Amber Valentine
Keizer,OR
Summary
Operations training manager with extensive experience at Oregon Freeze Dry, focusing on employee training and curriculum design. Achieved significant reductions in new-hire training time while boosting overall productivity. Skilled in utilizing learning management systems to enhance engagement and compliance, driving operational excellence through innovative training solutions.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Training Manager
Oregon Freeze Dry
Albany, OR
11.2022 - Current
- Built and led a training team delivering standardized, high-impact instruction across multiple manufacturing plants, ensuring consistent quality, compliance, and engagement.
- Designed and implemented onboarding programs that reduced new-hire training time and accelerated productivity across diverse operational teams.
- Partnered with subject matter experts to develop and deploy role-specific training curricula tailored to departmental needs and compliance requirements.
- Conducted comprehensive needs assessments to identify emerging skill gaps and built targeted development plans aligned with business and safety goals.
- Implemented and administered the company’s Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring completion of monthly compliance training and providing leadership with actionable progress reports.
- Collaborated with the Biopharma Division to create and implement training frameworks supporting expansion into new, regulated product lines.
- Designed custom training content in Safety, Quality, and Continuous Improvement, fostering a culture of operational excellence and continuous growth
Residential Dining Director
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID
06.2021 - 08.2022
- Directed full-service dining operations for an $8M account, including concept launches and new unit openings.
- Managed 135 employees—recruiting, training, coaching, and improving retention through engagement initiatives.
- Developed and monitored budgets, controlled labor and food costs, and implemented accurate inventory systems.
- Improved customer service ratings and operational quality, earning recognition for leadership and compliance.
- Received Safety Champion of the Mountain Division award for implementing division-leading safety programs.
Culinary Director
Gilgamesh Brewing
04.2020 - 06.2021
- Directed multi-unit culinary operations, consistently achieving budget and labor targets.
- Created adaptive menus and operating procedures to sustain business performance during COVID-19.
- Negotiated vendor contracts, streamlined commissary operations, and improved delivery/invoicing accuracy.
- Hired, trained, and retained kitchen staff while enforcing new safety protocols and morale programs.
Catering Chef
Bon Appetit, Willamette University
Salem, OR
03.2018 - 01.2021
- Designed and executed catering operations for high-profile university events, including commencement and alumni weekends.
- Managed event staffing, inventory, and large-scale menu development to align with client needs and budgets.
- Directed off-site catering for the University President and executive-level functions.
Kitchen Manager
Englewood High School
Englewood, CO
03.2017 - 03.2018
- Directed daily foodservice operations, including production, inventory, and vendor relations.
- Raised health inspection scores from failing to 100% compliance within one review cycle.
- Developed nutritious, cost-effective menus tailored to student needs.
Facility Supervisor
WMU Dining Services
Kalamazoo, MI
09.2014 - 05.2017
- Supervised daily operations for a LEED-certified dining center serving thousands of students.
- Trained staff on kitchen equipment and safety protocols to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
- Created workflows for dish room and extractor operations, cutting delays and improving sanitation.
- Troubleshot and resolved kitchen equipment malfunctions to maintain uninterrupted service.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Behavior Management
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo12-2026
Skills
- Learning management systems (SAP SuccessFactors, Alchemy Redzone)
- Employee training and development
- Curriculum design
- E-learning development
- Training delivery
- Microsoft Office Suite
- SharePoint
- Adobe Captivate
- Articulate 360
Timeline
Operations Training Manager
Oregon Freeze Dry
11.2022 - Current
Residential Dining Director
University of Idaho
06.2021 - 08.2022
Culinary Director
Gilgamesh Brewing
04.2020 - 06.2021
Catering Chef
Bon Appetit, Willamette University
03.2018 - 01.2021
Kitchen Manager
Englewood High School
03.2017 - 03.2018
Facility Supervisor
WMU Dining Services
09.2014 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Behavior Management
Western Michigan University