Penny Ward
Peotone,IL
Summary
Driven General Manager experienced in implementing strategic approaches that enhance profitability and sales. Achieved consistent revenue growth through exceptional customer experiences and effective resource coordination. Focused on team development, operational efficiency, and financial performance to meet business objectives.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
Brinker
Shorewood, Illinois
10.2021 - 11.2025
- Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient restaurant management.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff development.
- Managed inventory levels to optimize supply chain processes.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations and safety standards.
- Fostered a positive work environment through team-building activities.
- Oversaw daily business operations, ensuring effective management of budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service, and sales.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
- Created schedules and monitored payroll to remain within budget.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
- Implemented employee discipline procedures through verbal and written warnings to maintain a productive work environment.
- Analyzed monthly sales data to produce actionable reports for business development planning.
- Built and maintained loyal, long-term customer relationships through effective account management.
- Guided management and supervisory staff to promote smooth operations.
- Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of associates and managers.
- Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on supplies and materials.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations regarding food safety standards.
- Coordinated training activities for employees to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Provided guidance and support to subordinate managers in order to foster an atmosphere of cooperation throughout the organization.
- Directed safety operations and maintained clean work environment to adhere to FDA and OSHA requirements.
- Conducted regular meetings with senior management team to review progress against established objectives.
- Assessed existing processes for effectiveness and created new systems to enhance overall productivity levels.
- Maximized time and employee productivity, consolidating data, payroll and accounting programs into centralized systems.
General Manager
Darden Restaurants-Red Lobster
Orland Park, Illinois
08.1992 - 05.2019
- Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient restaurant management.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff development.
- Managed inventory levels to optimize supply chain processes.
- Coordinated promotional events to enhance customer engagement.
- Analyzed financial reports to guide budgetary decisions.
- Collaborated with marketing teams on brand initiatives and campaigns.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations and safety standards.
- Fostered a positive work environment through team-building activities.
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
- Trained employees on duties, policies and procedures.
- Created schedules and monitored payroll to remain within budget.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
- Administered employee discipline through verbal and written warnings.
- Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
- Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
- Built and maintained loyal, long-term customer relationships through effective account management.
- Managed inventory levels and conducted corrective action planning to minimize long-term costs.
- Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of associates and managers.
- Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on supplies and materials.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations regarding food safety standards.
Education
Bloom High School
Chicago Heights, ILSkills
- Budget management
- P&L management
- Profit and loss
- Inventory control
- Dealership management
- Customer relationship management
- Health compliance
- Staff training
- Training and development
- Performance evaluation
- Performance improvements
- Team leadership
- Leadership and team building
- Employee motivation
- Time management
- Effective communication
- Communication skills
- Problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- P&L management
Certification
ServSafe certificate. Until 2028
Timeline
General Manager
Brinker
10.2021 - 11.2025
General Manager
Darden Restaurants-Red Lobster
08.1992 - 05.2019
Bloom High School