Karen Wilson
Leslie,MI
Summary
Driven leader with strong problem-solving and customer service skills. Equipped with strong background in managing operations and driving positive outcomes. Excel in team collaboration, adapting to changing needs, and ensuring high standards are met. Skilled in staff training, inventory management, and customer service. Known for reliability and goal-oriented approach, delivering consistent results in dynamic environments.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Foodservice Operations Manager
Legends Global
Lansing, MI
01.2022 - Current
- Streamlined food service operations to enhance efficiency and reduce wait times.
- Implemented inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste.
- Trained and mentored staff on food safety protocols and customer service standards.
- Developed operational procedures that improved service consistency across multiple venues.
- Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of high-quality ingredients and supplies.
- Monitored performance metrics to identify areas for process improvements and cost savings.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing large-scale events, ensuring seamless service delivery.
- Collaborated with chefs to create innovative menu offerings that catered to diverse clientele preferences.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new hires, ensuring consistency in service quality.
- Optimized staffing schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours without compromising on efficiency or employee satisfaction.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing efficient food service processes and procedures.
- Implemented strict food safety protocols, maintaining a clean and hygienic work environment at all times.
- Established strong vendor relationships for timely delivery of high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Managed inventory control and procurement processes to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce costs.
- Maintained strict adherence to local, state, and federal regulations governing food service establishments, ensuring full compliance at all times.
- Addressed and resolved customer service issues to establish trust and increase satisfaction.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Oversaw balancing of cash registers, reconciled transactions, and deposited establishment's earnings to bank.
- Tracked food production levels, meal counts, and supply costs.
- Prepared weekly schedules and assigned tasks to staff to maintain organized shift and smooth operations.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
Foodservice Coordinator
Lansing Entertainment & Public Facility Authority
Lansing, MI
09.2013 - 01.2022
- Coordinated food service operations for large-scale events, ensuring seamless execution and guest satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and improving resource allocation.
- Collaborated with vendors to negotiate contracts and maintain quality standards for food supplies.
- Led cross-functional teams in planning and executing catering services for diverse clientele.
- Analyzed customer feedback to drive improvements in menu offerings and service quality.
- Oversaw compliance with health regulations, ensuring safe food handling practices across all operations.
- Boosted employee morale through effective communication and leadership, contributing to a harmonious work environment.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing food service operations and ensuring timely meal preparation.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement in food preparation and customer service skills.
- Oversaw daily financial transactions such as cash handling, end-of-day reconciliation, and accurate record-keeping for budget control purposes.
- Implemented inventory management best practices, reducing food waste and optimizing ingredient usage.
- Championed cleanliness initiatives throughout all areas of operation by implementing comprehensive sanitation protocols.
- Mentored new hires on company policies and procedures, leading to faster integration into the team and smoother workflow transitions.
- Spearheaded efforts towards sustainable sourcing practices by partnering with local farmers markets; reducing carbon footprint while supporting community businesses.
- Collaborated with vendors to secure high-quality ingredients at competitive prices, maintaining budget integrity without sacrificing taste or presentation.
- Increased overall efficiency by implementing new technologies for order processing and tracking systems within the food service department.
- Contributed to the growth of repeat business with exceptional attention to detail in both food quality and presentation standards.
- Coordinated staff schedules and duties, maximizing efficiency and minimizing labor costs.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay informed of industry trends, ensuring the delivery of innovative dining experiences for guests.
- Maintained strict adherence to health and safety regulations, fostering a safe dining environment for customers and employees alike.
- Mitigated potential conflicts among staff members by fostering open communication and promoting a supportive team atmosphere.
- Established rapport with guests through personalized interactions, enhancing their overall dining experience and cultivating loyalty among patrons.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with customers to enhance service.
Event Manager & Media Specialist
Child and Family Charities
Lansing, MI
09.2012 - 09.2013
- Coordinated logistics for events, ensuring seamless execution and adherence to timelines.
- Developed event budgets, optimizing resource allocation to enhance overall efficiency.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to secure favorable terms and services.
- Implemented strategies to improve attendee engagement and satisfaction during events.
- Oversaw post-event evaluations, analyzing feedback to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Streamlined processes for event planning, reducing preparation time while enhancing quality of deliverables.
- Managed budgets and negotiated contracts with vendors, ensuring cost-effective event execution.
- Established relationships with key stakeholders, fostering long-term partnerships for future collaborations.
- Increased client satisfaction by consistently delivering well-executed events within budget constraints.
- Recruited trained, and managed teams of volunteers to assist with event operations and logistics.
- Coordinated large-scale conferences for industry professionals, resulting in increased networking opportunities.
- Oversaw logistics for multi-day events, including accommodations, transportation, and scheduling.
- Utilized social media platforms to engage potential attendees and promote upcoming events effectively.
- Developed marketing materials and promotional campaigns to maximize event attendance and visibility.
- Utilized job-related software to create standard guidelines, calendars and budgets for each event.
Director of Sales
Lansing City Pulse Newspaper
Lansing, MI
05.2012 - 09.2012
- Developed and executed strategic sales plans to drive revenue growth across multiple platforms.
- Oversaw sales team performance, providing coaching and mentorship to enhance skills and productivity.
- Cultivated relationships with key clients, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and retention.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities and develop targeted campaigns.
- Collaborated with editorial teams to create compelling advertisements that align with client goals.
- Spearheaded initiatives to optimize pricing strategies, resulting in improved competitive positioning in the market.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction levels by addressing concerns promptly and providing tailored solutions.
- Achieved regional sales targets through effective territory management and relationship building with key clients.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing strategic plans and setting performance goals for the sales team.
- Launched new products successfully into the market, coordinating marketing initiatives and comprehensive sales campaigns.
- Established strong partnerships with industry influencers to expand brand recognition and drive business growth.
- Managed team of sales representatives, providing guidance, coaching and support.
- Established ambitious sales targets, managed deployment strategies, and developed go-to-market plans to capitalize on every revenue opportunity.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Connected with prospects through trade shows, cold calling and local-area networking.
- Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
Education
No Degree - Business Management
Lansing Community College
Lansing, MIHigh School Diploma -
Mason High School
Mason, MI06-1996
Skills
- Operational efficiency
- Staff training and development
- Sanitation standards
- Food safety compliance
- Budgeting and financial management
- Allergen awareness
- Employee scheduling
- Marketing and promotions
- Customer service
- Staff leadership
- Operations management
- Team development
- Quality control
- Staff motivation
- Staff supervision
- Cost controls
- Purchasing
- Employee retention
- Hiring procedures
- Equipment management
- Ordering supplies
- Bar management
- Price negotiation
- Performance evaluations
- Allergy awareness
- Special events planning
- Cost control
- Production records
- Hiring standards
- Catering coordination
- Wine pairing
- Department growth
- Food safety management
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Reliable and responsible
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Customer satisfaction
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Team leadership
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Money handling
- Decision-making
- Cash handling
- Safe food handling
- Relationship building
- Calm and pleasant demeanor
- Scheduling staff
- Employee supervision
Certification
Certified Guest Service Professional / American Hotel & Lodging Association - 2024
Certified Hospitality Supervisor / American Hotel & Lodging Association - 2024
ServeSafe Manager Certification - 2024
ServeSafe Alcohol Certification - 2024
ServeSafe Allergens Certification - 2024
Timeline
Foodservice Operations Manager
Legends Global
01.2022 - Current
Foodservice Coordinator
Lansing Entertainment & Public Facility Authority
09.2013 - 01.2022
Event Manager & Media Specialist
Child and Family Charities
09.2012 - 09.2013
Director of Sales
Lansing City Pulse Newspaper
05.2012 - 09.2012
No Degree - Business Management
Lansing Community College
High School Diploma -
Mason High School