Diane Ahlman
Summary
Experienced executive leader with a strong background in the hospitality/retail industry. Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and driving people development initiatives. Demonstrates visionary leadership and implements effective operational controls to consistently achieve outstanding results, increasing sales and profitability through strategic planning and goal execution. Has a proven track record of continuous career progression to positions of greater leadership and responsibility.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Operations
Dunkin Franchisee
02.2024 - 06.2025
- Reporting directly to the COO, responsible for 113-units MA, RI and Florida with annual sales volume more than $185 million and servicing over 27 million customers
- Applied excellent problem-solving, process development, and strategic implementation skills to lead and support all areas of operations.
- Streamlined operations by identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements.
- Supported project management team for optimal performance.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure seamless collaboration for optimal business outcomes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by developing and implementing strategies to improve service quality.
- Established performance goals for department and outlined processes for achievement.
- Reduced operational costs by optimizing resource allocation and negotiating better contracts with suppliers.
- Oversaw daily operations to enhance efficiency and streamline processes across multiple locations.
- Implemented operational strategies that improved service delivery and customer satisfaction rates.
Regional Market Manager
7-Eleven / Speedway
02.2020 - 02.2024
- Reported directly to region president, territory MA, NH, ME and Florida responsible for 150 locations with annual sales of over 250 million
- Complex business including 150 convenience stores with 25 restaurants, car washes, full service Truck stop with 24/7 operations
- Direct supervision of a cross-functional team: facilities manager, field training manager, cost analyst, fuel analyst, field merchandising, real estate partner and 12 area leaders
- Directly worked with Franchisee and restaurant division
- Open 15 locations in 2 year
Regional Vice President of Operations
Bruegger's Enterprise
01.2005 - 06.2019
- Company Overview: JAB Holdings / Formerly Group LeDuff America
- Reporting directly to the President, responsible for 90-unit East Coast region within 9 states with annual sales volume in excess of $100 million
- Direct supervision of a cross functional team: regional marketing manager, regional catering sales manager, regional field training manager, regional cost analyst, regional human resources generalist, 10 district managers, 90 salaried managers, 150 hourly shift leaders, 2500 team members
- Based on exceptional attention to detail and superior organizational skills, often identified to coordinate the planning and execution of training seminars, large company events, and staff development meetings
- Established relationships with senior members of human resources, operations, marketing, franchise operations, real estate, and executive management to shape and develop the future vision for the organization
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation within the organization.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, securing advantageous pricing while maintaining quality standards.
- Led regional operations strategy to optimize efficiency across multiple locations.
- Streamlined processes resulting in improved service delivery and reduced operational costs.
Skills
- Quantitative Financial Evaluation
- Collaborative Decision-Making Processes
- Strategic Leadership
- Operational Coordination
- Efficient Workflow Organization
- Effective Communication
- Effective Presentation Skills
- Dynamic Task Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Product Launch Management
- Managing Unit Openings
Key Qualifications
- Ability to understand financial concepts and analyze multi-million-dollar profit/loss statements and other financial data to make sound business decisions
- Able to direct and lead others to produce desired results
- Ability to successfully manage multiple priorities and assignments
- Possess effective presentation, verbal, and written communication skills
- Ability to prioritize and multi-task while working outside a structured environment
- Strong leadership, managerial, organizational and communication skills
- Experienced team player with the ability to bring enthusiasm and energy into group efforts
- Extensive experience with new product implementation and new unit openings.
Timeline
Vice President of Operations
Dunkin Franchisee
02.2024 - 06.2025
Regional Market Manager
7-Eleven / Speedway
02.2020 - 02.2024
Regional Vice President of Operations
Bruegger's Enterprise
01.2005 - 06.2019
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