Melissa Newport-Ward
Meeker,OK
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in training and developing teams to achieve operational excellence. Successfully implemented training programs that boosted employee performance and service quality, contributing to increased customer loyalty and enhanced team collaboration.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Manager
Sonic Drive In
Prague, OK
10.2022 - 06.2026
- Streamlined daily operations to enhance service efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Coordinated staff training programs to improve team performance and service quality.
- Implemented inventory management practices to reduce waste and optimize stock levels.
- Monitored sales trends and adjusted promotional strategies to drive revenue growth.
- Developed employee schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours.
- Led initiatives for maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations within the establishment.
- Handled cash accurately and prepared deposits.
- Motivated, trained, and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
- Collaborated with the General Manager on marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness and drive sales growth.
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving concerns in a timely manner.
- Resolved problems promptly to elevate customer approval.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to maintain proper stock levels and minimize spoilage or waste.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control for optimal profitability.
- Mentored staff members, fostering a supportive work environment that enhanced employee performance and retention.
- Ensured compliance with all health department regulations by implementing strict sanitation guidelines throughout the establishment.
- Monitored facility maintenance needs, coordinating repairs and upgrades as necessary to keep operations running smoothly.
- Managed team schedule with eye for coverage needs and individual strengths.
- Assisted in the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process for new employees to build a skilled workforce committed to excellence in service delivery.
- Optimized scheduling practices to ensure appropriate coverage during peak hours while minimizing labor costs.
- Oversaw inventory by ordering precise quantities of stock and executing corrective actions to drive profitability.
- Enhanced communication among team members through regular meetings, promoting an open dialogue about challenges and opportunities for improvement.
- Enforced quality assurance protocols to deliver ideal customer experiences.
- Mentored and motivated team members to achieve challenging business goals.
- Implemented staff training programs that improved service quality and increased customer loyalty.
- Trained new staff members, equipping them with skills needed for success in their roles.
- Resolved customer complaints with professionalism, restoring trust and loyalty.
- Developed and enforced health and safety protocols, significantly reducing workplace accidents.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
Assistant Store Manager
Dollar Tree Department Store
Shawnee, OK
04.2025 - 02.2026
- Assisted in managing daily operations, ensuring optimal store performance and customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored team members on best practices in sales and customer service techniques.
- Implemented inventory management systems to improve stock accuracy and reduce shrinkage.
- Conducted regular staff evaluations, providing feedback to enhance employee performance and development.
- Developed visual merchandising strategies that increased product visibility and enhanced shopping experience.
- Coordinated promotional events, driving store traffic and boosting sales during peak periods.
- Managed cash registers efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions, balancing drawers daily, and minimizing discrepancies.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures, promoting a safe and organized work environment.
- 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.
- 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.
- Supervised and evaluated staff to help improve skills, achieve daily objectives, and attain advancement.
- Processed payments for credit and debit cards and returned proper change for cash transactions.
- Created and maintained safe and secure work environments for employees.
- Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
- Resolved escalated customer issues effectively leading to improved customer satisfaction rates.
- Maintained positive customer relationships by responding quickly to customer service inquiries.
- Implemented loss prevention tactics to deter thefts while maintaining a welcoming environment for all customers.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
Student Peer Counselor/English Tutor
Seminole State College
Seminole, OK
08.2023 - 10.2024
- Provided guidance to students on academic resources and campus services.
- Facilitated workshops to enhance student engagement and personal development.
- Supported peers in developing effective study habits and time management skills.
- Collaborated with faculty to create inclusive learning environments for diverse student populations.
- Organized events promoting mental health awareness and academic success initiatives.
- Improved students'' coping skills by sharing appropriate resources, tools, and strategies for managing stressors.
- Contributed to a positive school environment by fostering meaningful connections among students.
- Encouraged open communication among peers, creating a safe space for dialogue about personal challenges.
- Facilitated conflict resolution sessions between peers, leading to improved relationships and mutual understanding.
- Provided guidance on effective time management strategies for balancing academics with extracurricular activities and personal interests.
- Supported diverse student populations, demonstrating cultural competence and inclusivity in all interactions.
- Served as a liaison between students experiencing challenges at home or with peers; provided referrals to appropriate resources when necessary.
- Developed strong rapport with fellow students by being approachable, reliable, and trustworthy in counselor role.
- Implemented preventive measures against bullying by promoting respect for diversity within the school community.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Native American Studies
East Central University
Ada, OK05-2027
Associate of Science - Government And History
Seminole State College
Seminole, OK05-2024
Skills
- Staff management
- Inventory control
- Operations management
- Staff development
- Food safety and sanitation
- Training and development background
- Employee scheduling
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Business operations
- Team leadership strength
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Staff hiring
- Effective leader
- Staff training/development
- Scheduling
- Employee motivation
- Hiring and onboarding
- Schedule management
- Decision-making
- Team leadership
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Assistant Store Manager
Dollar Tree Department Store
04.2025 - 02.2026
Student Peer Counselor/English Tutor
Seminole State College
08.2023 - 10.2024
Assistant General Manager
Sonic Drive In
10.2022 - 06.2026
Bachelor of Science - Native American Studies
East Central University
Associate of Science - Government And History
Seminole State College