Jessica Benedict
Granite Falls, NC *****
***************@******.***
Professional Summary
Results-driven restaurant management professional with over ten years of experience in managing daily operations, leading high-performing teams, and driving customer satisfaction. Proven track record in improving productivity, employee engagement, and retention. Skilled in inventory control, quality control, and process improvement. Possesses a strong background in food safety and quality assurance. Proficient in budgeting, payroll, and accounts payable processes. Seeking a rewarding opportunity that leverages my leadership skills and experience in the food industry. Please note that in addition to food service management I also have prior experience in DOT/OSHA Safety and Compliance, transportation management, Human Resources, business Administration, youth sports coaching, ‘ sales experience in addition box truck (non cdl) operation along with proficiency in various common computer programs as they pertain to people and business management. Willing to relocate: Anywhere
Work Experience
Manager
Dunkin Donuts-Hickory, NC
January 2025 to Present
• Managed daily operations, including scheduling, inventory management, and customer service
• Conducted performance evaluations for team members, identifying areas for improvement and implementing training programs
• Maintained high standards of quality control to ensure customer satisfaction
• Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring to team members, supporting their professional development
• Resolved customer complaints or issues promptly while maintaining a positive brand image
• Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements related to health, safety, sanitation, etc
• Managed and resolved escalated customer issues, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction Closing Shift Manager
McDonald's-Pilot Mountain, NC
October 2021 to April 2023
• Developed and implemented strategies to improve productivity and streamline processes
• Managed daily operations, including scheduling, inventory management, and customer service
• Conducted performance evaluations for team members, identifying areas for improvement and implementing training programs
• Maintained high standards of quality control to ensure customer satisfaction
• Created and maintained budgets, monitoring expenses to meet financial targets
• Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring to team members, supporting their professional development
• Resolved customer complaints or issues promptly while maintaining a positive brand image
• Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements related to health, safety, sanitation, etc
• Implemented employee recognition programs that increased morale by 50%
• Developed and implemented employee training programs that improved overall team performance by 38%
• Managed and resolved escalated customer issues, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction
• Increased team productivity by implementing new workflow processes and tools
• Developed and executed strategies to improve employee engagement and retention
• Mentored and coached employees to develop their skills and advance within the organization
• Served as a liaison between upper management and front-line employees, ensuring effective communication of company goals and objectives
• Supervised a team of XX closing associates, ensuring efficient and accurate completion of end-of-day tasks
• Developed and implemented standardized closing procedures to improve efficiency and reduce errors
• Trained new employees on closing processes, including cash handling, inventory reconciliation, and security protocols
• Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures related to cash handling, safety regulations, and loss prevention measures
• Collaborated with store managers to develop strategies for improving overall store performance during the evening hours
• Collaborated with team members to reconcile cash drawers at the end of each shift, maintaining a high level of accountability
Shift Manager
McDonald's-Lenoir, NC
May 2018 to October 2020
• Led a team of up to 20 employees, providing guidance and support to ensure efficient operations
• Managed daily operations, including scheduling, inventory management, and customer service
• Conducted performance evaluations for team members, identifying areas for improvement and implementing training programs
• Maintained high standards of quality control to ensure customer satisfaction
• Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring to team members, supporting their professional development
• Resolved customer complaints or issues promptly while maintaining a positive brand image
• Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements related to health, safety, sanitation, etc
• Managed and resolved escalated customer issues, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction
• Increased team productivity by implementing new workflow processes and tools
• Developed and executed strategies to improve employee engagement and retention
• Mentored and coached employees to develop their skills and advance within the organization
• Served as a liaison between upper management and front-line employees, ensuring effective communication of company goals and objectives
Operations Manager
Evict-A-Pest Home Services-Maiden, NC
January 2014 to February 2016
• Implemented new staff training process, incentive program, and career advancement initiatives to identify, coach, and support high performers and management trainees
• Conducted regular performance evaluations for team members, providing feedback on areas of improvement and recognizing achievements
• Coordinated logistics activities including transportation planning, warehousing optimization, and order fulfillment
• Created employee development programs focused on enhancing technical skills
• Conducted regular audits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Analyzed data trends to identify opportunities for cost reduction without compromising quality or service levels
• Mentored team members on best practices for inventory management leading to improved accuracy rates by X%
• Instituted safety training programs resulting in zero workplace accidents over a two-year period
• Supervised a team of 32 operations staff, ensuring efficient and smooth daily operations
• Trained and mentored new hires on company policies, procedures, and safety protocols
• Improved customer satisfaction ratings by resolving escalated issues promptly and effectively
• Instituted employee recognition program that increased morale within the operations team
• Oversaw budget planning activities related to operations expenses including labor costs, supplies, and equipment
• Conducted regular performance evaluations for operations staff to identify areas for improvement and provide feedback
• Developed and implemented training programs for operations staff on safety procedures and best practices
• Reduced overtime costs by optimizing staffing levels based on demand patterns
• Improved customer satisfaction ratings through effective communication channels with clients regarding order status updates
• Processed and verified invoices, ensuring accuracy and adherence to company policies
• Managed accounts payable aging report, identifying and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner
• Collaborated with vendors to resolve billing issues, resulting in improved vendor relationships
• Assisted in the preparation of financial reports related to accounts payable activities
• Reviewed expense reports for compliance with company policies and procedures
• Prepared year-end audit schedules related to accounts payable processes
• Managed vendor contracts and negotiated favorable payment terms
• Maintained accurate records of all accounts payable transactions in the accounting system
• Investigated and resolved discrepancies between purchase orders, invoices, and receiving documents
• Tracked employee expense reimbursements ensuring timely payments
• Maintained confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information
• Served as point of contact for inquiries from vendors regarding payment status
• Managed and resolved any issues related to 1099 reporting and compliance
• Served as subject matter expert on accounts payable policies, procedures, and best practices
• Maintained accurate records of sales tax paid on purchases for compliance purposes
• Closely monitored cash flow projections to ensure timely payments to vendors
• Maintained accurate records of all outgoing payments made through various payment methods (check, ACH)
• Maintained accurate records of employee hours, wages, taxes, and deductions
• Collaborated with HR department to ensure timely and accurate processing of new hires, terminations, and changes in employee status
• Generated payroll reports for management review, including summaries of earnings, taxes, deductions, and benefits
• Researched and resolved discrepancies or errors in payroll data to ensure accuracy
• Managed electronic timekeeping system to accurately track employee attendance and calculate hours worked
• Prepared and distributed paychecks or direct deposits to employees on scheduled payday
• Responded promptly to employee inquiries regarding paycheck issues or general payroll questions
• Assisted in the preparation of annual W-2 forms for all employees within designated deadlines
• Ensured compliance with company policies as well as legal requirements related to wage payments and deductions
• Managed accounts receivable process, including invoicing, payment tracking, and collections
• Collaborated with sales team to resolve customer disputes and ensure timely collection of outstanding payments
• Negotiated payment plans with customers experiencing financial difficulties while minimizing bad debt write-offs
• Performed regular credit checks on new customers to assess creditworthiness and mitigate risk of non- payment
• Served as a point of contact for internal departments regarding billing inquiries or discrepancies
• Maintained accurate records of all transactions, adjustments, and communications related to accounts receivable activities
• Diligently followed up on disputed invoices or short payments until resolution was achieved
• Investigated root causes of recurring late payments or invoice discrepancies; recommended process improvements to minimize future occurrences
• Managed relationships with third-party collection agencies to escalate collections efforts when necessary
• Liaised with legal counsel as needed for escalated collection cases or potential litigation proceedings
• Participated in regular meetings with senior management to provide updates on accounts receivable performance metrics
• Demonstrated proficiency in using Excel spreadsheets for data analysis, reporting, and forecasting purposes
• Provided training sessions on best practices for invoice preparation, billing accuracy, and effective collections techniques
Education
Associate's degree in Business Management
ASU Tempe - Remote
March 2006 to April 2009
Associate's degree in Business
Glendale Community College - Glendale, AZ
April 2000 to August 2003
Skills
• Operations Management
• Management
• Food processing
• Inventory Control
• Quality Inspection
• Process Improvement
• Safety plans
• Quality Control
• Food management
• Mentoring
• Restaurant management
• servsafe
• Administrative Experience
• Food safety
• Supervising Experience
• Quick service & fast food restaurant
• Commitment to safety
• Team Management
• Food service
• Leadership
• Budgeting
• Logistics
• Recruiting
• Payroll
• Quality Assurance
• Sales
• Performance management
• Food handling
• Food industry
• Performance tuning
• Conflict Management
• Restaurant experience
• Microsoft Word
Certifications and Licenses
Food Handler Certification
ServSafe