Kendra Garretson
Jersey City,NJ
Summary
Results-driven Operations Leader experienced in driving revenue growth and optimizing operational performance. Achieved significant improvements in client relationship management and compliance through effective team leadership and logistical coordination. Focused on delivering high service standards and identifying customer needs in fast-paced environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Leader
Wonder
Jersey City, NJ
09.2025 - 01.2026
- Led day-to-day operations for high-volume, multi-pod environment, overseeing staffing, scheduling, and execution across multiple workstreams.
- Drove KPI performance including order accuracy, cycle time, compliance readiness, and labor efficiency; consistently met or exceeded targets.
- Ensured audit readiness and regulatory compliance by maintaining inspection-ready standards through SOP enforcement and corrective action plans.
- Collaborated with vendors and facilities teams to resolve equipment, safety, and infrastructure issues, minimizing downtime and operational risk.
- Coached and developed frontline leaders to enhance performance consistency, accountability, and internal promotion readiness.
- Analyzed operational data to identify bottlenecks, implement process improvements, and standardize best practices across shifts.
- Supported new initiatives, system rollouts, and operational resets, ensuring alignment with company standards and timelines.
Assistant Operations Leader
Wonder
Midland Park, NJ
07.2024 - 09.2025
- Fostered positive work environment by prioritizing food safety and team well-being.
- Managed budgets and operational goals effectively.
- Oversaw pod management, optimizing staff positioning for maximum efficiency.
- Managed budgets and operational goals to support efficient restaurant operations.
- Supported daily restaurant operations to ensure smooth and efficient service.
- Fostered a positive and productive work environment, prioritizing food safety and team well-being.
- Troubleshot operational challenges to improve service quality and support sales growth.
- Supervised inventory and food safety practices, ensuring proper storage and handling.
- Ensured adherence to food safety standards in daily operations. and security standards at all times.
- Led by example to deliver an outstanding guest experience.
Restaurant Manager
McLoone's Boathouse
West Orange, NJ
03.2023 - 07.2024
- Managed staffing, scheduling, and front-of-house team development to enhance guest satisfaction and drive operational efficiency.
- Supervised all front-of-house staff, maintained appropriate staffing levels, and ensured the restaurant's ambiance, cleanliness, and setup met high standards.
- Supervised front-of-house staff, optimized staffing levels, and upheld restaurant ambiance, cleanliness, and setup to create inviting dining experiences.
- Fostered a culture focused on guest connection, ensuring exceptional experiences and repeat visits.
- Ensured seamless shift operations and proactively resolved unexpected issues to minimize disruptions and maintain service quality.
General Manager
Wing It On
West Orange, NJ
12.2022 - 02.2023
- Coordinated culinary activities, streamlining operations for efficiency and consistency.
- Ensured high-quality ingredients and food preparation standards.
- Managed guest services, resolving issues promptly to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Created and adjusted staff schedules to meet operational needs.
- Trained and developed kitchen personnel, fostering skills that improved overall team performance.
- Adhered to all safety and sanitation regulations consistently.
- Performed weekly inventory and placed food and supply orders.
- Supported kitchen staff in food preparation and other in-store activities as needed.
Assistant Manager
Fresh coast
Newark, NJ
09.2022 - 12.2022
- Appointed, onboarded, and maintained staff members to ensure smooth team operations.
- Appointed and onboarded staff members, fostering a cohesive team environment.
- Scheduled shifts and assigned tables to wait staff efficiently.
- Resolved customer inquiries and grievances, achieving high satisfaction rates.
- Ensured compliance with all health and safety regulations.
- Purchased ingredients, kitchen utensils, and equipment to maintain stock and quality.
- Sourced cost-effective deals for resources and equipment, optimizing budget management.
- Recorded all income and expenses and ensured cash registers were accurately balanced.
Team Manager
Panera Bread
Union, NJ
01.2020 - 09.2022
- Executed multiple roles including Retail Hourly Associate, Team Lead, Manager in Training, and Channel Manager, adhering strictly to procedures set by Assistant General Manager.
- Coached and motivated the team to exceed bakery-cafe goals in sales, speed of service, order accuracy, and overall café standards.
- Modeled Panera's warmth and excellence for team members, customers, and potential employees, ensuring extraordinary guest experiences.
- Ensured consistent adherence to company procedures while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
- Maintained adherence to company procedures while cultivating a positive, productive work environment.
Shift Leader
Panera Bread
Jersey City, NJ
09.2014 - 01.2018
- Ensured prepared food consistently met quality and portion standards, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Communicated openly and effectively with the management team during shifts to ensure smooth operations.
- Restocked workstations and display cases to support uninterrupted operations during peak periods.
- Engaged with customers to enhance their shopping experience. and delivered excellent customer service consistently.
- Verified that prepared food met all standards for quality and portion size.
- Assembled food orders while maintaining proper portion control.
- Cross-trained team members and coordinated schedules to maintain smooth service flow and flexibility.
- Followed all food safety procedures in accordance with company policies and health regulations.
Associate Trainer
Panera Bread
West Orange, NJ
12.2006 - 04.2011
- Contributed in roles including shift leader, food prep, cashier, and associate trainer to support team operations.
- Trained new employees to ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen team members to ensure timely and accurate food preparation.
- Trained kitchen staff on equipment use, food handling, and portion control to enhance team skill and compliance.
- Executed daily production lists, aligning team efforts with operational goals to ensure service efficiency.
- Guided new employees to achieve operational consistency to ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Maintained preparation and service areas in sanitary, organized condition.
- Developed and maintained positive working relationships to achieve business objectives.
- Worked in multiple roles including Shift Leader, Food Prep, Cashier, and Associate Trainer.
Assistant Secretary
Create Charter High School
Jersey City, NJ
09.2001 - 06.2005
- Supported school office secretary with efficient management of student-related administrative tasks.
- Processed and maintained student ID records accurately.
- Streamlined office filing system for improved accessibility and organization.
- Prepared copies, sent faxes, and filed documents.
- Ensured the work area was neat, organized, and presentable at all times.
- Handled phone inquiries and provided professional assistance to enhance communication with stakeholders.
Education
Criminal Justice - Some college
Johnson and Wales University North Miami
North Miami, FLHigh School Diploma -
Create Charter High School
Jersey City, NJSkills
- Supply chain management
- Inventory management
- Team management
- Conflict management
- Problem solving skills
- Time Management skills
- Effective communication
- Customer service-oriented
- Professional phone etiquette
- Flexible
- Accurate and detailed
- Works well under pressure
Certification
ServSafe Manager, 03/01/21, 03/31/26
Languages
English
Timeline
Operations Leader
Wonder
09.2025 - 01.2026
Assistant Operations Leader
Wonder
07.2024 - 09.2025
Restaurant Manager
McLoone's Boathouse
03.2023 - 07.2024
General Manager
Wing It On
12.2022 - 02.2023
Assistant Manager
Fresh coast
09.2022 - 12.2022
Team Manager
Panera Bread
01.2020 - 09.2022
Shift Leader
Panera Bread
09.2014 - 01.2018
Associate Trainer
Panera Bread
12.2006 - 04.2011
Assistant Secretary
Create Charter High School
09.2001 - 06.2005
Criminal Justice - Some college
Johnson and Wales University North Miami
High School Diploma -
Create Charter High School