain high standards of food preparation and efficiency for 5000 guests per week.
- Lowered restaurant costs by controlling waste and culinary labor.
- Received Diamond Club award in FY 1999 by achieving top 5% in sales growth, guest metrics, labor and waste.
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent checks of line.
- Coordinated and organized all restaurant inventory.
- Maintained high standards of food quality by reviewing shipments, overseeing preparation and monitoring food safety.
- Hired and managed all kitchen staff.
Education
Associate of Arts - Business Adminstration
Hamilton Business College
Cedar Rapids, IA 08.2002 - 05.2004
Skills
Strategic Planning and Execution
Staff Training/Development
Coaching and Mentoring
Recruitment
Relationship Building
Customer Service
Policy And Procedure Adherence
Conflict Resolution
Onboarding
Human Resources
Management
Process Improvements
Performance Analysis
Effective Leader
Employee Reviews
Inventory Management
Training & Development
Quote
I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.
John Cage
Accomplishments
Received Diamond Club Award; FY 1999
Received PACE award for outstanding guest service FY 2008
Qualified for CIT award FY 2009
Received most improved Teammember Turnover FY 2014
Received most improved Manager Turnover FY 2015
Timeline
Director of Operations
Olive Garden
06.2014 - 05.2021
General Manager
Olive Garden
05.2010 - 06.2014
General Manager
Olive Garden
03.2009 - 05.2010
Restaurant Manager
Olive Garden
02.2007 - 03.2009
Office Manager
Fibber McGees/Copper Penny
01.2005 - 01.2007
Associate of Arts - Business Adminstration
Hamilton Business College
08.2002 - 05.2004
Restaurant Manager
Red Lobster
11.1996 - 03.2000