LAUREN DENIS
Hackensack,NJ
Summary
Dedicated culinary and hospitality leader with over 15 years of experience in coaching and developing high-performing teams. Experienced in creating engaging learning environments that foster creativity and professionalism while preparing students for careers in culinary arts and hospitality through a blend of technical instruction and real-world experience.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager
APPLE
Paramus, NJ
03.2020 - 05.2025
- Managed daily operations within a high-volume business focused on exceptional customer experiences.
- Led recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and professional development for diverse teams.
- Coached, mentored, and developed employees through individualized training and performance coaching, enhancing team capabilities.
- Collaborated across business functions to enhance operations and develop future leaders through targeted coaching.
- Guided teams through organizational change while promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Designed engaging learning experiences that strengthened communication, technical knowledge, and customer service excellence.
- Fostered an inclusive environment that enabled employees from diverse backgrounds to feel valued and empowered.
- Co-developed market-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives that encouraged mentorship, dialogue, and employee engagement.
General Manager
WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.
Westfield, NJ
09.2017 - 03.2020
- Recruited and trained employees, coaching them to maximize performance and support professional growth.
- Developed leadership talent through mentoring, succession planning, and individualized coaching.
- Managed staffing, scheduling, and workforce planning, aligning performance management with business goals.
- Created collaborative, customer-focused environment that emphasized teamwork and accountability.
- Created collaborative, customer-focused environments emphasizing teamwork and accountability.
General Manager
LENSCRAFTERS
New York, NY
08.2014 - 09.2017
- Led daily operations, coaching employees to enhance customer experiences and satisfaction.
- Recruited, trained, and mentored team members in professionalism and communication to strengthen leadership capabilities.
- Built partnerships with healthcare professionals, collaborating to achieve better customer outcomes.
- Promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion through hiring and employee development.
Assistant Store Manager
VICTORIA'S SECRET
Brooklyn, NY
09.2012 - 08.2014
- Led recruitment initiatives to build a strong team for newly renovated flagship location.
- Developed engaging onboarding experiences that accelerated employee success.
- Developed onboarding experiences that shortened time to proficiency for new employees.
- Fostered inclusive learning environment that enhanced teamwork and boosted employee confidence.
Assistant General Manager
NU HOTEL
Brooklyn, NY
02.2012 - 09.2012
- Led the planning and implementation of a new restaurant concept within the hotel.
- Collaborated with a celebrity chef and mixologist to develop menus and establish the restaurant's guest experience.
- Managed hotel operations, mentoring and supervising team of 40 employees to maintain high service standards.
- Recruited, trained, and coached team members to maintain exceptional hospitality standards.
- Ensured operational excellence through collaborative leadership and a focus on guest service, resulting in improved guest satisfaction.
Operations Manager
GRAND LUX CAFÉ | THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY
Paramus, NJ
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Directed front-of-house operations in a high-volume upscale dining environment.
- Developed and trained employees in food preparation, guest service, sanitation, cash handling, and operational procedures to enhance overall team competency.
- Coached staff on service recovery and leadership techniques to elevate guest experience and satisfaction.
- Streamlined inventory management and implemented process improvements to reduce waste and enhance operational efficiency.
- Built high-performing teams through mentoring, accountability, and professional development.
Education
Master of Science - Hospitality & Tourism Operations Management
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Madison, New JerseyBachelor of Arts - Hotel and Tourism Management
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Madison, New JerseyAssociate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Hudson County Community College
Jersey City, New JerseySkills
- Restaurant Operations
- Culinary Arts
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Menu Development
- Guest Experience
- Event Operations
- Hospitality Management
- Hospitality Leadership
- Performance Management
- Recruiting & Hiring
- Leadership Development
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Instruction and Training
- Classroom & Team Management
- Curriculum Support
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Conflict Resolution
- Strategic Planning
- Organizational Leadership
- Team Building
- Community Engagement
- Customer Service Excellence
- Public Speaking
- Customer Service Excellence
Educational Philosophy
I believe culinary education extends beyond teaching recipes and cooking techniques. It cultivates confidence, creativity, discipline, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving while preparing students for meaningful careers. My goal is to create an inclusive learning environment where every student feels empowered to discover their talents, develop practical life skills, and recognize the limitless opportunities available through culinary arts and hospitality.
Core Competencies
I believe culinary education extends beyond teaching recipes and cooking techniques. It cultivates confidence, creativity, discipline, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving while preparing students for meaningful careers. My goal is to create an inclusive learning environment where every student feels empowered to discover their talents, develop practical life skills, and recognize the limitless opportunities available through culinary arts and hospitality.
Timeline
Manager
APPLE
03.2020 - 05.2025
General Manager
WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.
09.2017 - 03.2020
General Manager
LENSCRAFTERS
08.2014 - 09.2017
Assistant Store Manager
VICTORIA'S SECRET
09.2012 - 08.2014
Assistant General Manager
NU HOTEL
02.2012 - 09.2012
Operations Manager
GRAND LUX CAFÉ | THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY
01.2007 - 01.2012
Master of Science - Hospitality & Tourism Operations Management
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Bachelor of Arts - Hotel and Tourism Management
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Hudson County Community College