Mandi Helton
Kingsport,TN
Summary
Accomplished trainer and team leader with a strong focus on staff development and quality control. Known for implementing effective training programs that align with operational goals, ensuring high standards of service and guest satisfaction. Reliable and adaptable, with a track record of enhancing team performance through coaching, training, and development. A motivated Trainer eager to help any and all team members advance in knowledge and abilities to meet career goals.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
New Restaurant Opening Trainer
Darden Restaurants-Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Kingsport, TN
06.2024 - Current
- Monitored training progress and provided constructive feedback to ensure consistent performance standards.
- Collaborated with management to identify training needs and align programs with operational goals.
- Coached employees on best practices, providing constructive feedback to support their professional growth.
- Engaged with subject matter experts to ensure training content accuracy and relevance.
- Provided one-on-one mentoring to help individuals reach their full potential within the organization.
- Mentored fellow trainers as the Front of House Lead, fostering a collaborative learning environment within the team.
- Built and maintained professional relationships with management and training team across all restaurant openings.
- Established and maintained quality control standards.
- Analyzed training outcomes to identify gaps in knowledge and recommend targeted solutions.
Opening Team Lead
Darden Restaurants-Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Kingsport, TN
04.2018 - Current
- Supervised daily operations ensuring high standards of service and food quality.
- Trained and mentored staff on restaurant procedures and best practices.
- Assisted in inventory control, optimizing stock levels to reduce waste.
- Resolved guest complaints promptly, maintaining positive dining experiences.
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
- Collaborated with management to develop training programs for new employees.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
- Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
- Worked different stations to provide optimal coverage and meet production goals.
- Influenced positive change within the organization through strategic thinking, innovation, problem-solving abilities, and consistent leadership style.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Performed opening and closing duties as needed, ensuring the restaurant was prepared for efficient operation each day.
- Promoted a positive work environment by maintaining a professional attitude and demonstrating respect for coworkers, management, and guests alike.
- Demonstrated exceptional multitasking abilities by managing multiple tasks simultaneously during peak hours without sacrificing quality of service or attention to detail.
- Contributed to restaurant's reputation for excellent food quality by adhering to strict food safety guidelines during preparation processes.
- Participated in regular training sessions to stay up-to-date on menu offerings and company policies, leading to improved job performance.
Restaurant Team Member
Darden Restaurants-Red Lobster
Bristol, VA
02.2017 - 03.2018
- Provided exceptional customer service in fast-paced dining environment.
- Assisted with food preparation and ensured compliance with health and safety standards.
- Operated point-of-sale system effectively for accurate transactions and order processing.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures and best practices for service excellence.
- Handled cash transactions accurately and efficiently, ensuring proper cash handling procedures were followed.
- Helped maintain high levels of cleanliness throughout the establishment, following established cleaning protocols for both front of house and back of house areas consistently.
- Improved overall efficiency by quickly learning new menu items and adapting to changes in daily specials or promotions.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
Education
Associate of Science - Pre-medical Science
Southwest Virginia Community College
Cedar Bluff, VA05-2017
Skills
- Staff training and development
- Task delegation and Time Management
- Subject matter expertise
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Verbal and written communication
- Documentation and reporting
- Conflict resolution
- Staff management
- Strong attention to detail and organization
- Computer skills
- Proficient in all Total Quality standards and practices
Accomplishments
- Cross trained across all Front of House and Back of House positions
- New Restaurant Opening Trainer and New Restaurant Opening Front of House Lead, over the last 6 Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen NROs.
- Proficient in daily operations as well as office/clerical operations for both Front of House and Heart of House
- Proficient in all truck orders, smallwares orders, and deliveries
- A subject matter expert who not only understands but is able to effectively teach our brand standards and culture to others
Certification
- National Registry of Food Safety Professionals
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Microsoft Excel
- Adobe Photoshop
Timeline
New Restaurant Opening Trainer
Darden Restaurants-Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
06.2024 - Current
Opening Team Lead
Darden Restaurants-Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
04.2018 - Current
Restaurant Team Member
Darden Restaurants-Red Lobster
02.2017 - 03.2018
Associate of Science - Pre-medical Science
Southwest Virginia Community College