Paula Graham
Wakefield
Summary
Dynamic Director of Dining Services with proven expertise in food safety compliance, menu development, and waste reduction. Committed to enhancing student nutrition and satisfaction through innovative meal programs.
Results-oriented dining services professional with over 15 years of leadership experience in school dining. Skilled in optimizing staff scheduling and implementing healthy meal programs, contributing to improved operational efficiency and student engagement.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Dining Services
Compass-Chartwells K12
Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
08.2016 - 02.2026
- Directed strategic planning and operational execution of dining services, for Manchester Essex Regional School District.
- Implemented healthy meal programs in alignment with USDA guidelines, enhancing nutritional offerings.
- Collaborated with culinary teams to develop menus that promote student engagement and satisfaction.
- Streamlined supply chain processes, reducing waste and improving cost efficiency across dining operations.
- Led staff training initiatives, fostering a culture of excellence in food service delivery and customer service.
- Streamlined operations for increased efficiency by optimizing staff schedules and task assignments.
- Oversaw successful catering events, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations of staff members, providing constructive feedback for professional growth success.
Director of Dining Services
Whitsons Culinary Group
Saugus, MA
08.2015 - 07.2016
- Directed strategic planning and operational execution of dining services for Saugus Public Schools.
- Streamlined operations for increased efficiency by optimizing staff schedules and task assignments.
- Established effective communication channels between kitchen and front-of-house teams for smooth daily operations.
- Analyzed performance metrics to inform decision-making and optimize service quality consistently.
- Oversaw compliance with health regulations, ensuring safe food handling practices throughout all service areas.
Front of House Manager
Brock and Company
Prides Crossing, MA
09.2014 - 08.2015
- Oversaw daily front of house operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and service quality.
- Managed staff scheduling and training, optimizing team performance and efficiency.
- Developed and implemented operational procedures, enhancing workflow and guest satisfaction.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to synchronize service delivery and menu offerings.
- Resolved guest inquiries and complaints swiftly, fostering positive relationships and loyalty.
- Partnered with back-of-house management in order to maintain seamless communication between teams, ensuring a smooth dining experience for guests.
- Developed strong relationships with guests, addressing complaints promptly and ensuring a positive dining experience.
- Demonstrated leadership by keeping up with cleanliness and organization and delegating roles to employees.
Director of Dining Services
Compass Group/Chartwells K-12
Saugus, MA
08.2007 - 08.2015
- Directed strategic planning and operational execution of dining services, for Saugus Public Schools.
- Enhanced overall dining experience by implementing innovative menu selections and presentation techniques.
- Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong teamwork amongst all departments.
- Improved inventory management system, minimizing waste and maximizing product freshness.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Implemented comprehensive staff training program, improving service quality and consistency.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
Education
High School Diploma -
Wakefield High School
Wakefield MA06-1977
Skills
- Sanitation standards
- Food presentation
- Food safety compliance
- Culinary expertise
- Meal planning
- Employee scheduling
- Menu development
- Waste reduction
- Allergy awareness
- Nutrition
Timeline
Director of Dining Services
Compass-Chartwells K12
08.2016 - 02.2026
Director of Dining Services
Whitsons Culinary Group
08.2015 - 07.2016
Front of House Manager
Brock and Company
09.2014 - 08.2015
Director of Dining Services
Compass Group/Chartwells K-12
08.2007 - 08.2015
High School Diploma -
Wakefield High School