NANCY GERACE
Elizabeth,N.J.
Summary
Experienced manager with a strong background in staff training, development, and performance improvement. Proven ability to create and maintain a positive learning environment, mentor employees, and align strategic goals with company values. Seeking a Training Manager role to leverage skills in coaching and team leadership to drive organizational success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Training General Manager
Smashburger
10.2022 - Current
- Developed customer relationships and employee loyalty through recognition programs and relationship building.
- Collaborated with department heads to identify areas of improvement and develop targeted training solutions.
- Maximized efficiency by developing systems and procedures that improved operational quality through training, coaching and mentoring staff on company practices and procedures.
- Empowered employees with personalized coaching sessions, equipping them with tools for success in both their personal lives and professional careers.
- Drove year-over-year business growth by evaluating performance data, strategic sales forecasting and growth planning. Oversaw P&Ls and achieved quarterly targets consistently to stay on track with long-term objectives.
- Reduced Food Cost by controlling inventory and prep par levels, tracking waste, reducing comps and improving quality standards.
Training General Manager
Hale And Hearty Soups
08.2013 - 07.2022
- Budgets, P&Ls, GL's, Sales and Labor Plans, Target Goal Planning, Vendor Recruitment and Price Negotiation
- Increased Efficiency and Productivity using Sales and Performance Data #1 in Sales for New Menu Item Pilot Program
- Improved employee retention by developing and implementing comprehensive training programs.
- Enhanced operational success through effective staffing, strong training, adherence to safety regulations and well timed customer service.
- Weekly meetings with Leadership Team to identify opportunities and tailor goals though employee recognition
- Built customer and employee loyalty through excellent guest service, morale boosting, producing and serving high quality product, and creating a clean, safe and inviting space for all.
General Manager
Digby's Cafe/Cafe Beyond (Blue Radish Group)
03.2012 - 07.2013
- Food Safety and Quality from receiving and preparation to service
- Managed product use and reduced waste by assessing item sales trends.
- Increased profitability through Business Planning, Reviewing Trends, Analyzing Inventory Variances and Sales Projections.
- Trained and recognized employees to promote strong team performance and increase efficiency.
- Cash Management, C.O.D transactions, Account & Vendor Deposits and Reconciliation
- Implemented strategies to resolve Guest Service, Food Cost, Labor Cost and Sanitation concerns.
- Conducted health, safety and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, including completion of proper paperwork for new hires and terminations.
Shift Leader
California Pizza Kitchen
02.2010 - 02.2011
- Trained new hires and cross training employees on improving overall performance and productivity.
- Maintained staff and customer protections for food handling, cleaning and sanitation protocols.
- Prepared menu items to recipe and customer specifications using portioning & waste control guidelines.
- Prepared workstations during opening and closing to maximize efficiency.
- Efficiently organized and recorded inventory.
- Completed logs with detailed information on production, waste and station maintenance needs.
Assistant General Manager
Panera Bread
02.2005 - 02.2010
- Communication and Delegation Meetings with FOH, BOH, and Management Teams
- Interviewing, Hiring, Training and Development of Managers, Supervisors, Certified Trainers and Employees
- Labor and Productivity, P&L, Declining Budget, General Ledger
- Weekly/Monthly/Period Business Reviews and Action Planning
- Creating Service and Beverage Plans
- Recruiting and Negotiating with Vendors for Special Pricing
- Organizing Community Events, School Tours, and Group Parties
Assistant General Manager
Uno Chicago Grill
01.2000 - 02.2005
- Communication and Delegation Meetings with FOH, BOH, and Management Teams
- Interviewing, Hiring, Training and Development of Managers, Supervisors, Certified Trainers and Employees
- Labor and Productivity, P&L, Declining Budget, General Ledger
- Employee and Self Evaluations
- Weekly/Monthly/Period Business Reviews and Action Planning
- Creating Service and Beverage Plans
- Recruiting and Negotiating with Vendors for Special Pricing
- Organizing Community Events, School Tours, and Group Parties
Education
Associate of Arts - Hotel, Motel, And Restaurant Management
Nassau Community College
01.1996
Skills
- Performance enhancement
- Coaching and mentoring
- Staff training and development
- Proficient in prioritizing concurrent responsibilities
- Effective team leadership
- Elevating customer service experience
- Operations Management
- Sanitation, Food Quality, Time & Temperature Controls
- Targeted menu optimization
- Supplier negotiation
- Financial Management
- Profit and loss management
- Sales/Labor Forecasting
- Goal-oriented action planning
Accomplishments
- Led Company "Lean In" Training Initiatives NYC and Boston Markets Smashburger
- Received "WOW" Award for Team Leadership NYC Market June 2025 Smashburger
- Recognized for Outstanding Achievements in Training and Development June 2025 Smashburger All Operations Conference Calls
- Successfully Trained all Managers, Shift Leaders and Trainers for the NYC Market 2023-2025 Smashburger
- Collaborated with General Managers in the NYC Market on Becoming Training Store Locations 2024-2025 Smashburger
- Award Nominee for Core Values Champion 2024 Smashburger
- Awarded for Outstanding Service by Hale and Hearty
- Awarded for Best Comparative Sales by Hale and Hearty
- Reduced Food Cost by 2.65%
- Store Contest Winner for Increased Customer Downloads of Loyalty App
- #1 in Sales for New Menu Item Pilot Program
- 73% Reduction of Team Member Turnover in 2019
Certification
- NYC Food Handlers
- ServSafe
- Certificate of Fitness-Bureau of Fire Prevention FDNY
LANGUAGES
Spanish
Intermediate
Timeline
Training General Manager
Smashburger
10.2022 - Current
Training General Manager
Hale And Hearty Soups
08.2013 - 07.2022
General Manager
Digby's Cafe/Cafe Beyond (Blue Radish Group)
03.2012 - 07.2013
Shift Leader
California Pizza Kitchen
02.2010 - 02.2011
Assistant General Manager
Panera Bread
02.2005 - 02.2010
Assistant General Manager
Uno Chicago Grill
01.2000 - 02.2005
Associate of Arts - Hotel, Motel, And Restaurant Management
Nassau Community College
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