Maria Deheza
Whittier,CA
Summary
Dynamic Dining Service Manager with a proven track record at Brookdale Uptown Whittier, excelling in menu development and staff management. Enhanced resident satisfaction through innovative event planning and effective complaint handling, while ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Recognized for fostering teamwork and improving operational efficiency, leading to increased patronage and staff retention.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dining Service Manager
Brookdale Uptown Whittier
Whittier, CA
05.2004 - Current
- Oversaw daily dining operations, ensuring quality service and compliance with health standards.
- Developed and implemented menus tailored to resident preferences and dietary needs.
- Trained and mentored staff on customer service excellence and food safety protocols.
- Coordinated inventory management, reducing waste through efficient ordering processes.
- Enhanced resident satisfaction by soliciting feedback and adjusting services accordingly.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to optimize meal preparation efficiency and presentation.
- Managed budgetary allocations for dining services, maximizing resource utilization.
- Led team meetings to discuss performance, address challenges, and celebrate successes.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable contracts and maintaining high-quality food supplies.
- Implemented employee scheduling software to streamline shift management while reducing labor costs without sacrificing service quality.
- Continuously updated knowledge of industry trends and best practices in dining services management, incorporating new ideas to enhance overall operations.
- Coordinated special events, such as themed dinners or guest chef appearances, enhancing the overall dining experience for patrons.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through attentive service, menu planning, and attention to dietary restrictions.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback that contributed to improved staff productivity and morale.
- Collaborated with marketing team on promotional efforts for special events or discounts that resulted in increased patronage during slow periods.
- Increased staff retention rates by providing ongoing training opportunities, mentoring, and fostering a positive work environment.
- Consistently met or exceeded health department regulations through diligent kitchen management practices and regular inspections.
- Managed budgeting and financial tracking for dining services operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and costeffectiveness.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
Assistant Store Manager
Hollywood Video
Whittier, CA
07.1995 - 09.2003
- Managed daily store operations, ensuring optimal inventory levels and product availability.
- Trained and mentored staff to enhance customer service and operational efficiency.
- Developed promotional strategies to increase sales and drive customer engagement.
- Analyzed sales trends and customer feedback to inform merchandising decisions.
- Implemented loss prevention strategies, reducing shrinkage through effective monitoring practices.
- Coordinated scheduling and staff assignments to meet peak operational demands efficiently.
- Enhanced store layout for improved customer flow and merchandise visibility.
- Led team meetings focused on performance improvement and goal alignment initiatives.
- Managed cash registers efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions, balancing drawers daily, and minimizing discrepancies.
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
- Enhanced store appearance for increased sales by maintaining cleanliness and implementing strategic merchandise displays.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Assisted the Store Manager in analyzing sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions for improving overall store performance.
- Walked through store areas to identify and proactively resolve issues negatively impacting operations.
- Mentored new employees on company policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure their success within the organization.
- Fostered a positive work culture by promoting teamwork and recognizing individual achievements among staff members regularly.
- Processed payments for credit and debit cards and returned proper change for cash transactions.
- Created and maintained safe and secure work environments for employees.
- Developed a loyal customer base through personalized interactions, increasing repeat business in-store visits.
- Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
- Streamlined inventory management with regular audits, accurate ordering, and efficient stock organization.
- Resolved escalated customer issues effectively leading to improved customer satisfaction rates.
- Provided weekly work schedules to employees to accommodate business demands and vacation requests.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Interviewed, hired, and trained staff associates and equipped to comply with company policies and procedures.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Verified inventory counts remained within monthly tolerance levels and compiled financial data in compliance with budget.
- Increased employee retention, training staff in effective customer service techniques and product knowledge.
- Provided support to store manager in budgeting processes, helping maintain financial stability for the business.
- Collaborated with store manager to develop marketing initiatives that drove traffic and increased brand awareness.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
Education
Food Service /culinary
Glendale Community College
Glendale, California, CA06.2006
High School Diploma - General Studies
Pioneer High School
Whittier, CA06.1989
Skills
- Sanitation standards
- Food presentation
- Food safety compliance
- Staff management
- Allergen awareness
- Employee scheduling
- Menu development
- Nutrition
- Food safety
- Leadership trained
- Team management
- Inventory control
- Work scheduling
- Event planning
- Order management
- Menu planning
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Reliable and responsible
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team leadership
- Food preparation
- Safe food handling
- Employee supervision
- Delegating assignments and tasks
- Supply ordering and management
- Monitoring food preparation
- Recruitment and hiring
Accomplishments
CPR Certification
First Aid Certification
Certification
CPR
First Aid
Manager Serv Safe
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Dining Service Manager
Brookdale Uptown Whittier
05.2004 - Current
Assistant Store Manager
Hollywood Video
07.1995 - 09.2003
Food Service /culinary
Glendale Community College
High School Diploma - General Studies
Pioneer High School