Open to opportunities

Shannon Grinnan

@shannongrinnan

Operations leader skilled in client relationships, team leadership, process improvement, and delivering results in complex environments.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm seeking a fully remote role in operations, customer success, implementation and onboarding, client services, enablement, or strategy and operations where I can improve processes, develop teams, and deliver reliable client outcomes.

I’m an operations and client-focused leader with experience managing complex, high-volume organizations, leading teams, improving processes, and building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. In my current role, I oversee a multi-venue operation with approximately $5M in annual revenue, including budgeting, purchasing, labor management, training, compliance, customer experience, and operational improvement.

Much of my career has involved solving problems in real time while also looking for ways to make the operation work better long term. I’ve developed and implemented processes and SOPs, trained and coached teams, managed budgets and performance metrics, coordinated across departments and vendors, and used data to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and service.

One of my strengths is taking complicated operational issues and turning them into practical, workable solutions. I’m comfortable managing competing priorities, communicating with everyone from frontline employees to senior leadership, and taking ownership of projects from planning through execution.

I’m particularly interested in remote opportunities in operations, customer success, implementation and onboarding, client services, customer enablement, and strategy & operations. I’m especially drawn to organizations where I can combine my operational leadership and customer experience with technology, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.

I’m looking for my next opportunity to move beyond traditional on-site operations and bring the skills I’ve developed throughout my career into a remote organization where I can solve problems, improve processes, support customers and teams, and make a measurable impact.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Food Service Director at CU

Current

Pioneer College Caterers

May 2025 - Present (1 year 3 months)

Lead a $5M+ multi-venue university operation encompassing residential dining, retail, catering, purchasing, inventory, labor, training, compliance, customer relationships, and major events. Manage managers and frontline teams, partner with university leadership, and analyze data to control costs and improve workflows.

Operations Leadership Customer Success Implementation Client Services Team Leadership Process Improvement Data Analysis KPI Reporting Training SOP Development Microsoft 365 Excel Google Workspace Canva POS systems Inventory Management Budgeting Forecasting

Food Service Director at EMU

Pioneer College Caterers

Apr 2023 - May 2025 (2 years 1 month)

Directed comprehensive campus operations with responsibility for team leadership, client relationships, financial performance, service delivery, compliance, and operational strategy. Partnered with university stakeholders to identify needs, resolve challenges, and implement solutions, while managing budgets, labor, purchasing, and performance metrics.

Team Leadership Customer Relationship Management Financial Management Budgeting Labor Management Purchasing Inventory Management Forecasting Performance Metrics Operational Strategy Process Improvement Training Compliance Project Management Stakeholder Management

Chef @ Eastern Mennonite University

Pioneer College Caterers

Jan 2017 - May 2023 (6 years 4 months)

Directed culinary operations across residential dining, retail, and catering. Led menu development, production teams, purchasing, inventory, food safety, and cost controls. Implemented standardized recipes, training, and production systems to improve consistency and efficiency while delivering quality service within budget.

Retail Service Manager at JMU

Aramark

Apr 2009 - Jan 2017 (7 years 9 months)

Managed JMU’s largest retail dining operation, generating $9M+ annually and leading 100+ employees. Oversaw production, staffing, training, inventory, food safety, and brand compliance. Launched a healthy Grab & Go program generating $84K in new annual sales and led waste reduction, menu innovation, and operational improvements.

Catering Manager at JMU

Aramark

Apr 2007 - Apr 2009 (2 years)

Promoted from Catering Supervisor to manage university catering operations, from daily functions to large-scale VIP events. Led event planning, staffing, scheduling, logistics, production, setup, and service. Managed client relationships, coordinated cross-functional teams, and resolved issues in real time while maintaining high service standards.

Catering Supervisor at JMU

Aramark

Apr 2005 - Apr 2007 (2 years)

Supervised frontline catering teams and coordinated staffing, event setup, service, breakdown, and logistics. Worked with clients and management to meet event requirements and service expectations. Trained and coached employees while managing competing priorities, resolving time-sensitive issues, and coordinating work across teams.

Student Supervisor at JMU

Aramark

Sep 2002 - Apr 2005 (2 years 7 months)

Provided frontline leadership in a high-volume university dining operation, supervising and training student employees. Supported staffing, workflow, inventory, cash handling, food safety, and daily service. Served as a liaison between management and staff while supporting campus events and maintaining strong customer service.

Youth Program Manager

Good Shepherd Alliance

May 2002 - Aug 2002 (3 months)

Managed youth development programs, staff, volunteers, and community events while overseeing program operations, scheduling, budgeting, and participant engagement. Developed leadership, team management, customer service, and organizational skills that served as a foundation for future leadership roles in hospitality and higher education operations.

Assistant Store Manager

Family Dollar

Jun 2000 - May 2002 (1 year 11 months)

Supported daily operations of a high-volume retail location, including team supervision, training, customer service, inventory, merchandising, cash handling, and financial controls. Assisted with scheduling, performance management, loss prevention, and operational compliance while maintaining strong service and safety standards.