Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Felicia Dickens

McComb,MS

Summary

Highly effective at working as a member of a team to achieve a common goal. Extensive military background provides discipline, effective communication skills, problem solving ability, and a thorough knowledge of veteran benefits. Excellent multitask ability and management of self and others.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Production Line Associate

Wayne-Sanderson Farms
04.2016 - Current
  • Manage the retail or value-added processing production line/department by understanding processing needs to meet production schedules, enhance efficiencies, and achieve or surpass budget goals.
  • Effectively deploy and rotate staff to optimize efficiency and promote ergonomic practices, ensuring production schedules are met.
  • Ensure accurate completion and recording of daily reports, including departmental reports, attendance/staffing, and yields.
  • Identify and communicate opportunities for process optimization (throughput, waste reduction, quality improvement, ergonomic enhancements) and address recurring issues (e.g., product holds, accidents, downtime).
  • Lead or participate in planning and implementing process improvements, monitor improvement metrics, and respond to negative trends.
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance to uphold a food-safe and sanitary environment in line with specifications and USDA requirements.
  • Coach, mentor, and cross-train employees to foster career growth, providing consistent feedback on strengths and areas for development.
  • Administer performance improvement plans and disciplinary actions equitably and consistently.
  • Champion safety initiatives, ensuring compliance with PPE requirements to uphold a zero-accident culture.
  • Collaborate with other departments/shifts to achieve or exceed departmental and site-wide goals.
  • Contributed to increased overall productivity with efficient work habits and strong attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated flexibility by adapting quickly to changes in production schedules or priorities as needed.
  • Consistently met or exceeded daily production goals while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Participated in ongoing training initiatives, staying updated on best practices for production line operations.

Assistant Food Service Manager

McComb School District
07.2015 - 01.2021
  • Assisted Food Service Manager in planning and preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for more than 400 guests.
  • Tracked food production levels, meal counts, and supply costs. Ensured adherence to company policies and procedures for food safety, sanitation, and quality.
  • Enhanced dining experience through meticulous attention to ambiance details such as lighting, music, and table settings.
  • Maintained high health code compliance, resulting in consistently favorable inspection scores and a clean work environment.
  • Implemented cost-saving strategies through efficient portion control and minimizing food waste.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by effectively addressing employee concerns and fostering team collaboration.
  • Managed financial records including daily sales reports, invoices, payroll, and budget management.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations to provide constructive feedback to staff on strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Scheduled staff to ensure adequate coverage during peak times and reduce labor costs.
  • Streamlined food preparation processes to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
  • Enforced safety standards and OSHA regulations throughout the workplace.
  • Standardized operating procedures for all kitchen tasks to increase overall efficiency. Developed strong vendor relationships to secure competitive pricing for quality ingredients and supplies.
  • Negotiated supplier contracts resulting in significant cost savings without compromising ingredient quality.
  • Trained new hires on company policies, procedures, and service standards.
  • Assisted Food Service Manager in training cafeteria staff on food preparation, line processes, and health regulations.
  • Demonstrated effective conflict management skills while supervising employees.

Culinary Management Specialist

National Guard
05.2008 - 05.2016
  • Contributed significantly to the overall success of military operations by delivering high-quality food services that not only bolstered morale but also ensured optimal health for personnel.
  • Maintained ongoing communication channels with military leadership to facilitate collaborative decision-making on menu planning, budget allocation, service standards, and other pertinent operational aspects.
  • Effectively supervised and trained culinary team members in diverse cooking techniques, stringent sanitation protocols, and essential safety procedures.
  • Pioneered a mentorship initiative aimed at fostering the professional growth and skill enhancement of junior culinary staff.
  • Ensured strict adherence to Department of Defense regulations, policies, and procedures in all culinary operations.
  • Streamlined procurement processes to guarantee prompt delivery of fresh, locally sourced ingredients at competitive prices, thereby supporting operational efficiency.
  • Revitalized the kitchen equipment maintenance program to prolong equipment lifespan and reduce repair expenses effectively.
  • Initiated cross-training programs among team members to enhance versatility and enable seamless task fulfillment across various kitchen roles as needed.
  • Developed comprehensive professional development programs, educating over 100 Soldiers on veteran education benefits such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill, Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, and tuition assistance under Chapter 30, 32, 35 of Title 38 and Chapter 1606 of Title 10 orders.
  • Collaborated closely with nutritionists to devise balanced meal plans tailored to meet the unique dietary requirements of military personnel, particularly during deployment scenarios.
  • Meticulously managed kitchen hardware maintenance and promptly addressed tool repairs or equipment replacements to sustain operational readiness.
  • Inspired and motivated a team of 60 employees to uphold rigorous standards of food preparation and operational efficiency throughout twelve-hour shifts.
  • Ensured rigorous quality assurance through regular line checks to maintain consistency and compliance with established standards.
  • Performed proactive maintenance on garrison and field kitchens, maintaining optimal inventory levels and operational functionality to support mission readiness.

Food Service Manager

ABL Management Inc.
10.2013 - 05.2014
  • Managed budget constraints adeptly by strategically allocating funds across departments based on prioritized needs assessments.
  • Enhanced safety protocols for both employees and guests through rigorous adherence to food handling guidelines, meticulous ingredient storage practices, and maintaining current certifications for equipment usage.
  • Implemented targeted cost-saving initiatives spanning labor management, portion control, and energy conservation to optimize profitability.
  • Ensured consistent supply levels by monitoring and replenishing food stock and dry goods as needed.
  • Developed and executed weekly schedules while assigning tasks to maintain well-organized shifts and ensure smooth operational flow. Sustained facility compliance with health codes, sanitation standards, and licensing regulations, thereby mitigating potential penalties.
  • Cultivated strong vendor relationships to facilitate efficient food procurement and support operational efficiency.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Child Development

Southwest Mississippi Community College
Summit, MS
05.2024

Professional Certification - Certified Nursing Assistant

Southwest Mississippi Community College
Summit, MS
05.2011

Skills

  • Efficient Multitasking
  • Machine Operations
  • Visual Inspections
  • Product Inspection
  • Veteran Affairs Educational Benefits Process
  • Effective Oral and Written Communications
  • Problem Analysis and Solving Process
  • Work Planning and Prioritization

Timeline

Production Line Associate

Wayne-Sanderson Farms
04.2016 - Current

Assistant Food Service Manager

McComb School District
07.2015 - 01.2021

Food Service Manager

ABL Management Inc.
10.2013 - 05.2014

Culinary Management Specialist

National Guard
05.2008 - 05.2016

Associate of Applied Science - Child Development

Southwest Mississippi Community College

Professional Certification - Certified Nursing Assistant

Southwest Mississippi Community College
Felicia Dickens