Kristen Knowles
Redondo Beach,CA
Summary
Hospitality professional with 20+ years of experience, recognized for exceptional retention rates and profit-focused strategies. Proven financial expertise and leadership in training and development, driving team growth and operational success. Ready to apply skills in a challenging role within a dynamic organization.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Pura Vida Miami
Los Angeles, California
06.2025 - Current
- Achieved two back-to-back New Restaurant Openings (NROs) in a new market.
- Developed and executed strategies for operational improvement, new store openings, and revenue generation through marketing and catering.
- Led, motivated, hired, trained, and developed managers and staff, ensuring a positive, high-energy environment focused on exceptional customer service.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations, implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), managed labor, controlled costs, maintained facilities, and managed the supply chain.
- Drove revenue through sales initiatives, while ensuring cost-effective operations.
Regional Manager
Pura Vida Miami
Miami, Florida
10.2022 - 06.2025
- Hired to support a new market, I successfully led seven NROs while managing internal growth and adhering to company standards for existing operations.
- Managed kitchen and restaurant operations across multiple Miami locations, ensuring smooth service and compliance with health and safety standards.
- Led hiring, training, and mentoring efforts for managers and staff to foster team development.
- Set high standards for customer service, ensuring guest satisfaction, and a positive dining experience.
- Analyzed performance data to identify growth opportunities, and developed strategies for long-term success; collaborated on menu updates, and drove marketing efforts.
Market Regional
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza
Fort Lauderdale, FL
01.2022 - 09.2022
- Enhanced staff retention through effective problem-solving and communication strategies.
- Developed managers into Senior Managers and General Managers to strengthen leadership.
- Boosted sales by prioritizing initiatives focused on hospitality excellence.
- Achieved monthly balanced scorecard recognition for reducing turnover and exceeding sales targets.
- Implemented best practices to improve health and sanitation scores.
- Leveraged technology and tools to increase adherence to operational procedures.
Training General Manager
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza
Plantation, Florida
11.2018 - 01.2022
- Trained over 20 managers in training, several of whom became top-performing General Managers.
- Transformed the Plantation location into a flagship training store.
- Created and implemented comprehensive training materials.
- Tailored training programs to meet the individual needs of trainees to maximize their success.
General Manager
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza
07.2017 - 11.2018
- Managed a staff of over 40 members at one of the top 5 most profitable locations.
- Responsible for hiring, training, performance improvement, and termination of employees.
- Managed payroll and scheduling, maintaining efficient staffing levels.
- Controlled costs and minimized waste to enhance profitability.
Skills
- Leadership and team management
- New restaurant openings
- Financial acumen and business growth
- Operational excellence and efficiency
- Strategic planning
- Customer experience management
- Process improvements
- Leadership training
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Recruitment and hiring
- P&L Administration
- Adaptability and flexibility
Awards
- 2023, Regional of the Year
- 2021, Best Retention
- 2021, Top Performer
- 2020, Top Performer
- 2020, Best Retention
- 2019, Profit Winner
Timeline
Director of Operations
Pura Vida Miami
06.2025 - Current
Regional Manager
Pura Vida Miami
10.2022 - 06.2025
Market Regional
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza
01.2022 - 09.2022
Training General Manager
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza
11.2018 - 01.2022
General Manager
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza
07.2017 - 11.2018