Portia Payne
San Antonio,TX
Summary
I am a passionate professional who embodies resilience and commitment. I have been recognized throughout my career for my strength in business operations, HR best practices, and for providing support to senior leadership teams. My journey is marked by an unwavering dedication to providing administrative assistance, complemented by a nuanced understanding of employee training, performance management, and HR process optimization.
If you'd like to have a conversation with me, contact me at portia.l.payne@gmail.com.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Guest Services Specialist
Mode Salon
10.2018 - 03.2020
- As a Guest Services Specialist, I improved the overall client experience by streamlining communication between stylists and clients at a high-end, busy salon. I also used SalonBiz and Phorest for efficient appointment scheduling, client management, and billing and resolved client complaints through telephone or email.
- Below are my strong contributions:
- Developed training materials and shift checklists, optimizing salon operations and saving time for the salon owner.
- Gathered and entered guest intake information and stylist notes into tracking systems, maintaining up-to-date client profiles and enhancing client relationships.
Executive Assistant
Home Energy Systems
05.2016 - 02.2018
- Daily, I offered proactive administrative and personal assistance to the owner, who oversaw evaluations of numerous newly built housing subdivisions. Additionally, I oversaw phone calls, composed emails, coordinated appointments, and arranged travel plans.
- Some of my accomplishments are:
- Conducted comprehensive inventory and reorganization of three off-site business storage units, resulting in reduced physical storage requirements, cost savings, and improved energy efficiency in storage management.
- Successfully planned and executed diverse business and personal projects for the business owner and their family.
Assistant Manager
Block & Larder
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Leveraging strong leadership skills, I facilitated employee relations, addressed conflicts, and improved a positive work environment through timely resolution and mediation. I also maintained the restaurant's high standards by writing new menus for each shift and updating the sales system daily to accurately reflect fresh, seasonal offerings and pricing adjustments.
- Several of my achievements are:
- Aided in the recruitment and interviewing process for hosts, servers, and bartenders in a fine dining environment.
- Collaborated with restaurant owners in developing and implementing employee training programs and ensured compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Attended multiple off-site leadership training sessions, enhancing leadership skills and management expertise.
Event Specialist
Le Central
08.2013 - 09.2015
- I collaborated with local NPR, art galleries, and non-profit organizations to execute large-scale community outreach events. I successfully executed dozens of corporate and private events, such as weddings and holiday parties.
- My key achievements:
- Fostered a positive work environment by addressing employee concerns, facilitating conflict resolution, and promoting team cohesion, which enhanced staff and client satisfaction.
- Facilitated educational lunches that engaged hundreds of high and middle school students in the French language, a tradition for many French classes in Denver area school districts, promoting cultural education.
General Manager
The Unseen Bean Inc.
11.2009 - 06.2013
- Using strong HR knowledge, I oversaw the full staffing cycle, from conducting interviews to hiring employees, and maintained appropriate staffing levels to support the cafe's bustling operations. Additionally, I executed bookkeeping tasks and oversaw payroll management for the cafe, ensuring financial transparency and employee compensation accuracy. I also created daily checklists to clarify shift requirements and facilitate smooth cafe operations, guaranteeing quality service and customer satisfaction.
- My contributions:
- Played a lead role in employee training by creating training materials and conducting training sessions, enhancing consistency in the preparation and service of food and beverages.
- Advised on roasting, processing, and shipments of bulk coffee orders as the owner needs them, showcasing adaptability and commitment to fulfilling business requirements.
Retail Store Manager
L’OCCITANE Group
11.2007 - 11.2009
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Colorado Boulder
01.2019
Skills
- Collaborative
- Human Resources (HR)
- Employee Relations
- Project & Program Management
- Strong empathy
- Exceptional communication
- Calendar & Scheduling
- Complaint handling
Websites
Certification
HRCI Human Resource Associate Specialization
Languages
Russian (Elementary)
Spanish (Limited Working)
English (Native or Bilingual)
French (Professional Working)
Timeline
Guest Services Specialist
Mode Salon
10.2018 - 03.2020
Executive Assistant
Home Energy Systems
05.2016 - 02.2018
Assistant Manager
Block & Larder
08.2015 - 08.2016
Event Specialist
Le Central
08.2013 - 09.2015
General Manager
The Unseen Bean Inc.
11.2009 - 06.2013
Retail Store Manager
L’OCCITANE Group
11.2007 - 11.2009
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Colorado Boulder
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