NEEDRA BLEDSOE
Opelika,AL
Summary
Customer Service Representative eager to begin building strong client relationships and delivering responsive, courteous support. Fast learner with excellent verbal communication, active listening, and problem-resolution skills, committed to punctuality and teamwork. Seeks opportunities to develop technical and product knowledge while contributing to positive customer experiences and efficient service operations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
OPERATIONS TEAM LEAD
Ecoplastics Automotive America
Opelika, AL
10.2024 - 02.2026
- Optimized spare-parts staging and kitting to reduce changeover interruptions, yielding more reliable uptime and faster corrective maintenance.
- Coordinated cross-functional pilots with quality and engineering to resolve recurring defects, producing measurable improvements in finished-part consistency.
- Diagnosed cycle-time variability through targeted time studies, implemented adjusted work standards and realized noticeable gains in line predictability.
- Maintained comprehensive shift logs and defect trackers to surface recurring issues quickly, accelerating root-cause investigations and corrective actions.
- Mentored operators on standardized troubleshooting steps and safety checks, strengthening frontline competency and sustaining performance under peak demand.
- Designed a phased roadmap for automation trials and skill-building, aligning short-term fixes with longer-term capacity and reliability objectives.
- Spearheaded deployment of modular scheduling templates to balance shift workloads, improving delivery consistency and enabling smoother production handoffs.
- Facilitates cross-shift problem-solving huddles with engineering and quality to fast-track corrective actions, shortening resolution cycles and preserving part quality.
- Maintains precise maintenance and performance records to detect trends early, enabling proactive interventions that sustain equipment reliability.
ASSISTANT RESTAURANT MANAGER
Southern and Savory Cafe
Auburn, AL
07.2023 - 09.2024
- Designed a flexible staffing matrix to match shift demand, improving service consistency and enabling quick coverage during unexpected surges.
- Analyzed peak-time order patterns to redesign ticket sequencing, shortening plate wait times and improving kitchen throughput.
- Optimized vendor ordering cadence to align deliveries with prep schedules, minimizing pantry clutter and supporting smoother production during peak service.
- Established a standardized mise en place checklist and audit routine to uphold preparation accuracy and sustain consistent presentation under pressure.
- Launched a focused upsell approach for daily specials, coaching staff on scripting and timing to increase average check value and enhance guest experience.
- Introduced a prep batching system for high-demand menu items, smoothing service flow and delivering noticeable reductions in ticket backlog during rush periods.
- Managed inventory rotation and par-level audits to prevent shortages and spoilage, ensuring consistent menu availability and steady kitchen output.
- Instituted a check-and-correct quality loop for plated dishes, catching presentation issues before service and maintaining consistent guest expectations.
- Created a checksheet for ingredient staging and portioning, ensuring recipe consistency and preventing menu disruptions through diligent control.
FOOD SERVICE MANAGER
KFC
Auburn, AL
04.2021 - 06.2023
- Maintained precise production checklists and timed prep cycles to ensure portion consistency and uphold food-safety standards during high-volume windows.
- Coached crew with individual skill plans and on-shift feedback, accelerating task competence and strengthening morale for reliable shift performance.
- Designed shift templates and contingency procedures to maintain service continuity during unexpected demand, delivering steady operations and customer satisfaction.
- Tracked order times and identified recurring delays, then reallocated duties and refined prep sequences to produce noticeable improvements in service speed.
- Enforced food-safety checks and documentation at critical control points, reducing compliance issues and preserving product quality during busy shifts.
- Piloted visual management boards for real-time workload distribution, enabling faster decision-making and clearer task ownership across the shift.
- Provided hands-on mentorship during onboarding and peak periods, building team confidence and sustaining reliable shift performance.
- Coached cross-trained team members on multi-station tasks and run-of-service priorities, improving flexibility and sustaining throughput under peak pressure.
FRONT COUNTER ATTENDANT
Chick-fil-A
Auburn, AL
01.2020 - 03.2021
- Redesigned order-taking sequence at the front counter to shorten service steps, improving throughput and creating smoother customer transitions.
- Managed cash handling and end-of-shift reconciliation with strict checks, ensuring accurate registers and reliable daily reporting.
- Worked with kitchen and drive-thru teams to align item preparation timing, decreasing preparation lags and improving overall order consistency.
- Implemented systematic quality checks on outgoing orders to catch errors before handoff, enhancing accuracy and strengthening guest satisfaction.
- Monitored peak-period traffic patterns and adjusted station roles dynamically, reducing service interruptions and enabling steadier workflow.
- Delivered friendly, prompt guest interactions that promoted repeat visits and contributed to a welcoming dining experience.
- Trained new front-counter staff with hands-on demonstrations and structured feedback, accelerating competency and sustaining service standards.
RESTAURANT SHIFT LEADER
Hardees
Opelika, AL
11.2014 - 12.2019
- Coordinate real-time communication between front counter and kitchen to resolve order bottlenecks, improving order consistency and reducing repeat corrections.
- Implemented quick-check station handoffs and visual cues during peaks to maintain throughput, producing steadier service pace and fewer missed items.
- Conduct daily prep verifications and temperature checks to ensure food safety and readiness, reducing delays from on-shift rework and preserving quality standards.
- Designed brief shift-start huddles with focused goals and action steps to streamline role clarity, producing clearer accountability and smoother shift execution.
- Coordinated expedited assembly techniques during rushes to sustain throughput, achieving steadier service pace and improved customer throughput.
- Directed quality checks for completed orders before delivery, ensuring order accuracy and reinforcing customer satisfaction through reliable service.
Education
High School Diploma -
Opelika High School
Opelika, AL05-2008
Skills
- Assisted in analyzing data to improve processes Supported team leadership in project management initiatives Helped maintain inventory control and enhance customer retention efforts Aided in quality assurance and conflict resolution Contributed to effective time management and sales strategy development Engaged customers through technical support and training development Monitored performance metrics to ensure success
Timeline
OPERATIONS TEAM LEAD
Ecoplastics Automotive America
10.2024 - 02.2026
ASSISTANT RESTAURANT MANAGER
Southern and Savory Cafe
07.2023 - 09.2024
FOOD SERVICE MANAGER
KFC
04.2021 - 06.2023
FRONT COUNTER ATTENDANT
Chick-fil-A
01.2020 - 03.2021
RESTAURANT SHIFT LEADER
Hardees
11.2014 - 12.2019
High School Diploma -
Opelika High School