Develop and execute communication strategies, messaging, and tactics to increase employee engagement and employee awareness in support of Focus Brands’ priorities. Supports the communication needs of the SVP, Human Resources, and the ELT members as assigned, including support across the organization in strategy and execution of communication initiatives designed for employee engagement and accessibility to leadership. Provide strategic communications counsel to leaders across Focus Brands on how to best use communications to engage employees to achieve their objectives. Overhauled and modernized internal communications channels to improve audience engagement. Created a peer to peer recognition program to encourage morale and coworker connections. Designed a Social Cause Calendar to nurture inclusion throughout the organization.

Provided performance management guidance to management (coaching, counseling, career development, progressive discipline). Worked closely with management and employees to improve employee relations, build morale, increase productivity, and retention. Earned the trust of associates as a dependable human resources expert. Collaborated cross-functionally to author and apply new company policies. Resolved issues and employee relations investigations.

Encouraged high-level customer service and tactical execution towards business objectives. Established team performance goals and provided coaching and education while recognizing high-potential individuals to maintain morale. Liaised with executive-level leaders to set big-picture strategies and translated these into day-to-day retail branch operations. Developed and implemented Cinnabon’s WOW University (i.e., Manager-In-Training) program and Cinnabon’s training curriculum for new restaurant openings, for staff and franchisees. Key Accomplishments:  Recognized with the Cinnabon Developer of Talent of the Year Award in 2016.  Architcheted a new POS (point-of-sale) rollout for Cinnabon.  Implementation and rollout of PlayerLync an app-based employee training, and development system.  Named to the Focus Brands Technology Taskforce, Cinnabon Tech Taskforce, and Focus Brands Food Safety Committee

Directed the Manager-in-Training program to deploy talent throughout the brand. (50+ restaurants across 16 states) Delivered learning opportunities to 60+ management candidates annually. Managed the certification for training sites in GA, CO, DC. and FL. Ensured that budget targets were met to maximize the training ROI.

Recruited to design and execute the first centralized training program. Facilitated multiple classes for managers and hourly associates at TMG University, with expertise in service and standards.

Traveled extensively to facilitate the successful opening of new stores each year and provided operational support for management teams post-opening. Directed the performance of six team members. Promoted based on track record of success in restaurant management, accountable for stores with over $1.8MM in annual sales. Noted for exceeding all financial targets within three months of opening my first store.