Kemon James
Chicago,United States
Summary
Seasoned Manager of Operations with proven leadership skills. Strong background in overseeing all aspects of store operations, ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning and maximizing profitability. Skilled at team management, inventory control, and customer service enhancement. Proven ability to make positive impact on business performance through strategic planning and execution.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Store Manager Trainee
ALDI
Chicago, USA
05.2025 - 12.2025
- Supported daily store operations, including inventory, customer service, and staff supervision
- Completed comprehensive training in company policies and procedures
- Worked with department heads to maintain efficient workflow
- Handled cash procedures: register operations, reconciliations, and bank deposits
- Delivered excellent customer service and resolved issues
- Assisted with visual merchandising to improve product displays
- Tracked sales metrics and helped implement improvement strategies
- Helped conduct employee evaluations and provided feedback
Restaurant General Manager
Buffalo Wild Wings 'GO'
Chicago, USA
05.2023 - 05.2025
- Ensured food quality and adherence to kitchen procedures
- Monitored inventory, managed food waste, and resolved quality issues
- Fostered strong teamwork between kitchen and front-of-house staff
- Communicated effectively to maintain high customer service standards
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness, sanitation, and equipment upkeep
- Enforced safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries
- Managed inventory and ordered food and supplies
- Handled cash operations and trained cashiers
Route Sales Representative
Mickey's Linen
Chicago, USA
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Delivered and picked up products for 18–25 customers daily in a fast-paced environment
- Built and maintained relationships with key decision makers
- Responded to customer inquiries and ensured quality standards
- Managed customer inventory and weekly supply needs
- Cross-sold additional products and services
- Negotiated service agreement renewals
- Maintained safe, professional driving practices in compliance with DOT regulationsPhysical, fast-paced, indoor/outdoor position.
- Delivering on average to 18-25 customers per day
- Deliver and pick up uniforms, towels, floor mats, and table linen.
- Building relationships with key decision makers.
- Ensure quality standards and responding to customer inquiries and requests.
- Overseeing customer inventory, and weekly needs.
- Job responsibilities also include cross-selling additional products and services.
- Negotiating service agreement renewals.
- Working professionally, safely, and in compliance with driving and vehicle regulations (DOT)
Operations Manager
Raising Cane's
Gurnee, USA
05.2022 - 09.2022
- Lead 'What We Do' on each shift; at Raising Cane's 'What we do' serving the Perfect box, Fast, Friendly, Clean & Have Fun!
- Promote open communication between all levels of Crew in the restaurant including: Shift Managers, Shift Captains, Trainers and Crewmembers; lead the Cane's Love program in the restaurant which is how Raising Cane's Respects, Recognizes and Rewards our Crewmembers;
- Assess areas of opportunity and recommend solutions or develop plans to address restaurant or Crewmember issues; align Shift Manager performance and Restaurant performance with company standards;
- Proactively manage operation of the restaurant to include planning/forecasting of weekly sales, labor and COGs; maintains restaurant cleanliness; identifies maintenance problems and communicates problems to General Manager and Facilities Department;
- Leads monthly inventory counts and ensures weekly vendor orders are made and properly received; lead achievement of all performance metrics
Team Leader
Chick-fil-A
Skokie, USA
10.2020 - 09.2021
- Set team goals, delegated tasks, and oversaw daily operations
- Monitored performance, provided coaching, and resolved issues
- Motivated team, recognized achievements, and encouraged collaboration
Apprentice Manager
CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL
07.2017 - 10.2020
- Prepared and cooked food to order, ensuring quality and safety standards
- Monitored inventory, managed food waste, and resolved quality issues
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness, equipment, and safety compliance
- Fostered teamwork and communication between kitchen and front staff
- Handled inventory orders, cash operations, and cashier training
Shift Manager
ROTI MODERN MEDITERRANEAN
09.2015 - 06.2017
- Trained and cross-trained new staff in customer service and food safety
- Led staff training for new restaurant openings
- Managed cash handling and labor scheduling
Journey Leader (IT)
NOODLES & COMPANY
05.2014 - 06.2015
- Head Line PM Cook (Sauté); supervised kitchen operations and team performance
- Evaluated training programs and materials for effectiveness
- Resolved customer complaints and monitored preferences to guide sales focus
- Developed and coordinated marketing strategies and promotional activities
- Managed hiring, training, and performance of marketing and sales staff
General Manager
PINKBERRY CHICAGO
07.2011 - 01.2014
- Supervised 12+ staff; managed inventory, ordering, and sales forecasting
- Trained new team members in top-quality customer service
- Achieved 95%+ customer service ratings for 5 consecutive months
- Monitored sales and COGS to maximize profit and reduce waste
- Led rollout of new products and service techniques
- Motivated staff to consistently achieve high performance
Education
Bachelor's degree - Marketing
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY
ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES03.2017
Skills
- Customer Service (in-person & phone)
- Conflict Management
- Quality Control
- Communication
- Food Service & Restaurant Management
- Food Safety & Sanitation (Licensed Manager)
- Inventory & Facilities Management
- Team Leadership & Development
- Staff Training & Scheduling
- Sales & Profit/Loss Analysis
- Relationship Management & Strategic Partnerships
- Operations Management
- Organizational & Time Management
- Multitasking in Fast-Paced Environments
- Hospitality & Client Services
- Cooking & Kitchen Experience
- POS System Proficiency
- Basic Math & Sales Targets
- Wine Knowledge
- OpenTable & Reservation Systems
- Pre-Trip Inspection & Box Truck Operation (DOT Regulations)
- Microsoft Office Proficiency
Certification
• HACCP Certification
• Food Safety Manager Certification
• Bartender License
• ServSafe
• Food Safety Manager Certification
• Bartender License
• ServSafe
Languages
English
Timeline
Store Manager Trainee
ALDI
05.2025 - 12.2025
Restaurant General Manager
Buffalo Wild Wings 'GO'
05.2023 - 05.2025
Route Sales Representative
Mickey's Linen
10.2022 - 05.2023
Operations Manager
Raising Cane's
05.2022 - 09.2022
Team Leader
Chick-fil-A
10.2020 - 09.2021
Apprentice Manager
CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL
07.2017 - 10.2020
Shift Manager
ROTI MODERN MEDITERRANEAN
09.2015 - 06.2017
Journey Leader (IT)
NOODLES & COMPANY
05.2014 - 06.2015
General Manager
PINKBERRY CHICAGO
07.2011 - 01.2014
Bachelor's degree - Marketing
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY