Tara Austin
La Porte,Texas
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Cafe Manager
La Porte ISD
01.2016 - Current
- Produced quality food items according to exact cafe recipes and standards.
- Kept up with changing safety requirements and maintained compliance with health department guidelines.
- Monitored employee performance through regular evaluations, providing constructive feedback.
- Ensured compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations within cafe.
- Trained staff on proper food handling techniques and equipment usage for optimal efficiency.
- Handled cash management tasks such as reconciling daily sales totals, making bank deposits, and managing petty cash funds.
- Created positive work environment that encouraged teamwork and high-quality service among staff members.
- Oversaw special events and programs with on-site catering.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage shipments, checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
Associate Lead
Keys Petsmart
03.2024 - 11.2025
- Processed sales, returns, and exchanges quickly and accurately.
- Resolved escalated customer service issues or concerns.
- Led by example on sales floor and always achieved individual sales goals.
- Counted and balanced drawers and armed alarm system as part of store opening and closing.
- Trained and mentored employees to improve sales and customer service skills.
- Maintained store cleanliness and assisted management with operational tasks.
- Kept up-to-date with current merchandise promotions and special offers.
- Monitored floor stock levels and assisted in replenishing merchandise.
- Handled store opening and closing with consistent attention to established requirements.
Assistant Manager
Dollar Tree
La Porte, TX
11.2020 - 03.2024
- Led team in achieving operational goals and enhancing customer experience through effective staff training.
- Developed employee schedules to optimize labor efficiency and maintain store productivity.
- Implemented inventory management strategies, reducing stock discrepancies and improving replenishment processes.
- Analyzed sales trends to inform merchandise placement and promotional strategies, boosting revenue potential.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
Cafeteria Worker
La Porte ISD
01.2009 - 01.2016
- Operated cash registers accurately during meal times.
- Adhered to local health department regulations at all times.
- Participated in regular staff meetings to discuss improvements or updates within cafeteria environment.
- Maintained clean, sanitized and well-stocked work areas with consistent attention to upkeep.
- Ensured proper food handling procedures were followed at all times.
- Monitored food temperatures for safety compliance.
- Maintained clean and sanitary work areas throughout day.
- Trained new employees on proper food handling techniques and safety protocols.
- Communicated any concerns or issues with supervisors promptly.
- Served customers attractive and nutritious meals in clean and friendly environment.
- Prepared and served meals to students and staff.
- Demonstrated professionalism when interacting with students, staff, and visitors alike.
- Coordinated meal preparation with other team members to ensure timely service.
Education
TASN, Region 4, The Institute of Child Nutrition
Skills
- Order management
- Cafe inventory
- Food safety compliance
- Food orders
- Customer engagement
- Event preparation
- Health and safety regulations
- Health department compliance
- Foodservice
- Recipe cooking
- Recruitment
- Reliable and responsible
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Delegating assignments and tasks
- Catering coordination
- Reliability
- Serve customers
- Team leadership
- Multitasking
- Food preparation
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Staff supervision
- Safe food handling
- Event planning
- Food presentation
Timeline
Associate Lead
Keys Petsmart
03.2024 - 11.2025
Assistant Manager
Dollar Tree
11.2020 - 03.2024
Cafe Manager
La Porte ISD
01.2016 - Current
Cafeteria Worker
La Porte ISD
01.2009 - 01.2016
TASN, Region 4, The Institute of Child Nutrition