Leila Benest
Santa Ana,CA
Summary
Dynamic operations leader with a proven track record in team leadership, recruitment, and budget management. Expertise in cross-functional communication and problem-solving, driving operational excellence and high client satisfaction.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Operations
Orange County YMCA
Laguna Niguel, California
01.2026 - Current
- Directed full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and training programs, successfully coaching staff toward internal promotions and exceeding retention goals.
- Managed core HR administration, including timecards, personnel files, and leave requests, achieving a 90%+ score on all licensing and quality assurance audits.
- Tracked and analyzed marketing data to optimize program recruitment and manage enrollment growth for over 100 clients.
- Oversaw site operational budget, forecasting and allocating funds for wages, vendor contracts, and daily supplies.
- Coordinated vendor logistics, event planning, and transportation as primary liaison between staff, clients, and school district stakeholders.
Bridal Stylist
Anthropologie Weddings
Newport Beach, CA
08.2024 - 12.2025
- Conducted over 40 personalized styling consultations monthly, guiding clients through purchasing decisions.
- Maintained average appointment-to-sale conversion rate of 48%, surpassing regional performance metrics.
- Executed effective, suggestive selling techniques through deep product knowledge and strategic follow-ups.
- Managed high-volume appointment scheduling, inventory organization, and visual merchandising to enhance showroom experience.
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Alpert JCC
Long Beach, CA
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Designed and executed daily programming for 30 students, adapting presentation styles to meet diverse needs and enhance group dynamics.
- Facilitated regular progress and performance reviews with stakeholders, translating complex data into actionable feedback to inform educational strategies.
- Directed training and mentorship of assistant staff, providing performance coaching to foster a collaborative team environment.
Recreation Coordinator
The City of Palo Alto
Palo Alto, California
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Managed cross-functional team of 30 staff across 6 summer camp programs, overseeing daily operations and schedule management to ensure program success.
- Led full-cycle recruitment for seasonal staff, overseeing sourcing, interviewing, and hiring processes to build a capable team for camp operations.
- Designed and facilitated a comprehensive, week-long onboarding and in-service training program for all 30 employees, ensuring strict alignment on safety protocols, operational procedures, and client engagement.
- Directed program preparation and managed $30,000 budget each summer, achieving high satisfaction rates among participants and stakeholders.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development And Family Studies
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA06-2024
Skills
Budget Management
Schedule Management
Client management
Recruitment & Interviewing
Team leadership
Cross-Functional Communication
Conflict resolution
Timeline
Assistant Director of Operations
Orange County YMCA
01.2026 - Current
Bridal Stylist
Anthropologie Weddings
08.2024 - 12.2025
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Alpert JCC
01.2024 - 06.2024
Recreation Coordinator
The City of Palo Alto
01.2022 - 12.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development And Family Studies
California State University, Long Beach