Dawn Ponsolle
Wake Forest, NC, *****
919-***-**** *********@*****.***
With more than 12 years of experience in customer-service leadership roles, I am passionate about fostering a great employee experience in part by hiring the best, efficiently onboarding new hires, promoting continuous learning and development, and creating opportunities for team members of all levels to connect and create community.
Operations
Team
Technology
Operations Management
P&L Management
Sales Forecasting
Inventory Control
Procedure Development
Basic Accounting Functions
Recruiting, Screening, and Onboarding New Employees
Performance Tracking and Evaluation
Staff Training & Development
Conflict Resolution
Customer Care and Relationship- Building
NRO Opener
Workday for Talent Acquisition and Employee Management
ServiceNow for IT Support
Kronos for Payroll and Time Keeping
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Assistant General Manager, 2007 - Current
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Wake Forest, NC
Manage day-to-day restaurant operations of back-of the-house and front-of-the-house with revenue targets of $175,000/month and up to 50 employees. Initially hired as a Guest Server, I cross-trained across all departments, developed skills in operations, staff management and P&L management to be promoted to Assistant Manager and then to Assistant General Manager
Business Operations
Share responsibility with the GM for the total operations of the restaurant and profit & loss; increase sales and control costs by evaluating financial and performance data and develop action plans to improve performance
Maintain high standards in restaurant cleanliness, building maintenance, sanitation, and food quality
Collaborate with GM and Kitchen Managers to ensure appropriate staffing/schedule planning, inventory management, and process/procedures to meet weekly and quarterly metrics in revenue and guest satisfaction
Provide regional support for other locations, as needed
During state-wide COVID-19 shut down, proactively created Meals-to-Go program to support the financial targets of the restaurant and help maintain consistent employment for team members
Manage ongoing COVID safety protocols, following and enforcing all state, local and corporate policies and procedures
Employee Engagement and Team Leadership
Motivate, coach, and delegate duties for 5 departments; responsible for all employee onboarding, training and performance management of team members and contribute to company-level training programs
Shift Scheduling for 5 departments accounting for LOA, PTO, and unexpected staffing needs
Create employee engagement opportunities to celebrate the team, cross-train, and build working relationships across teams and departments. i.e., Culture and Food Days, Sales Contests to help meet revenue targets
Guest Experience
Ensure high levels of guest satisfaction, delivered exceptional customer service and provide efficient management of all POS transactions
Special Needs Pre-School Teacher, 2001-2014
Hope Lutheran Preschool, Wake Forest, NC
Developed individualized curriculum and learning programs for all students
Collaborated with other special needs professionals (Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists and IEP Coordinators) to ensure that needs of every student were addressed and reinforced in the classroom
Mentored and supervised classroom Teacher Assistants
Created open and transparent communication with fellow teachers, parents and administration through weekly newsletters and conferences
Developed and supported continuing education programs for school staff
Supported Center Director in administrative duties including supply inventory and materials
Education
Bachelor of Science, Mount Olive University, 2014
Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Needs Education
References available upon request