Megan Downing
Summary
Drawing upon 11 years of leadership experience, consistently achieving revenue growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and successfully implementing strategic initiatives to optimize overall business execution. Adept at building and leading high-performance teams, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Planner I
Dunlap & Shipman PA
07.2025 - Current
- Collaborate with relevant departments such as building, code enforcement, engineering, long-range planning, and public works to promote efficiency and effectiveness in cross-departmental operations
- Prepare and monitor the progress of all development applications through the review process Prepare Exhibits for hearings and meetings in front of government boards and the community
- Assist Attorneys and the Planning Director regarding research and review of information about a project's history.
Planning Technician
Dunlap & Shipman PA
02.2024 - 07.2025
- Performs routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, copying, answering telephone and responding to e-mails.
- Develops and maintains automated tracking systems, hard copy files and records
- Research and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources Prepares public notices or property owner verifications
- Attends public meetings, assisting other planning staff as appropriate
General Manager
Boathouse Oyster Bar
01.2019 - 2024
- Manage and optimize shift performance through training, monitoring, and motivating employees for consistent high productivity.
- Strategically plan and execute initiatives to increase business, drive profit growth, and enhance team performance.
- Efficiently organize schedules, delegate assignments, and oversee daily operations for seamless functionality.
- Supervise and guide a team of over 50 employees, cross-training staff for operational diversity and efficiency.
- Cultivate strong working relationships with employees, management, and vendors.
- Lead and motivate staff, leveraging individual strengths to optimize customer satisfaction, productivity, and service quality during shifts.
- Address business risks through assessments, implement mitigation strategies, and generate executive reports using operational, output, and revenue data.
- Oversee recruitment, training, and onboarding processes while maintaining updated paperwork in compliance with internal standards and legal requirements.
- Ensure data security by implementing access controls to sensitive systems.
- Determine departmental financial needs, develop expenditure budgets, and minimize resource waste through continuous monitoring and improved controls.
- Investigate and address customer complaints, identifying and modifying processes to rectify faults.
Bar Manager
Boathouse Oyster Bar
01.2019 - 01.2019
- Served beverages in a busy bar, ensuring compliance with alcohol regulations and state/federal ID checks. Recommended products and promotions to upsell beverage orders.
- Ensured superior service, high customer satisfaction, and positive employee morale.
- Assisted with bartending during high-volume shifts, engaging in conflict resolution and maintaining order. Engaged guests in friendly conversations to build loyalty and encourage repeat business.
- Operated POS systems, managed bar tabs, and maintained bar appearance by cleaning, organizing, and replenishing supplies.
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Boathouse Oyster Bar
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Ensured the expeditious execution of food preparation procedures.
- Effectively mediated conflicts among patrons in a bustling bar setting, preserving order and harmony. Implemented meticulous food inventory management, including proper labeling, rotation, and stocking to prevent spoilage.
- Vigilantly monitored the functionality of diverse kitchen equipment, promptly reporting malfunctions affecting food safety or cooking efficiency to management.
- Exercised cost control through conscientious practices such as low-waste cooking and precise portioning. Strategically anticipated and adapted batch cooking strategies to align with both peak and non-peak service times.
Manager
Beef O'Brady's
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Cultivated customer relationships through effective communication and proven marketing strategies.
- Conducted weekly walk-throughs with the store manager to discuss interior visual displays, including window presentations.
- Assisted the general manager with weekly and monthly inventory.
- Supervised a project schedule, anticipating timelines for specific milestones and completion on a weekly basis.
- Met with employees to establish realistic monthly sales goals. Responded promptly and appropriately to customer emails.
Bartender
Beef O'Brady's
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Verified IDs in compliance with state and federal laws for alcohol service.
- Ensured cleanliness and organization of the bar area, including tables and chairs. Fostered guest loyalty through strong relationships with frequent patrons.
- Established and maintained a positive work environment.
- Efficiently communicated guest selections to the floor and kitchen, recording orders accurately.
- Proactively upsold alcoholic beverages, appetizers, and desserts. Handled all phone inquiries related to catering and to-go orders.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration -
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida05.2023
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Northwest Florida State College
Niceville, FL02.2018
Skills
- Hard Skills: Project Management, Data Analysis, Technical Skills (POS Systems, Microsoft Office Suite), Inventory Management, Access Control, Community Engagement, Sales Planning and Strategy, Financial Management, Training and Onboarding, Database Management, Negotiation, and Problem-Solving
- Soft Skills: Communication, Leadership, Teamwork, Time Management, Adaptability, Dedication, Resilience, Networking, Attention to Detail, Relationship Building, Stress Management, Creativity, Positive Work Environment, Flexibility, Conflict Resolution, Analytical Thinking, Initiative, Customer Focus, Ethical Judgment, Cultural Competence, Respect for Diversity, Influence and Persuasion
Accomplishments
- Safety Manual and Employee Handbook Creation: Spearheaded the development of comprehensive safety manuals and employee handbooks at Boathouse Oyster Bar, enhancing workplace safety and operational efficiency.
- Graphic and Menu Design: Contributed to the aesthetic and functional aspects of Boathouse Oyster Bar by designing both graphics and the current menu.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Successfully ensured an average of 85%-100% compliance with health and safety regulations
- Academic and Professional Dedication: Successfully managed a demanding schedule by working 60-80 hours a week while attending school full-time, demonstrating exceptional time management, resilience, and commitment to both professional and academic pursuits.
- Top-Performing Upseller Consistently outperformed co-workers with an upsell conversion rate ranging from 10% to 30%, demonstrating a proactive approach and contributing significantly to increased overall sales.
- Home Purchase Negotiation: Negotiated a remarkable 48% reduction in the purchase price of my first home, achieving substantial cost savings and securing favorable terms.
- Inventory Management Implemented an advanced inventory tracking system, reducing stockouts by 90% meanwhile minimizing excess inventory costs.
- Service for Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter: Privileged to have been selected to serve Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, demonstrating dedication and professionalism.
- Dean's List Recognition: Achieved recognition on the Dean's List, reflecting consistent high academic performance.
- Phi Theta Kappa Membership: Proudly affiliated with Phi Theta Kappa, a testament to academic excellence and commitment to scholarship.
- Drum Captain Achievement: Served as Drum Captain, leading the drumline to win straight superior ratings every year, showcasing strong leadership and proficiency.
Timeline
Planner I
Dunlap & Shipman PA
07.2025 - Current
Planning Technician
Dunlap & Shipman PA
02.2024 - 07.2025
General Manager
Boathouse Oyster Bar
01.2019 - 2024
Bar Manager
Boathouse Oyster Bar
01.2019 - 01.2019
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Boathouse Oyster Bar
01.2018 - 01.2019
Manager
Beef O'Brady's
01.2015 - 01.2018
Bartender
Beef O'Brady's
01.2013 - 01.2015
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Northwest Florida State College
Bachelor of Business Administration -
The University of West Florida
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