Savannah WILSON
Lafayette,IN
Summary
HR leader with 14 years of experience in operations and talent development, focusing on employee engagement and organizational success. Successfully managed multi-unit operations generating over $3.5 million in annual revenue, leading teams of up to 45 employees. Expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management, with an MBA in Human Resource Management expected in October 2026. Dedicated to driving continuous improvement and achieving business outcomes through strategic workforce planning and operational excellence.
Overview
1
1
Certification
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Panda Express
West Lafayette, IN
01.2025 - Current
- Lead operational and people management functions for a high-volume restaurant environment.
- Manage recruiting, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance development initiatives.
- Build employee engagement through consistent communication, recognition, and leadership development.
- Analyze financial and operational data to improve productivity, profitability, and business performance.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and organizational expectations.
General Manager
Savvy Sliders
Lebanon, IN
08.2023 - Current
- Lead a team of up to 45 employees, managing recruitment, training, scheduling, coaching, and retention efforts.
- Oversee employee relations, performance management, and workforce planning.
- Manage budgets, labor expenses, inventory, and operational performance.
- Develop employees through structured coaching and leadership opportunities.
- Implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, service quality, and profitability.
Multi-Unit Manager
Subway
Lafayette, IN
08.2023 - Current
- Provide operational leadership across multiple locations, supporting 10 restaurants throughout leadership assignments.
- Coach and develop managers through goal setting, performance reviews, and leadership training.
- Analyze business reports to identify performance opportunities and create improvement strategies.
- Partner with leadership teams to maintain operational consistency and company standards.
Training Manager
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
West Lafayette, IN
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Designed and delivered training programs supporting leadership development and employee performance.
- Created training materials, evaluations, and development resources.
- Evaluated training effectiveness and recommended improvements based on performance data.
- Supported organizational growth through coaching, skills development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
General Manager
Carpentieri Novelties
West Lafayette, IN
10.2019 - 10.2022
- Major Achievement: Increased monthly revenue from $24,000 to $97,000 by rebuilding operations, developing employees, and implementing improved business processes.
- Managed all HR and operational functions, including recruiting, onboarding, employee development, and performance management.
- Built and developed a strong team culture focused on accountability, engagement, and results.
- Managed budgets, inventory systems, operating costs, and business performance.
- Created processes that improved efficiency, employee performance, and customer experience.
Assistant Manager
Hardee's Restaurants
Peru, IN
08.2016 - 08.2019
- Supported employee relations, scheduling, training, and operational management.
- Assisted with hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance improvement initiatives.
- Managed workplace safety, compliance, inventory, and operational procedures.
- Helped develop employees into higher-performing team members.
Store Manager
Subway
Lafayette, IN
08.2011 - 08.2016
- Managed daily operations while leading recruiting, training, coaching, and employee development.
- Built leadership pipelines by identifying and mentoring future supervisors and managers.
- Improved team performance through accountability, communication, and process improvement.
- Managed labor, inventory, scheduling, and financial responsibilities.
Education
MBA - Human Resource Management
true
10.2026
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Capella University
03.2026
Associate of Science - Business Administration
Ivy Tech Community College
<ul>
<li>Technical Certificate<.li>
</ul>
Skills
- Human resources management
- Talent acquisition and recruiting
- Employee relations and engagement
- Performance and workforce management
- Leadership and coaching development
- Succession and organizational planning
- Strategic planning and budgeting
- Process improvement and change management
- KPI analysis and cost control
- Compliance and operational excellence
- Team building and multi-unit operations
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Workforce management systems knowledge
Personal Information
Title: Human Resources & Operations Leader
Certification
- ServSafe Manager
- ServSafe Proctor
- Food Handler Certification
- Alcohol Certification
Core Expertise
Talent Acquisition & Recruiting, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Employee Engagement, Leadership Development, Training Program Development, Workforce Planning, Succession Planning, Coaching & Mentoring, Organizational Development, Multi-Unit Operations, Strategic Planning, Budget & P&L Management, Process Improvement, Change Management, KPI Analysis, Cost Control, Compliance Management, Team Building, Operational Excellence, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, POS & Workforce Management Systems
Leadership Highlights
- Managed business operations exceeding $3.5M in annual revenue
- Led teams of up to 45 employees while maintaining high engagement and performance standards
- Supervised and developed 14 managers across multiple locations
- Supported operations across 10 restaurant locations, including management of 4 locations simultaneously
- Recruited, hired, and trained 85+ employees
- Developed and promoted 24 employees into leadership roles
- Improved employee retention from 60% to 87%
- Increased monthly revenue from $24K to $97K through team development and operational improvements
- Achieved a 304% sales increase through strategic planning and execution
- Reduced labor costs by 22% through workforce optimization
- Reduced food costs by 24% through inventory controls and process improvements
- Successfully opened and staffed a new location
Timeline
General Manager
Panda Express
01.2025 - Current
General Manager
Savvy Sliders
08.2023 - Current
Multi-Unit Manager
Subway
08.2023 - Current
Training Manager
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
08.2022 - 08.2023
General Manager
Carpentieri Novelties
10.2019 - 10.2022
Assistant Manager
Hardee's Restaurants
08.2016 - 08.2019
Store Manager
Subway
08.2011 - 08.2016
MBA - Human Resource Management
true
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Capella University
Associate of Science - Business Administration
Ivy Tech Community College