MADISON JAMES
Seattle,WA
Summary
Dynamic Restaurant General Manager with a proven track record at Mendocino Farms, excelling in talent acquisition and employee engagement. Spearheaded the successful opening of a new location, enhancing team performance and retention through innovative onboarding programs. Adept at cross-functional collaboration and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Restaurant General Manager
Mendocino Farms
Kirkland, WA
2024.01 - Current
- Led successful opening of new restaurant location, managing end-to-end hiring, onboarding, and training for over 40 team members.
- Designed and facilitated orientation and training programs to ensure rapid ramp-up and culture alignment.
- Implemented talent pipeline strategies to attract high-quality candidates in a competitive labor market.
- Partnered with regional leadership on recruiting plans and long-term staffing forecasts.
- Oversaw employee performance and career development, identifying high-potential individuals for advancement.
Restaurant General Manager
Fairmont Olympic
Seattle, WA
2022.07 - 2023.12
- Streamlining the restaurant processes to improve guest experience and hold Forbes standards
- Focused on mentoring and coaching individuals to enhance their skills, performance, and career advancement opportunities within the company.
- Instilling leadership accountability for food, beverage, expense and labor control according to business levels in two venues
- Work with marketing and advertising team to promote the Olympic Bar and Founder's club to increase topline revenue with quarterly animations.
Assistant General Manager
Twin Peaks Tukwila
2020.08 - 2022.07
- Developing key performance goals and managing the performance of staff in a high-turnover restaurant environment.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable terms and pricing.
- Developed a structured onboarding program, reducing new hire turnover by 30%.
- Delivered consistent performance reviews and ongoing coaching conversations to improve team KPIs.
Food and Beverage Manager
Fairmont Olympic
2019.02 - 2020.05
- Coordinated job rotation and cross-training initiatives
- Scheduled work hours and shifts through timesaver
- Participated in corporate initiatives and programs such as Planet 21 - Corporate Social Responsibility, Diversity and Inclusion, Women at AccorHotels Generation (WAAG).
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
2017.10 - 2018.10
- Organized workflow and ensured employees understand their duties and delegated tasks
- Collaborated with management team to ensure departmental orientation processes are in place and employees receive the appropriate new hire training to successfully perform their job
- Create and execute a world class onboarding experience for new Heartists.
Education
BS in Hotel Restaurant Management -
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZSkills
- Talent Acquisition & Recruitment
- Onboarding & Training Programs
- Employee Engagement & Retention
- Performance Management & Coaching
- Employer Branding
- Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- HR Operations & Labor Compliance
Accomplishments
- Featured on King 5 New Day
- Managed establishment voted Best Bars in 2023 by Wine Enthusiast
- Featured in The Seattle Times for Seattle's Most Expensive Manhattan
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
- Google Project Management Certified
- SURE Food Safety Manager Certification
- Washington MAST Permit
Timeline
Restaurant General Manager
Mendocino Farms
2024.01 - Current
Restaurant General Manager
Fairmont Olympic
2022.07 - 2023.12
Assistant General Manager
Twin Peaks Tukwila
2020.08 - 2022.07
Food and Beverage Manager
Fairmont Olympic
2019.02 - 2020.05
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
2017.10 - 2018.10
BS in Hotel Restaurant Management -
Northern Arizona University