Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline

Heather Kingsley

Oak+Iron
Jackson,MI
Heather Kingsley
1
Certification
17
years of professional experience

Dynamic operations professional with extensive experience and a commitment to excellence. Recognized for delivering impactful results while fostering a collaborative team environment that drives success. Adaptable to evolving business needs, ensuring seamless transitions and sustained performance. Expertise in strategic planning and operational oversight positions as a valuable asset in achieving organizational goals.

Work History

General Manager of Operations

9 Months
Oak+Iron | 11.2025 - Current
  • Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs across multiple departments.
  • Implemented quality control measures, improving product consistency and customer satisfaction ratings significantly.
  • Developed training programs for staff, fostering skill development and enhancing team productivity levels.
  • Managed budgets, financial forecasts, and resource allocation to ensure achievement of organizational goals.
  • Developed high-performing teams through effective coaching, mentoring, and performance management strategies.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.

General Manager

2 Years 9 Months
Grand River Brewery | 05.2023 - 02.2026
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, and schedules.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
  • Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
  • Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
  • Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
  • Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
  • Provided thoughtful guidance to personnel in navigating and resolving snags in productivity.
  • Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.

Lead Server

4 Years 7 Months
Grand River Brewery | 10.2018 - 05.2023
  • Managed high volume dining periods with effective time management and strong multitasking abilities.
  • Promoted a positive workplace culture through teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among coworkers.
  • Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
  • Oversaw daily operations of service team, delegated tasks, and trained new staff.
  • Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues through diplomatic acknowledgment and commitment to service.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate and timely delivery of meals, resulting in higher customer satisfaction rates.
  • Implemented upselling techniques to boost average check size while still prioritizing guest satisfaction.
  • Maintained clean and organized dining areas, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere for guests at all times.
  • Mentored new servers, sharing best practices for exceptional service and fostering a positive work environment.
  • Kept updated knowledge of menu and promotions, recommending specific items according to preferences and food allergies.
  • Observed servers to provide feedback and coaching in areas requiring improvement.
  • Developed strong rapport with regular customers, encouraging repeat business through genuine connection-building efforts.
  • Collaborated with managers on employee scheduling needs, helping maintain optimal coverage during peak hours without sacrificing quality of service.
  • Taught staff how to deliver outstanding service to every customer without sacrificing profit objectives.

Head Bartender

9 Years 3 Months
Klavons Pizzeria And Pub | 05.2009 - 08.2018
    • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
    • Developed a strong rapport with patrons, resulting in repeat business and increased loyalty.
    • Trained new bartenders on drink recipes, mixing techniques, and customer service skills to enhance overall performance.
    • Monitored cash handling procedures to ensure accuracy in transactions while minimizing instances of theft or loss.
    • Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
    • Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
    • Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
    • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict hygiene standards for the health and safety of customers.
    • Increased customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
    • Educated staff on responsible alcohol serving practices; created a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for guests while reducing liability risks.
    • Developed specialty drinks to work with menu changes, sustaining customer interest and solid bar revenue.
    • Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.

Education

High School Diploma

Western High School | Parma, MI

No Degree - Music Education

Jackson Community College | Jackson, MI

Skills

Leadership and team building
Problem Resolution
Operations Management
Team Player
Training and coaching
Staff development
Business analysis
Schedule management
P&L management

Certification

TAM

Serve Safe Alcohol

Serve Safe Manager/Food Handling

Gold Service Certified Guest Service Professional

Timeline

General Manager of Operations

Oak+Iron
11.2025 - CurrentRead More

General Manager

Grand River Brewery
05.2023 - 02.2026Read More

Lead Server

Grand River Brewery
10.2018 - 05.2023Read More

Head Bartender

Klavons Pizzeria And Pub
05.2009 - 08.2018Read More

Jackson Community College

No Degree from Music Education
Read More

Western High School

High School Diploma
Read More
Heather Kingsley