Mary Ann Lay
Toledo,OH
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience at Kroger, excelling in team management and customer relations. Proven track record in optimizing inventory processes and enhancing operational efficiency. Skilled in organization and time management, fostering a collaborative environment that drives employee development and satisfaction. Committed to continuous improvement and delivering exceptional service.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
District Deli/Bakery Trainer
Kroger
Toledo
08.2025 - Current
- Developed and delivered training modules for new team members.
- Executed assessments to gauge trainee comprehension and knowledge retention.
- Partnered with management to assess training requirements and implement curriculum enhancements.
- Facilitated workshops to enhance employee skills and operational efficiency.
Deli/Bakery Department Leader
Kroger
Toledo, OH
02.2012 - Current
- Led team to achieve operational excellence through effective scheduling and resource management.
- Streamlined inventory processes, reducing waste and improving stock accuracy.
- Implemented training programs for new associates, enhancing onboarding experience
- Developed initiatives to improve customer satisfaction scores through service enhancements.
- Mentored staff on best practices in merchandising, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing feedback to support professional development of team members.
- Prioritized workload effectively based on urgency/importance matrix which resulted in meeting critical deadlines consistently.
- Coordinated cross-functional projects within the organization, fostering teamwork and collaboration across departments.
- Spearheaded continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency while reducing costs where possible.
- Managed budgets and resources effectively, ensuring optimal allocation and utilization for maximum results.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure optimal pricing and terms while maintaining strong relationships with key partners.
- Oversaw recruitment efforts for the department, selecting top talent that contributed positively to team dynamics and performance outcomes.
- Conducted thorough analysis of departmental workflows to identify areas of opportunity for process improvement initiatives.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that promoted high morale among employees leading to higher job satisfaction and retention.
- Increased department efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new management strategies.
- Mentored junior employees to develop their leadership skills, preparing them for future roles within the company.
- Monitored industry trends to ensure department remained competitive in its offerings and capabilities.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly through comprehensive reviews, providing constructive feedback for improvement opportunities.
- Aligned department objectives with those of the broader organization to maximize synergies between teams.
- Implemented innovative training programs for staff members, enhancing their skills and boosting productivity levels.
- Conducted regular team meetings to keep staff informed of departmental updates and solicit feedback for continuous improvement.
- Championed change management initiatives within the department, driving transformational efforts aligned with organizational objectives.
- Established clear communication channels within the department, resulting in better information flow and decision-making processes.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for the department, resulting in significant growth and improved performance metrics.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
Head Grocery
Kroger
Store 500 Toledo
06.2003 - 01.2011
- Led grocery department operations, optimizing inventory management and minimizing waste.
- Developed and implemented strategic merchandising initiatives to enhance customer engagement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive sales growth and improve operational efficiency.
- Mentored team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
- Established strong vendor relationships to negotiate favorable terms and maintain quality standards.
- Monitored compliance with safety regulations, ensuring a safe shopping environment for customers and staff.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Head Night Grocery
Kroger
Toledo, OH
04.1999 - 06.2003
Back Dock Receiver
Kroger
Toledo, OH
03.1998 - 04.1999
- Oversaw receiving processes, ensuring accurate inventory management and timely stock availability.
- Trained and mentored new team members on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Implemented efficient organization systems for incoming shipments to streamline workflow.
- Coordinated with vendors to resolve discrepancies in orders and improve delivery accuracy.
- Monitored inventory levels to maintain optimal stock quantities, reducing waste and shortages.
- Conducted regular inspections of received goods to ensure quality standards were met consistently.
- Collaborated with management to develop strategies for improving receiving efficiency and effectiveness.
- Kept work areas clean, safe, and organized.
- Maintained a clean and organized receiving area, enhancing workflow and productivity.
- Loaded and unloaded boxes and pallets using safe operating procedures and correct equipment.
- Unloaded pallets and deliveries and organized products in warehouse.
- Managed inventory levels effectively through accurate data entry and record-keeping practices.
- Compared shipping orders and invoices against contents received to verify accuracy.
- Reduced errors in received shipments by conducting thorough inspections and ensuring accurate documentation.
- Trained new employees on receiving procedures, improving overall team performance.
- Restocked products and rotated items according to standard procedures.
- Placed, tagged, and secured merchandise in diverse designated areas.
- Expedited returns of damaged or incorrect items to suppliers, ensuring timely resolution of issues.
- Enhanced warehouse organization by categorizing items according to size, weight, or type for efficient storage and retrieval processes.
- Improved communication with suppliers, resulting in better coordination of incoming shipments.
- Ensured timely processing of incoming shipments to minimize stock shortages and improve customer satisfaction.
- Coordinated with other departments for seamless integration of received goods into various operations.
- Streamlined the unloading process, reducing time spent on manual labor tasks.
- Assisted in resolving discrepancies between purchase orders and delivered goods promptly, minimizing negative impacts on business operations.
- Double checked records, daily reports, and inventory transactions to identify and correct variances.
- Provided support during peak seasons or special projects by performing additional duties as needed including assisting in picking, packing or shipping processes.
- Increased efficiency in the receiving process by implementing new inventory management systems.
- Established strong relationships with vendors, leading to improved order accuracy and delivery times.
- Implemented safety protocols to reduce workplace accidents during unloading and storage processes.
- Received incoming shipments, compared contents against associated records and transmitted to proper department.
- Used pallet jacks and dollies to load and unloaded goods from trucks and containers.
- Conducted counts and audits of inventories to identify and resolve discrepancies in records.
- Handled high-volume paperwork and collaborated with administrators to resolve invoicing and shipping problems.
- Processed invoices and order forms for goods received and shipped for proof of transactions.
- Operated equipment such as forklifts and balers to move outgoing shipments to loading area.
- Communicated with vendors and suppliers to verify timely delivery of goods.
- Monitored scheduled shipment dates to achieve timely delivery, expediting as necessary, and communicating variances to customers.
- Utilized forklift or pallet truck to load, unload, transport and store goods.
- Rejected damaged items, recorded shortages and corresponded with shippers to rectify issues.
- Moved shipment materials to and from designated areas using lift and hand trucks.
- Processed required paperwork to expedite handling of shipped and received goods.
Head Cheese Shop
Kroger
Toledo, OH
04.1996 - 04.1998
- Managed daily operations, ensuring high standards of product quality and customer service.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new staff, enhancing team skillsets.
- Oversaw inventory management, utilizing point-of-sale systems for accurate stock levels.
- Collaborated with suppliers to source premium cheeses, optimizing product selection.
- Led promotional events to increase customer engagement and drive sales growth.
- Established operational procedures that improved efficiency in cheese handling and storage.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Deli/Bakery Associate
Kroger
Toledo, OH
1984 - 04.1996
Education
High School Diploma -
Sylvania Northview
Sylvania, OHSkills
Organization
Time management
Customer Relations
Multi Tasking
Team Management
Product Levels / Shrink
Fine Detail oriented
Timeline
District Deli/Bakery Trainer
Kroger
08.2025 - Current
Deli/Bakery Department Leader
Kroger
02.2012 - Current
Head Grocery
Kroger
06.2003 - 01.2011
Head Night Grocery
Kroger
04.1999 - 06.2003
Back Dock Receiver
Kroger
03.1998 - 04.1999
Head Cheese Shop
Kroger
04.1996 - 04.1998
Deli/Bakery Associate
Kroger
1984 - 04.1996
High School Diploma -
Sylvania Northview