LAURA T. FOSTER
864-***-**** • *****.********@*****.***
EDUCATION
Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI Bachelor of Science: Hospitality Management
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
A highly accomplished, seasoned professional with a comprehensive background in operations management
who is extensively versed in contract negotiations, process improvements forecasting, budgeting, using proven
methods and cutting-edge technology to reduce costs. Conducts inventory control (procurement and monitoring
levels), streamline operations, cash handling and increase productivity. Excellent client and project
management skills, team building abilities and delivering a high level of quality in products and services.
Proficient with SAP, PeopleSoft, DOS, KRONOS and EDI. Additional core competencies consist of:
Strategic Planning Problem Solving Mentor
Advertising Multi-Site Operations Event Management
Payroll Inventory Control Staffing/Recruiting
Soft skills include:
Leadership Collaborative Detailed/Thorough
Action-Oriented Passionate Organized
Exemplary Communication Initiative Analytical
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Created critical KPIs to track and improve on-time delivery, customer issues and safety statistics.
Increased revenue by $12,000 (1st year) by leading development of catering program and menu.
Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by 10% within 8 months.
Led an employee engagement program, resulting in a 100% decrease in annual employee turnover.
EMPLOYMENT
04/14 – 04/15
Compass Group Greenville, SC
General Manager Fluor
Improved service quality and increased sales by 11%. Developed a strong knowledge of company's products
and services. Provided departmental reports and updates regarding production, merchandising, quality and cost
control and labor management. Cultivated and implemented policies, procedures and process improvement
initiatives to improve retention rates and increase customer satisfaction. Calculated, prepared, issued bills,
invoices and account statements.
Recruited, hired and trained 10 employees for catering and culinary positions.
Optimized customer experience through introducing focus groups and marketing throughout each
department, discovering the needs to increase business.
Maintained 100% safety compliance through audits and inspections of each area.
LAURA T. FOSTER Page 2
10/11 – 04/14
Aramark Corporation Greenwood, SC
Food Service Director Capsugel
Provided leadership in the development of fresh eyes concept for the account, resulting in a 3 year extension of
the contract. Launched, marketed and implemented new promotional concepts with new menu line, resulting in
increase of sales by 13.1%. Reported SOX, SPLH, and OPX standards, resulting in 100% compliance.
Reduced food cost and increased sales/guest check average by 6.5% through correct menu mix.
Ensured sales and budget goals and standards on customer service, quality and overall operation of
department were met.
08/98 – 10/11
Spartanburg Regional Hospital/Compass Group Spartanburg, SC
Retail Manager
Managed daily sales reports, ordered supplies, audited deposits for five retail locations and catered with a
monthly volume of $200,000+. Planned and coordinated details of catering events ranging from 10 to 4000
people, resulting in 100% customer satisfaction. Performed hiring and training/development process for a staff
of 46, which led to a reduction of 15% turnover rate. Cross trained by cultivating the retail standards and
training procedures in five retail locations. Facilitated food production and customer service for 2000 patrons
per day. Analyzed sales and purchasing reports with labor to minimize expenses by 10 %. Coordinated and
conducted food and safety audits throughout the entire food and nutrition department of 150 employees,
resulting in 100% achieving Grade A during all Health Department inspections and Steritech inspections.
Assisted in the design and start-up of a $600,000 renovation/remodeling of The Tower Café, which
increased sales by 100% in 4 years.
Developed skills with Horizon, Aloha cash systems and Kronos Time Keeper System.
Created work flow schedules to track production levels, increasing productivity and reducing staff by 10%.
Provided oversight for the development and launch of "The Voice of the Customer."
Clemson University/Furman University/
Salem College – Aramark Corporation 07/95 – 08/98
Catering Manager
Provided leadership in the development of the staff of 75 employees to enable cross training in all areas .
Managed the staff to provide quality service at each event and met our $5 million sales goal per year.
Procured supplies and set up with attention to detail, ensuring each event was executed smoothly. Familiar with
all aspects of budget and food cost analysis when planning events, which resulted in 100% customer
satisfaction.
Completed labor report weekly, resulting in 2% decrease in expenses.
Coordinated and executed monthly meeting with students to develop healthy options, which resulted in an
increase of 8% customer count.