Jeanette Cruz Meza
Gardena, CA
Summary
Operations leader with a proven track record at Pizza Hut, AWRG, driving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Developed strategic planning mentality and deeply committed to people development. I have revamped the training program for Dine-in execution, and high potential restaurant managers, that improved service quality, employee engagement, and internal growth opportunities while fostering a collaborative team environment. My people-first leadership approach allows me to look beyond day-to-day operations and focus on the bigger picture from customers and team members to management and above store leaders. With strong attention to detail, I partner with my teams to identify opportunities, solve challenges, and consistently deliver an exceptional guest experience. I strive to be the best I can be and work alongside my teams to ensure alignment on goals, strategies, and expectations are met on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. By establishing a follow-up method to track progress, success and recognize the small wins along the way.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Pizza Hut, AWRG
09.2024 - Current
- Streamlined operational workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce service time.
- Coordinated staff training programs to improve service quality and employee performance.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement in service delivery.
- Led initiatives to enhance food safety standards and compliance across all locations.
- Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
- Conducted regular performance reviews to assess team progress, providing constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement.
- Analyzed business operations and implemented strategies to improve operational cohesiveness.
- Worked collaboratively with functional leaders to implement new procedures and corrective actions to improve quality.
- Identified opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement, implementing changes that resulted in significant savings.
- Enhanced employee engagement by developing training programs, fostering a collaborative culture, and promoting professional development opportunities.
Sr. Area Coach
Pizza Hut, AWRG
09.2023 - 09.2024
- Conducted regular staff training to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
- Implemented standardized procedures to ensure consistency across multiple locations.
- Monitored daily operations, identifying areas for improvement and executing corrective actions.
- Collaborated with management to develop strategies for enhancing customer satisfaction scores.
- Analyzed sales trends, adjusting staffing levels accordingly to meet demand fluctuations.
- Facilitated communication between teams, ensuring alignment on goals and performance expectations.
- Fostered a positive work environment by recognizing team achievements and promoting teamwork initiatives.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures, maintaining high standards of service quality across locations.
- Enhanced team performance by implementing effective coaching strategies and providing ongoing feedback.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting open communication and team collaboration.
- Implemented innovative marketing initiatives, leading to increased brand recognition and customer engagement.
- Successfully resolved escalated customer complaints, restoring client satisfaction and safeguarding business reputation.
- Increased employee retention by developing career advancement opportunities and offering ongoing professional development resources.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
Area Coach
Pizza Hut, AWRG
06.2016 - 09.2023
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple locations, ensuring compliance with company standards.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new team members to enhance performance.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and opportunities for operational improvements.
- Coordinated scheduling and staffing to optimize workforce efficiency during peak hours.
- Facilitated communication between management and staff to align goals and expectations.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to improve employee engagement.
- Led initiatives to enhance customer service quality, resulting in improved satisfaction scores.
- Analyzed sales data to identify opportunities for improvement, implementing targeted action plans to address areas of concern.
- Conducted regular performance appraisals, providing constructive feedback while identifying areas for growth or improvement.
- Achieved consistent sales growth by setting clear expectations and providing support to store managers.
- Collaborated with fellow Area Coaches sharing best practices which contributed to the overall success of the organization.
- Provided exceptional leadership during times of change, successfully guiding teams through transitions and restructuring efforts.
- Streamlined operational processes to improve overall efficiency and productivity within the assigned area.
Restaurant General Manager
Pizza Hut, AWRG
06.2011 - 06.2016
- Directed daily operations to ensure efficient service and customer satisfaction.
- Implemented cost-control measures to optimize food and labor expenses.
- Developed training programs for staff to enhance performance and service quality.
- Cultivated a positive work environment, fostering teamwork and employee retention.
- Oversaw compliance with health regulations, ensuring safety standards were met consistently.
- Effectively managed labor costs by monitoring productivity levels among staff members and making strategic scheduling decisions.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, turning potentially negative experiences into positive outcomes.
- Developed and maintained a strong team of motivated staff by providing ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
Education
Associate of Science - Business Administration
El Camino College
Torrance12-2025
Skills
- Operational efficiency
- Operations oversight
- Strategic planning
- Strategic planning and execution
- Quality assurance
- Leadership training
- Schedule oversight
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Team leadership
- Staff training/development
- Employee development
- Customer service
- Performance improvements
Accomplishments
- Resolved product issue through blind and field visits.
- Documented and resolved customer feedback which led to 25% improvement versus previous year.
- Supervised team of 9 area managers, 86 restaurants and about 500-600 team members.
Area Coach of the Year
Recognized for driving strong KPI performance, building and sustaining effective operational systems, and upholding high standards while balancing financial results, team development, and operational consistency.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Director of Operations
Pizza Hut, AWRG
09.2024 - Current
Sr. Area Coach
Pizza Hut, AWRG
09.2023 - 09.2024
Area Coach
Pizza Hut, AWRG
06.2016 - 09.2023
Restaurant General Manager
Pizza Hut, AWRG
06.2011 - 06.2016
Associate of Science - Business Administration
El Camino College