Cara Niemann
Thousand Oaks,CA
Summary
Strategic, results driven professional with demonstrated success elevating operational standards to improve overall team and business performance. Reliable team player that communicates clear work expectations and company vision to set and achieve measurable goals in demanding, complex work environments. Proven leader with seasoned ability to build teams and capitalize on emerging opportunities to enhance business profile, reputation, and influence.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager
Cronies Sports Grill
5 Locations - LA & Ventura County
01.2023 - 01.2026
- Oversaw daily operations across five restaurant locations, ensuring consistency in service, quality, and operational standards.
- Developed and implemented a new POS system improving operational efficiency, reporting accuracy, and consistency in transaction processes.
- Monitored labor, inventory, food costs, and operational expenses to support profitability goals.
- Streamlined onboarding processes for new employees, ensuring timely completion of required paperwork, documentation, and certification.
- Facilitated employee and manager meetings to clarify expectations, resolve challenges, and enhance operational performance.
- Conducted employee staff meetings and manager meetings to communicate expectations, address challenges, and improve operational performance.
- Encouraged, coached, and motivated employees and managers to build strong teams and maintain a positive workplace culture.
- Ensured compliance with company policies, safety standards, and food service regulations.
- Set and implemented strategic goals and initiatives to align the company with mission, values, and vision.
- Evaluated operational costs and identified areas of improvement.
- Managed a high volume of calls and emails daily resolving operational issues to ensure seamless day-to-day operations.
General Manager
Cronies Sports Grill
Newbury Park
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Directed daily restaurant operations, enhancing staffing, scheduling, customer service, and financial performance.
- Built and developed high-performing teams through coaching, encouragement, accountability, and employee recognition.
- Hired, trained, and supervised employees while creating a strong service-focused team culture.
- Maintained compliance with health, safety, and sanitation requirements.
- Resolved customer and employee concerns professionally and effectively.
- Partnered with ownership to streamline processes and align operational strategies with business goals.
- Monitored store performance and identified areas of improvement.
- Coordinated staff training sessions to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Organized sales promotions with vendors to increase sales.
Lead Server
Cronies Sports Grill
Newbury Park
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Led front-of-house service during high-volume shifts while maintaining excellent guest experiences.
- Trained and mentored new employees on service expectations, procedures, and company standards.
- Coached and guided team members to enhance service delivery and foster a supportive work environment.
- Coordinated effective communication among servers, kitchen staff, bar staff, and management to ensure seamless operations.
- Organized shifts, managed opening and closing duties, and upheld high service quality standards.
- Assigned tasks and monitored performance of servers.
Office Manager
Hughes Construction
Ventura
01.2001 - 01.2012
- Oversaw daily office operations, administrative processes, and organizational systems to ensure smooth functioning.
- Managed accounts receivable and accounts payable functions, including invoicing, payment tracking, vendor payments, and financial record maintenance.
- Managed company bank accounts, monitored transactions, reconciled account activity, and supported accurate financial recordkeeping.
- Assisted with bookkeeping tasks by entering financial data and reconciling accounts. processes, invoice management, and expense tracking.
Server
Cronies Sports Grill
Ventura & Camarillo
01.1999 - 01.2011
- Delivered attentive, professional service in high-volume restaurant environment, enhancing guest satisfaction.
- Maintained strong menu knowledge and provided recommendations to guests.
- Prioritized multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and stayed calm and composed.
- Coordinated with team members to ensure seamless service, contributing to positive guest interactions.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas while following safety and sanitation standards.
- Greeted and accommodated guests, building positive experience from the first interaction.
Education
High School Diploma -
Ventura High School
Ventura, CASkills
- POS system optimization
- Operations management and efficiency
- Customer service
- Inventory optimization strategies
- Process Improvements
- Conflict resolution
- Hiring and training
- Schedule management
- Workplace safety management
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Problem-solving
Certification
Food Handles Certification
RBS Certification
Timeline
Operations Manager
Cronies Sports Grill
01.2023 - 01.2026
General Manager
Cronies Sports Grill
01.2017 - 01.2023
Lead Server
Cronies Sports Grill
01.2011 - 01.2017
Office Manager
Hughes Construction
01.2001 - 01.2012
Server
Cronies Sports Grill
01.1999 - 01.2011
High School Diploma -
Ventura High School