Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Keith Trotter

Danville,VA

Summary

A seasoned leader in the food service industry, I have a strong focus for operational efficiency and team cohesion. With expertise in operations management and strong problem-solving skills. Skilled in health inspections and employee supervision, excel in creating environments that exceed safety standards and foster professional growth.

Professional in dining services with robust background in managing culinary operations and enhancing guest experiences. Known for fostering team collaboration, driving efficiency, and adapting to evolving needs. Skilled in staff training, budget management, menu development, and ensuring high standards of food quality and safety. A hands on leader with results-focused approach.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Dining Services

Aramark
05.2023 - 10.2024
  • Streamlined operations for increased efficiency by optimizing staff schedules and task assignments.
  • Established effective communication channels between kitchen and front-of-house teams for smooth daily operations.
  • Maintained strict health and safety standards in accordance with local regulations, resulting in zero violations during tenure.
  • Responsible for dietary plans for residents with specific nutritional needs or preferences.
  • Developed strong vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of fresh ingredients at competitive prices.
  • Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong teamwork amongst all departments.
  • Managed budget effectively, reducing unnecessary expenses while maintaining quality standards.
  • Improved inventory management system, minimizing waste and maximizing product freshness.
  • Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
  • Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
  • Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
  • Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
  • Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
  • Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
  • Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
  • Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
  • Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.

Dining Manager

Brookdale Assisted Living
05.2021 - 01.2023
  • Conducted regular staff evaluations to identify areas of improvement and provide constructive feedback on performance expectations.
  • Ensured compliance with local health codes, alcohol regulations, and other relevant laws by staying current on industry standards and maintaining proper documentation.
  • Responsible for dietary plans for residents with specific nutritional needs or preferences.
  • Addressed resident complaints promptly with empathy while taking corrective actions when necessary to ensure overall satisfaction levels remain high.
  • Fostered a collaborative working environment by encouraging open communication between front-of-house and kitchen staff members.
  • Facilitated smooth front-of-house operations by coordinating with kitchen staff to ensure timely food preparation and delivery to guests.
  • Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
  • Handled escalated resident concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
  • Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
  • Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
  • Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
  • Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
  • Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
  • Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
  • Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
  • Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
  • Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
  • Managed budgeting and financial reporting processes for the restaurant, ensuring accurate record-keeping and timely submission of reports.

Mail Carrier

United States Post Office
02.2020 - 09.2020
  • Developed strong relationships with customers, providing exceptional service by addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Followed Postal Service policies and procedures to maintain integrity of mail and protect customer information.
  • Obtains signatures for package deliveries as proof of delivery to avoid discrepancies.
  • Responded to customer inquiries about delivery, forwarding and other postal services quickly to provide quality customer services.
  • Used portable devices to maintain system records by scanning items delivered to homes and businesses.
  • Improved mail delivery efficiency by accurately sorting and organizing mail for efficient distribution.
  • Upheld the integrity of sensitive materials by properly handling confidential documents, registered mail, and certified packages according to USPS regulations.
  • Utilized advanced knowledge of local streets, neighborhoods, routes for optimal navigation while minimizing delays in delivery timeframes.
  • Kept an organized vehicle workspace, ensuring quick access to necessary tools and materials for successful deliveries.
  • Displayed professionalism when interacting with customers at their homes or businesses while delivering their mail promptly and courteously every day.
  • Directly interacted with customers to deliver mail, packages, and ordered goods.
  • Communicated customer complaints, requests, and feedback to company management for swift resolution.
  • Proactively communicated route changes or potential delays due to construction or road closures with supervisors for alternative planning purposes.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely and accurate mail delivery to both residential and commercial addresses.
  • Ensured the security of mailboxes by diligently locking them after deliveries to protect customers'' personal information and prevent theft.
  • Maintained a high level of safety by adhering to traffic laws, utilizing defensive driving techniques, and navigating various weather conditions.
  • Completed large-volume seasonal deliveries such as tax documents, holiday packages and election materials on time to meet strict deadlines.
  • Greeted customers and answered questions regarding mail pick up times, postal regulations, and delivery costs.
  • Collected outgoing mail from homes and businesses along routes for customer convenience and initiated delivery to intended recipients.
  • Loaded and secured items in trucks to avoid damage to parcels during delivery.
  • Inspected truck equipment and supplies and reported problems and safety hazards to supervisors following each shift.
  • Streamlined mail carrier operations by effectively using handheld scanners to track package status and confirm deliveries.

Assistant Manager

Walgreens
11.2019 - 02.2020
  • Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
  • Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
  • Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
  • Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
  • Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts while reducing overhead costs.
  • Collaborated with the management team to develop strategic plans for business growth and improvement.
  • Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various project tasks.
  • Engaged with customers to gather feedback, using insights to improve service and product offerings.
  • Enforced company policies consistently while handling disciplinary actions when necessary with fairness and respect.

District Manager

GPM Investments
04.2017 - 07.2019
  • Supervised various locations, enforcing high-quality standards of operation.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures as well as federal/state regulations by conducting regular audits of operational practices at each location within the district.
  • Boosted employee morale by creating a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities.
  • Oversaw successful store openings, coordinating logistics, staffing, training, and promotional efforts to ensure smooth transitions for new locations.
  • Fostered an environment of open communication between management teams across the district to share best practices in operations optimization and problem-solving techniques.
  • Evaluated store performance regularly using data analysis tools to identify areas of improvement and implement targeted action plans for continuous growth.
  • Collaborated with senior management on strategic planning initiatives aimed at maximizing profitability while maintaining high standards of quality across the district.
  • Implemented inventory control measures to minimize waste and optimize product availability, ensuring optimal stock levels across all locations.
  • Implemented risk-management protocols for loss prevention, leading to a consistent decrease in shrinkage rates across the district.
  • Reduced turnover rates by implementing proactive retention strategies designed to address potential employee concerns before they escalated into resignations or terminations.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency, overseeing rollout of new point-of-sale system across all stores.
  • Promoted culture of accountability, setting clear expectations and conducting regular performance evaluations.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction, conducting regular store visits to ensure compliance with service standards.
  • Analyzed sales data to identify growth opportunities and areas for improvement across district.
  • Implemented new product launches effectively, ensuring staff were well-trained and inventory was strategically managed.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with store managers, offering guidance and support to achieve their targets.
  • Ensured compliance with all company policies and procedures, conducting regular audits and training sessions.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
  • Achieved established KPI for company, regional team and individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
  • Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
  • Optimized staffing levels to match store traffic patterns, improving customer service and reducing labor costs.
  • Developed and executed strategic plans for underperforming districts, turning around sales figures.
  • Held weekly meetings with Management team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best practices.

General Manager

Dollar General
05.2013 - 04.2017
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses.
  • Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and vendor partnership.
  • 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.
  • Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
  • Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into repeat customers.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
  • Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.

Food Service Manager

Chatham Diversion Center
01.2007 - 11.2009
  • Trained and supervised new staff to enhance service skills and comply with food safety standards.
  • Tracked food production levels, meal counts, and supply costs.
  • Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
  • Controlled inventory costs through hands-on management and proactive changes.
  • Reviewed and approved inmate schedules and timesheets.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication among team members and resolving conflicts effectively.
  • Upheld company policies consistently across all areas of operation while remaining flexible enough to address unique situations as they arose within the workplace setting.
  • Maintained compliance with company policies and procedures for food safety, sanitation, and quality.
  • Ensured high standards of cleanliness and sanitation with regular inspections and inmate training.
  • Prepared weekly schedules and assigned tasks to inmates to maintain organized shift and smooth operations.
  • Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing effective ordering procedures.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures in areas such as labor management, portion control, and energy usage to maximize profit margins.
  • Fostered positive team environment, resolving conflicts promptly.
  • Improved operational efficiency, introducing standardized procedures for food preparation.
  • Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
  • Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving.
  • Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
  • Trained inmates on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
  • Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
  • Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
  • Managed schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
  • Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.

Food Service Officer

Dan River Prison Work Farm
01.2001 - 07.2007
  • Responsible for dietary plans for inmates with specific nutritional needs or preferences.
  • Tracked kitchen performance metrics to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.
  • Directed activities of team of kitchen workers preparing and serving meals.
  • Planned routine upkeep of kitchen equipment and facilities for safe and efficient operations.
  • Served consistent portions following recipes and control standards.
  • Maximized productivity by delegating tasks to kitchen staff.
  • Supervised food presentation and plating to enhance visual appeal.
  • Directed food preparation and cooking activities to meet health and safety standards.
  • Monitored food preparation, production, and plating for quality control.
  • Monitored food inventory and supplies to prevent waste.
  • Addressed inmate complaints with professional demeanor and used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve issues.
  • Oversaw training of more than 20 inmate kitchen workers.
  • Tracked food production levels, meal counts, and supply costs.
  • Maintained compliance with company policies and procedures for food safety, sanitation, and quality.
  • Trained and supervised inmate staff to enhance service skills and comply with food safety standards.

Assistant Manager

Outback Steakhouse
01.1995 - 01.2001
  • Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
  • Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
  • Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
  • Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts while reducing overhead costs.
  • Mentored junior staff members in their professional development by offering guidance/support in their assigned roles.
  • Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of new employees to maintain adequate staffing levels.
  • Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various project tasks.
  • Scheduled staff shifts to ensure proper coverage during peak hours without exceeding labor budgets.
  • Conducted employee performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback for growth and development.
  • Maintained compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring safe environment for both staff and customers.
  • Conducted performance evaluations, identifying areas for development and rewarding strong performance.
  • Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to employees.
  • Oversaw daily operations to maintain store cleanliness and organization.
  • Coached new employees, ensuring smooth onboarding process and quicker adaptation to their roles.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by resolving complaints and inquiries promptly.
  • Implemented loss prevention strategies, significantly reducing shrinkage.
  • Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
  • Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
  • Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.

Education

Associate of Science - Computer Information Systems

National Business College
Danville, VA
05-2013

Diploma - Help Desk Support

National Business College
Danville, VA
05-2010

Skills

  • ServeSafe Certified
  • Operations Management
  • Meal Planning
  • Employee Scheduling
  • Health Inspections
  • Special diets
  • Purchasing decisions
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Customer Service
  • Problem-Solving
  • Time Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Critical Thinking
  • Organizational Skills
  • Team Leadership
  • Effective Communication
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Decision-Making
  • Safe Food Handling
  • Cash Handling
  • Relationship Building
  • Scheduling Staff
  • Employee Supervision
  • Delegating Assignments and Tasks
  • Team building
  • Task Prioritization
  • Supply Ordering and Management
  • Self Motivation
  • Monitoring Food Preparation
  • Health and Safety Regulations
  • Coaching and Mentoring
  • Recruitment and hiring
  • Hospitality Management
  • Training and Onboarding
  • Food plating and presentation
  • Employee Performance Evaluations
  • Inventory Control

Certification

ServeSafe Certified

Timeline

Director of Dining Services

Aramark
05.2023 - 10.2024

Dining Manager

Brookdale Assisted Living
05.2021 - 01.2023

Mail Carrier

United States Post Office
02.2020 - 09.2020

Assistant Manager

Walgreens
11.2019 - 02.2020

District Manager

GPM Investments
04.2017 - 07.2019

General Manager

Dollar General
05.2013 - 04.2017

Food Service Manager

Chatham Diversion Center
01.2007 - 11.2009

Food Service Officer

Dan River Prison Work Farm
01.2001 - 07.2007

Assistant Manager

Outback Steakhouse
01.1995 - 01.2001

Associate of Science - Computer Information Systems

National Business College

Diploma - Help Desk Support

National Business College
Keith Trotter