Elena Hernandez
Ladera Ranch,CA
Summary
Operations professional with extensive experience in driving business efficiency and productivity. Known for fostering team collaboration and achieving significant operational improvements. Highly reliable and adaptable to evolving business needs, excelling in strategic planning and process optimization.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Operations/ Head of Salons
Salon Republic
United States
06.2024 - 03.2026
- Responsible for performance improvements for 41 multi-volume salons with annual revenues of $350 million. Guided 10 regional directors as direct reports while implementing systems and tools to enhance operational efficiency. Fostered adherence to standards through strategic leadership and resource management.
- Implemented strategic hospitality initiatives to elevate overall guest satisfaction.
- Implemented operational improvements and marketing strategies to achieve 20% growth in holiday comp sales.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies focused on improving service quality and fostering customer satisfaction across diverse sites.
- Directed cross-functional teams to execute company objectives and drive profitability initiatives.
- Leveraged advanced problem-solving skills to drive operational improvements and support cross-functional teams.
Vice President of Operations
Stonefire Grill
Southern California
06.2022 - 06.2024
- Oversaw operational enhancements for 14 high-volume restaurants with annual revenues of $110 million. Guided 4 regional directors in their roles while implementing systems and tools to drive efficiency and uphold operational standards.
- Implemented strategic hospitality initiatives to elevate overall guest satisfaction.
- Implemented operational improvements and marketing strategies to achieve 20% growth in holiday comp sales.
- Implemented 'people first' principles to cultivate a positive team culture, driving talent acquisition and retention efforts.
Vice President of Operations
WKS Restaurant Group
United States
05.2019 - 06.2022
- Achieved operational excellence by managing store functions across various states and guiding a team of 10 district managers. Drove financial success through targeted coaching and development initiatives.
- Developed a comprehensive monthly development program and associated competencies to support workforce growth.
- Cultivated strategic collaborations with local communities to enhance sales performance.
- Led strategic initiatives to maintain industry-leading sales and profit outcomes.
Director of Operations, Southern California
Peet's Coffee
Southern California
06.2016 - 04.2018
- Directed store operations across Southern California, managing eight district managers to ensure operational excellence.
- Developed and applied systems to improve measurable business metrics and ensure team adherence to standards.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by achieving an all-time high of 88% via targeted behavioral focus initiatives.
- Cultivated a positive organizational culture and strengthened customer loyalty to support brand positioning in remote markets.
Director of Operations, Company Stores
Jamba Juice
United States
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Advanced through two promotions in five years from senior district manager to franchise business consultant and then to regional director of operations. Oversaw comprehensive operations for company stores from coast to coast. Guided 8 district managers, fostering motivation and development to drive financial success.
- Enhanced brand presence through comprehensive training programs for regional directors, franchise leaders, and district managers on innovative products.
- Drove a 5% year-over-year increase in customer satisfaction by establishing new protocols for store cleanliness.
- Provided day-to-day leadership and strategic direction for 100+ locations to enhance team cohesion and operational effectiveness.
- Facilitated interactive coaching sessions to elevate district manager business acumen and surpass company sales objectives.
District Manager, Field Implementation Manager
Starbucks Coffee Company
Orange County
01.2004 - 01.2011
- Evaluated and refined operational strategies for 13 locations, fostering alignment with revenue goals through regular performance reviews.
- Drove a year-over-year increase of 11% in controllable contribution by prioritizing key performance indicators.
- Drove guest satisfaction to a 15% year-over-year increase in 2010, maintaining top-tier scores consistently thereafter.
- Utilized coaching and positive recognition techniques to enhance performance and cultivate a supportive workplace environment, resulting in a 20% decrease in turnover.
- Maintained exceptional store cleanliness standards, achieving #1 ranking for three consecutive years from 2009 to 2011.
- Implemented all new products and procedures
- Conducted field training sessions to introduce current initiatives
Regional Director of Operations
California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.
San Diego
06.1990 - 06.2026
- Monitored and evaluated operational performance of 10 restaurants, ensuring consistent achievement of financial targets and key performance indicators.
- Conducted thorough quality assurance audits to maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and adherence to recipe execution standards across the organization.
- Facilitated collaboration among diverse teams to establish best practices aimed at optimizing performance metrics.
- Implemented innovative strategies to enhance operational efficiency in various restaurant settings.
Skills
- Restaurant Operations Leadership
- Driving year-over-year revenue growth
- Multi-Site Leadership & Coaching
- P&L Management / Cost Control
- Aligning Teams to Brand & Vision
- Improving Guest Satisfaction
- Annual Strategic Plans & Forecasts
- Policy & Procedure Development
- Manager Recruitment & Retention
- Property Management
Timeline
Vice President of Operations/ Head of Salons
Salon Republic
06.2024 - 03.2026
Vice President of Operations
Stonefire Grill
06.2022 - 06.2024
Vice President of Operations
WKS Restaurant Group
05.2019 - 06.2022
Director of Operations, Southern California
Peet's Coffee
06.2016 - 04.2018
Director of Operations, Company Stores
Jamba Juice
01.2011 - 01.2016
District Manager, Field Implementation Manager
Starbucks Coffee Company
01.2004 - 01.2011
Regional Director of Operations
California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.
06.1990 - 06.2026