Jamie Niespodziani
Easley,SC
Summary
Operations and assistant store management professional with experience leading staffing, onboarding, scheduling, inventory control, and transaction reconciliation. Brings hands-on process improvement with POS updates, workflow automation, and team coordination to support accurate, efficient, and compliant day-to-day operations.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations & Operations Manager
Inky's
01.2015 - Current
- Coordinated daily business administration, logistics workflows, and staffing needs, ensuring effective recruitment, training, and performance tracking.
- Handled financial administration, payroll processing, and transaction reconciliation to support accuracy in high-volume restaurant settings.
- Managed daily operations at Inky's by coordinating staff schedules and optimizing service flow.
- Set up workflow automation tools, team coordination platforms, and point-of-sale system improvements for smoother operations.
- Oversaw daily workflow of employees, enhancing productivity and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
- Monitored store compliance with policies, cleanliness, and operational procedures.
- Resolved customer concerns and supported smooth front-of-house service at Inky's.
- Conducted disciplinary actions to address employee performance issues.
Assistant Store Manager / Progression
Petco
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Promoted through progressive tiers of management from Cashier to Companion Animal Department Manager, culminating in Assistant Store Manager leadership.
- Supervised inventory compliance, audits, financial processing, and training programs across multiple retail departments, ensuring operational accuracy and efficiency.
- Supervised Petco sales floor operations and guest service standards.
- Scheduled team coverage and adjusted labor to align staffing with daily store needs, optimizing resource allocation.
- Enhanced associates' performance through targeted coaching on selling strategies, product knowledge, and service behaviors, improving customer engagement.
- Trained associates on pet care products, store policies, and customer support.
- Managed merchandise recovery, stocking, and planogram execution across departments.
- Resolved guest concerns involving pets, purchases, and store policies.
- Maintained flexible part-time availability to seamlessly bridge operational continuity while balancing essential family care priorities.
Administrative Assistant (Seasonal)
The Independence Group
10.2009 - 01.2011
- Managed document systems, performed high-integrity data entry, and facilitated client communications during seasonal spikes.
- Maintained filing systems, records, and confidential employee documents.
- Drafted memos, letters, and routine business communications.
- Coordinated reception support while addressing internal and external inquiries effectively.
- Answered phone calls and emails to provide information, resulting in effective business correspondence.
- Entered data into spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel or other similar programs.
- Organized and maintained physical and electronic filing systems, ensuring record accuracy and confidentiality.
Crematory Operator
Pet Rest Cemetery and Cremations
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Operated crematory equipment for pet cremations at Pet Rest Cemetery and Cremations.
- Prepared remains for cremation using respectful handling procedures.
- Received pets and verified identification before cremation services.
- Maintained cremation records and chain-of-custody documentation.
- Ensured cleanliness of crematory chambers and tools for safe operations.
- Executed multi-step procedural workflows and maintained legal compliance logs and documentation to ensure regulatory adherence.
- Informed families about cremation service details, facilitating understanding and easing their decision-making process.
- Assisted families during memorial services, providing support and compassion during their time of need.
Funeral Director & Crematory Operator
McAlister Smith Funeral Home
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Handled client-facing consultations during high-stress transitions, alongside regulatory logistics and strict compliance frameworks.
- Coordinated visitations, ceremonies, and graveside services with clergy, cemeteries, and vendors to provide families with respectful and personalized experiences.
- Directed embalming, preparation, and care procedures for deceased individuals.
- Completed death certificates, permits, and cremation paperwork with accuracy.
- Guided families through service options, merchandise selections, and legal requirements to ensure informed decision-making during difficult times.
- Supported grieving families with compassionate communication, planning, and aftercare resources.
- Managed essential administrative responsibilities to maintain smooth office operations, including answering phones, filing paperwork, and completing forms efficiently.
- Removed deceased from place of death and transported to funeral home.
- Operated crematory equipment at McAlister Smith Funeral Home with strict safety procedures.
- Prepared remains and containers for cremation according to funeral home standards.
- Maintained crematory logs, records, and chain-of-custody documentation.
- Maintained cleanliness of cremation chamber to ensure compliance with health regulations., instruments, and work areas after each service.
- Followed state regulations, workplace policies, and family care protocols.
- Coordinated transportation of deceased individuals from hospitals or funeral homes to the crematory.
Education
Dual Associate Degree in Business - Funeral Services & Embalming
Piedmont Technical College
Greenwood, SC05-2006
Skills
- Operations Management
- Business Operations
- Service strategy
- Vendor management
- Legal compliance
- Compliance monitoring
- Transaction reconciliation
- POS systems
- Inventory controls
- Scheduling software
- Operations monitoring
- Staff leadership
- Team leadership
- Problem solving
- Clear communication
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
Timeline
Operations & Operations Manager
Inky's
01.2015 - Current
Assistant Store Manager / Progression
Petco
01.2011 - 01.2015
Administrative Assistant (Seasonal)
The Independence Group
10.2009 - 01.2011
Crematory Operator
Pet Rest Cemetery and Cremations
01.2008 - 01.2009
Funeral Director & Crematory Operator
McAlister Smith Funeral Home
01.2006 - 01.2008
Dual Associate Degree in Business - Funeral Services & Embalming
Piedmont Technical College