Sara Ambrico
Absecon,NJ
Summary
Seasoned leader with a proven track record, adept in cost control management and fostering industry partnerships. Excels in strategic projects and stakeholder engagement, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and compliance. Demonstrates exceptional customer relations and workforce planning skills, with a commitment to driving revenue growth and team leadership. Personable and dedicated customer service representative with extensive experience in industry. Solid team player with upbeat, positive attitude and proven skill in establishing rapport with clients. Motivated to maintain customer satisfaction and contribute to company success. Articulate, enthusiastic and results-oriented with demonstrated passion for building relationships, cultivating partnerships and growing businesses.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Director of Compliance
Community Foodbank of New Jersey
11.2022 - Current
- Supervise a team of Network Site Monitors responsible for ensuring partner compliance with food handling and safety requirements set by the State of New Jersey, USDA, and Feeding America
- Stay up to date with Feeding America standards and all relevant product safety and handling regulations
- Develop and maintain compliance monitoring procedures, training resources, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Network Site Monitors
- Ensure completion and understanding of all compliance requirements through structured training programs
- Design and deliver government compliance training for partner organizations, including 'train-the-trainer' sessions for Network Site Monitors to enhance knowledge dissemination
- Oversee Network Site Monitors conducting partner monitoring visits, ensuring timely and effective follow-up on compliance issues
- Conduct on-site monitoring visits to identify and resolve active or potential risk areas, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures outlined in the Member Partner Agreement, Monitoring Form, and other relevant documents
- Manage follow-up communications with partners to address compliance concerns and provide necessary support
- Maintain accurate reporting, record-keeping, and digital filing of site visit records
- Provide regular reports and compliance status updates to leadership, proactively addressing concerns as they arise
- Collaborate with Network Engagement and Customer Relations teams to assess partner needs, identify resources, and develop solutions that improve compliance and operational efficiency
- Utilize strong organizational and planning skills to ensure partners receive timely and complete monitoring
- Demonstrate the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, providing leadership and oversight with minimal supervision
General Manager
The Cove
Wildwood, USA
01.2021 - 10.2022
- Company Overview: Wildwood, NJ
- Managed and oversaw the entire restaurant and nightclub operation, ensuring seamless coordination between multiple business units
- Delivered superior guest services by implementing high service standards, ensuring guest satisfaction, and responding efficiently to customer inquiries and complaints
- Planned, developed, and updated menus in collaboration with the culinary team to enhance offerings and drive sales
- Designed and executed overall restaurant marketing strategies, including participation in local food events and promotions to increase brand visibility
- Hired, trained, and evaluated staff performance, fostering a motivated team and ensuring efficient day-to-day operations
- Organized and supervised staff shifts, maintaining optimal coverage while controlling labor costs
- Estimated consumption, forecasted supply requirements, and maintained strict inventory control to minimize waste and manage costs effectively
- Oversaw vendor relationships, negotiated contracts, and ensured timely procurement of restaurant supplies
- Monitored and enforced compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations, maintaining all licensing and legal requirements
- Developed and implemented innovative strategies to improve productivity, streamline operations, and drive profitability
- Conducted financial analysis, prepared sales and staffing reports, and implemented corrective actions to optimize business performance
- Managed A/P, A/R, payroll processing, and overall financial tracking to ensure cost efficiency and profitability
- Booked and coordinated entertainment, negotiated contracts, and developed engaging events to drive nightclub revenue
- Created a positive and productive work environment, fostering teamwork and staff development through ongoing training programs
- Planned and organized in-house or off-site activities, such as conferences, staff celebrations, and marketing events
- Maintained confidential employee records, oversaw compliance with labor laws, and developed operational policies for efficiency and effectiveness
- Wildwood, NJ
General Manager (GM)
Wingcraft Kitchen & Beer Bar
01.2021 - 10.2021
- Managed and oversaw all aspects of restaurant operations, ensuring efficiency, profitability, and exceptional guest experiences in a high-volume environment
- Supervised financial operations, including bank deposits, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, liquor pricing, ordering, and inventory management
- Worked closely with kitchen staff to implement and enforce strict policies for food preparation, purchasing, inventory control, and product pricing to maintain quality and cost efficiency
- Handled facility maintenance issues, ensuring a well-maintained and fully operational restaurant and bar
- Managed property operations, including collecting rent and overseeing the maintenance of attached apartment rentals
- Established and maintained relationships with vendors, suppliers, building inspectors, fire marshals, Alcohol Beverage Control, and the Board of Health to ensure regulatory compliance and smooth operations
- Developed and executed restaurant marketing strategies, including participation in local food events and promotions to enhance brand visibility and drive revenue
- Planned, updated, and developed menu offerings in collaboration with the culinary team to optimize profitability and guest satisfaction
- Recruited, trained, and evaluated staff, fostering a positive and efficient work environment while ensuring adherence to service and operational standards
- Organized and supervised staff shifts to maintain optimal coverage, control labor costs, and enhance service efficiency
- Forecasted inventory needs, managed supply orders, and maintained strict inventory controls to minimize waste and manage costs effectively
- Implemented cost-control measures across operations, including labor, food, and beverage costs, to optimize profitability
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and repeat business
- Monitored daily operations, identified areas for improvement, and implemented corrective actions to drive productivity and service excellence
- Developed and enforced health, safety, and hygiene regulations, ensuring full compliance with local, state, and federal requirements
- Innovated and implemented strategies to enhance productivity, streamline workflow, and maximize revenue opportunities
Director of Revenue
Apex Parks
04.2016 - 02.2020
- Ensured full compliance with food safety laws, health department regulations, and industry standards to maintain the highest levels of food handling and sanitation
- Developed and implemented strategies to drive revenue growth, increase per capita spending, and improve profitability across in-park spending departments
- Optimized profitability through effective expense management, including payroll, cost of goods, and operational supplies
- Established and maintained strict inventory controls for all food and beverage supplies, overseeing warehouse operations to ensure accurate stock levels and minimize loss
- Conducted in-depth financial analytics, leveraging sales reports, income statements, labor costs, inventory records, and other key performance metrics to identify opportunities and implement data-driven action plans
- Maintained high operational quality standards, including cleanliness, product availability, and merchandising displays to enhance the guest experience
- Worked with corporate buyers to select merchandise and game prizes, ensuring optimal product selection and responsible ordering
- Partnered with marketing and sales teams to develop promotions and special offers designed to boost revenue and customer engagement
- Collaborated with maintenance teams to ensure all food service equipment and facilities were professionally maintained, minimizing operational downtime
- Performed regular product testing to ensure consistency in ingredient quality, product specifications, and overall food and beverage excellence
- Researched industry trends to stay ahead of emerging food and beverage innovations and merchandising strategies
- Led human resource initiatives, including assisting with job fairs, interviewing and hiring qualified candidates, onboarding and training new employees, scheduling staff, and processing weekly payroll through Ultipro
Assistant General Manager (AGM)
Taylor's
09.2010 - 03.2016
- Managed bar and service staff to ensure high-quality service, proper cash handling, guest attentiveness, and adherence to uniform standards
- Collaborated with the head bartender to maintain liquor costs below 21%, develop seasonal drink menus, and set pricing strategies
- Assisted the kitchen manager in controlling food costs at or below 28%
- Monitored labor costs in relation to business volume, optimizing staffing levels and efficiency
- Held weekly meetings with the night manager and marketing team to coordinate new events, promotions, and staff involvement
- Oversaw dining room operations to exceed guest expectations and ensure a top-tier dining experience
- Trained serving staff on service standards, procedures, side work, uniforms, and in-depth menu knowledge
- Managed banquet operations from setup to breakdown, ensuring rooms were clean and organized for subsequent events
- Assisted in planning private functions, including emailing banquet menus and booking events
- Handled booking, deposits, contracts, and all correspondence for private events
- Provided kitchen staff with finalized menus for private functions one week in advance
FOH Service Manager & Bar Trainer
Buffalo Wild Wings
12.2005 - 08.2010
- Delivered exceptional customer service by greeting and assisting customers, addressing inquiries, and resolving complaints to ensure a positive guest experience
- Monitored product displays and pricing to ensure accuracy, functionality, and adherence to company standards
- Assisted with budget planning, merchandise ordering, and authorized payments for retail items, ensuring proper inventory management and cost control
- Coordinated activities related to product/service delivery, ensuring smooth operations and high service standards
- Directed and aligned departmental activities, focusing on production, pricing, sales, and distribution of products
- Reviewed financial statements, sales, and performance reports to measure productivity and identify areas for cost reduction and operational improvements
- Led financial and budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, and increase efficiency
- Planned and directed sales promotions, collaborating with department heads to ensure successful execution
- Analyzed customer demand forecasts to determine pricing, product offerings, and credit terms
- Procured merchandise for resale, negotiating purchases on behalf of management to secure favorable terms
- Trained staff on handling complex customer situations, focusing on conflict resolution and exceptional service standards
- Managed hiring, training, and performance evaluations of sales and marketing staff, making decisions on promotions or terminations as necessary
- Enforced safety, health, and security policies to ensure a safe environment for both staff and guests
- Developed and implemented departmental goals, policies, and procedures, collaborating with organizational leadership to align on objectives
Education
Bachelor's - Finance
Catawba College
01.1996
High school diploma - College Prep
Camden Catholic
01.1992
Skills
- Cost Control Management
- Customer Relations
- Facilities Management
- Forecasting
- Customer Service
- Workforce planning
- Industry partnerships
- Business administration
- Crisis management
- Data analysis
- Strategic projects
- Office Management
- Operations Management
- Payroll Administration
- Process Improvement
- Recruiting
- Hospitality Team Leadership
- Retail Management
- Sales Metrics Tracking
- Collaborative Strategic Planning
- Vendor Management
- Business planning
- Employee relations
- Staff management
- Human resources
- Project management
- Meeting facilitation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Recruitment and hiring
- Regulatory compliance
Certification
- Informed Trauma, 2024
- Civil Rights Training, 2024
- TIPS Certified, 2023
- Certified Guest Services Professional, 2023
- Food Manager Certificate, 2023
Timeline
Assistant Director of Compliance
Community Foodbank of New Jersey
11.2022 - Current
General Manager
The Cove
01.2021 - 10.2022
General Manager (GM)
Wingcraft Kitchen & Beer Bar
01.2021 - 10.2021
Director of Revenue
Apex Parks
04.2016 - 02.2020
Assistant General Manager (AGM)
Taylor's
09.2010 - 03.2016
FOH Service Manager & Bar Trainer
Buffalo Wild Wings
12.2005 - 08.2010
- Informed Trauma, 2024
- Civil Rights Training, 2024
- TIPS Certified, 2023
- Certified Guest Services Professional, 2023
- Food Manager Certificate, 2023
Bachelor's - Finance
Catawba College
High school diploma - College Prep
Camden Catholic
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