DANA MARK SANDERS
Statesboro,GA
Summary
Accomplished Director of Operations with extensive expertise in optimizing daily operations and enhancing team performance. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and execute strategic planning initiatives that drive efficiency. Proven history of implementing operational enhancements, resulting in increased productivity and significant cost reductions. Committed to leveraging experience to foster a culture of continuous improvement within organizations.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Ole Times Country Buffets
Louisville, KY
03.2023 - 12.2024
- Directed operations for 13 full-service buffet restaurants across three states
- Spearheaded modernization efforts, including eliminating faxing and teaching managers to use email, new POS systems, inventory process, and delivery integration
- Increased profits by implementing inventory and ordering controls that improved food and paper costs by over 4%
- I also put scheduling guidelines in place which improved labor costs
- Standardized operations to support planned brand expansion
Vice President of Operations
Lyon Management Company
Douglas, GA
09.2020 - 03.2023
- Oversaw operations for 29 Restaurants (KFC, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, and Krystal)
- Improved P&L by adding focus to food cost and labor to improve both categories
- Directed acquisition and integration of four new locations
- Built a strong leadership team by recruiting and training managers and area supervisors
- Increase focus on customer service and drive-thru speed which improved OSAT scores to exceed 3.75% overall
Director of Operations
Hodges Management Company
Statesboro, GA
11.2003 - 09.2020
- Supervised daily operations of 36 Quick Service Restaurants with 1,000+ employees
- Opened 18 new restaurants, driving company growth from 18 to 36 locations
- Increased revenue from $19.5M to $50M+ through strategic expansion
- Pushed excellence in operations focusing on ROCC, CORE, and Food Safety inspections as well as OSAT standards for customer service
- Having multiple General Managers earn KFC’s top 50 Best of the Best in the country recognition
- Served as President of the Southeastern KFC Franchise Association
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree - Business Administration
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GASkills
- Effective Technology Integration
- Local Store Marketing
- Effective Communication
- Strategic planning and execution
- Employee engagement
- Operations management
- Budgeting and cost control
- Recruitment
References
Available upon request.
Awards
- 2019, Association of KFC Franchisees Shining Star Award
- 2018, KFC Corporate President Kevin Hochman’s “Colonel” Leadership Award
- 2016, KFC Corporate CFO Trip Vornholt’s “Hannibal” Leadership Award
- 2016, Hodges Management received KFC’s Franchisee of the Year
Timeline
Director of Operations
Ole Times Country Buffets
03.2023 - 12.2024
Vice President of Operations
Lyon Management Company
09.2020 - 03.2023
Director of Operations
Hodges Management Company
11.2003 - 09.2020
Bachelor of Science Degree - Business Administration
Georgia Southern University
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