Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Melora Hosler

Danvers,MA

Summary

Results-oriented Continuous Improvement Manager at Bake'n Joy Foods, Inc., with a proven track record in driving operational excellence and process optimization. Skilled in using data-driven decision-making to improve productivity and performance, with experience in workforce training, KPI development, and fostering a culture of quality and efficiency across cross-functional teams. Known for strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills, with a commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and proactive problem-solving.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Continuous Improvement Manager

Bake'n Joy Foods, Inc.
02.2014 - Current
  • Progressed through multiple roles including Technical Services Manager, R&D Technical Manager, and currently serve as Continuous Improvement Manager.
  • Led yield optimization and cost reduction initiatives in a gluten free donut manufacturing facility, resulting in improved process efficiency and reduced operational costs.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional plant teams to develop and implement manufacturing process improvements and promote a quality-first mindset, resulting in a 40% increase in productivity and a 15% yield improvement.
  • Partnered with QA, R&D, and the QA Manager to track and resolve quality issues across plant operations, while elevating departmental standards, practices, and procedures.
  • Directed cross-functional efforts to address quality issues and enhance warehouse practices, achieving a total 40% reduction in waste, scrap, and damages.
  • Enhanced raw material quality specification processes as the R&D Technical Manager, working closely with Procurement to strengthen supplier alignment with performance and consistency standards.
  • Created comprehensive equipment operation specification sheets and facilitated training for personnel to enhance productivity and reduce operational errors.
  • Leveraged statistical analysis and strong problem-solving skills to identify process inefficiencies and implement targeted improvements that enhanced yield and throughput.
  • Led projects from concept to completion, leveraging critical thinking to break down complex problems, assess solutions, and make informed decisions.
  • Revitalized the employee activities committee and led event planning and execution to boost team engagement and workplace morale.
  • Recognized for strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality results while working independently or as part of a collaborative team.

Bakery Manager

Just Desserts
10.2001 - 02.2014
  • Managed all aspects of baking operations, demonstrating professionalism in daily execution and confidence in resolving issues to maintain consistent product quality and workflow.
  • Trained and onboarded new employees, ensuring they were well-versed in standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and quality expectations.
  • Consistently produced exceptional baked goods through precise mixing, scaling, and baking techniques, ensuring adherence to consistency and production standards.
  • Created baked goods tailored to customer tastes and needs, including designing custom specialty cakes for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.
  • Developed innovative recipes to repurpose existing products and incorporate seasonal ingredients.
  • Ensured inventory accuracy and timely replenishment by managing supplier relationships and placing orders for quality ingredients and equipment, contributing to cost control and process efficiency.
  • Managed finished goods inventory and merchandising while minimizing shrinkage, and scheduled staff based on customer flow, holidays, and team strengths to ensure optimal coverage.
  • Decorated cakes and pastries using colorful icings and piping techniques to meet customer specifications and elevate visual appeal.
  • Ensured compliance with food safety standards through proper handling, storage, sanitation, and labeling of ingredients.

Store Supervisor

Babies "R" Us
03.2001 - 11.2002
  • Managed daily store operations by overseeing employees, opening the store with thorough setup procedures, and securing the building and cash from daily sales during closing through sales floor checks and activating alarms.
  • Performed daily cash balancing, promptly reported discrepancies, and maintained accurate, up-to-date financial records.
  • Trained staff on product knowledge, customer service, and store policies, including strategies for effectively handling difficult customers and challenging situations.
  • Supervised associates by providing guidance on stocking, rotating inventory, and receiving deliveries, while addressing customer inquiries and enforcing store policies.
  • Planned and led engaging in-store special events, including organizing and executing impactful community initiatives like car seat safety checkpoints to drive customer engagement and promote safety awareness.

Pastry Chef

Westin Copley Place Hotel
08.2000 - 04.2001
  • Prepared pastry items for banquets and specialty dining restaurants, ensuring high standards of quality, taste, and presentation using ovens and specialized bakery equipment.
  • Maintained a detailed production schedule to accurately determine product quantities needed for the next day’s operations, ensuring efficient preparation and minimal waste.
  • Created personalized baked goods for holidays, weddings, graduations, and special events, while developing seasonal recipes to highlight fresh ingredients and enhance menu variety.
  • Oversaw ingredient quality and freshness to ensure consistent product outcomes and deliver optimal flavor in all recipes.

Pastry Chef Lead

Phoenician Resort
10.1997 - 08.2000
  • Prepared a wide range of pastry items and bread products at a 5-star resort, adhering to strict standards of quality, taste, and presentation to ensure a premium guest experience.
  • Worked in two distinct pastry kitchens—one focused on learning high-volume dessert preparation and plating for banquets serving up to 2,000 guests, and the other dedicated to producing refined desserts for on-site restaurants, including a 5-star establishment.
  • Coordinated kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of pastries, cakes, and desserts, while training team members to perform tasks efficiently in high-pressure environments.
  • Consistently adhered to food safety and sanitation standards when handling, storing, and preparing ingredients to ensure a safe and hygienic kitchen environment.
  • Gained hands-on experience working extensively with couverture chocolate, crafting intricate decorations and showpiece centerpieces.

Restaurant Supervisor

Bertucci's Kitchen & Bar
09.1996 - 08.1997
  • Directed both FOH and BOH employees through daily tasks and monitored performance throughout day.
  • Resolved customer complaints with professionalism and effective communication, consistently boosting satisfaction and strengthening loyalty through prompt issue resolution and service excellence.
  • Trained and mentored staff to uphold high quality standards, while supervising daily operations to ensure all food and beverage orders were prepared promptly and accurately.
  • Trained new servers on operational procedures, service expectations, and menu knowledge to ensure consistent, high-quality guest experiences.
  • Monitored food inventory and supplies to prevent waste.

Education

MBA - Operations And Supply Chain Management

Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH
05-2025

Bachelor of Science - Restaurant Management

New Hampshire College
Hooksett, NH
05-1996

Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts

New Hampshire College
Hooksett, NH
05-1994

Skills

  • Operational excellence
  • Streamlining process workflows
  • Workforce training
  • Establishing key metrics
  • Data organization
  • Skilled in data-driven decision making
  • Effective waste reduction strategies
  • Highly detail oriented
  • Exacting quality standards

Timeline

Continuous Improvement Manager

Bake'n Joy Foods, Inc.
02.2014 - Current

Bakery Manager

Just Desserts
10.2001 - 02.2014

Store Supervisor

Babies "R" Us
03.2001 - 11.2002

Pastry Chef

Westin Copley Place Hotel
08.2000 - 04.2001

Pastry Chef Lead

Phoenician Resort
10.1997 - 08.2000

Restaurant Supervisor

Bertucci's Kitchen & Bar
09.1996 - 08.1997

MBA - Operations And Supply Chain Management

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor of Science - Restaurant Management

New Hampshire College

Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts

New Hampshire College