Svetlana Rajkovic
Westmont
Summary
Dynamic Transportation Manager with over 7 years of experience leading driver teams to achieve exceptional efficiency and performance targets. Expertise in identifying and hiring top talent, combined with a strong understanding of effective communication across diverse personalities within the industry and strict adherence to DOT compliance requirements. Highly organized and detail-oriented, committed to delivering outstanding customer service while consistently meeting deadlines. Proven ability to inspire and develop employees, fostering a motivated workforce dedicated to excellence in all operations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hostess / To Go Server
Gibsons Restaurant Group
10.2024 - Current
- Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests.
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Trained new hostesses on customer service best practices and restaurant policies to maintain high standards of service.
- Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout dining experience.
- Rearranged tables and chairs for large parties and retrieved high chairs for children.
- Advised customers about special offerings and menu items to help drive sales.
- Minimized customer service complaints by expertly managing customer expectations during busy periods.
- Organized, stocked and cleaned establishment's front lobby during shifts to maintain welcoming appearance.
- Cross-trained to handle different restaurant roles, including bar, kitchen and to-go stations.
- Assisted customers with delivering orders, carrying additional trays and helping dish out items.
- Answered phone calls to take orders, give information and document reservations.
- Collected credit card, cash and gift certificate payments and dispensed change for cash transactions.
- Input orders accurately into POS terminal, split bills and accepted payments.
- Completed daily side work and opening and closing duties without fail.
- Promoted business loyalty by fostering positive customer relationships.
Safety Manager and Accounting
M&S Transport Inc
04.2022 - 12.2023
- Collaborated with management to develop company-wide safety policies, procedures, and guidelines
- Conducted thorough accident investigations to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences
- Developed and implemented safety programs
- Reduced accident rates through safety audits and timely corrective actions
- Implemented fleet maintenance programs that contributed to increased vehicle lifespan and reduced downtime due to mechanical issues
- Observed drivers to review compliance and safety to minimize losses due to violations or damage
- Reviewed, administered and processed driver applications, applicant MVR and PSP and all other pre-employment paperwork
- Organized records of vehicles, schedules
- Daily Monitoring of Hours of Service, following up with drivers when needed
- Claims and Accident Procedures
- Filing DataQs when needed
- IFTA Preparation and Filing
- Billing customers for loads completed and following up with them
- Generating and processing driver statements
Safety Manager
Milsped Freight LLC
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Collaborated with management to develop company-wide safety policies, procedures, and guidelines
- Conducted thorough accident investigations to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences
- Developed and implemented safety programs
- Reduced accident rates through safety audits and timely corrective actions
- Implemented fleet maintenance programs that contributed to increased vehicle lifespan and reduced downtime due to mechanical issues
- Observed drivers to review compliance and safety to minimize losses due to violations or damage
- Reviewed, administered and processed driver applications, applicant MVR and PSP and all other pre-employment paperwork
- Organized records of vehicles, schedules
- Daily Monitoring of Hours of Service, following up with drivers when needed
- Claims and Accident Procedures
- Filing DataQs when needed
- IFTA Preparation and Filing
- Billing customers for loads completed and following up with them
- Generating and processing driver statements
- Trained employees in most current regulations and practices in effort to prevent mishaps and promote overall safety.
Safety Manager and Accounting
M&S Transport Inc
08.2016 - 08.2021
- Collaborated with management to develop company-wide safety policies, procedures, and guidelines
- Conducted thorough accident investigations to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences
- Developed and implemented safety programs
- Reduced accident rates through safety audits and timely corrective actions
- Implemented fleet maintenance programs that contributed to increased vehicle lifespan and reduced downtime due to mechanical issues
- Observed drivers to review compliance and safety to minimize losses due to violations or damage
- Reviewed, administered and processed driver applications, applicant MVR and PSP and all other pre-employment paperwork
- Organized records of vehicles, schedules
- Daily Monitoring of Hours of Service, following up with drivers when needed
- Claims and Accident Procedures
- Filing DataQs when needed
- IFTA Preparation and Filing
- Billing customers for loads completed and following up with them
- Generating and processing driver statements
Safety Officer
International Carrier Enterprises, INC
10.2014 - 07.2016
- Learned about Drivers Records and PSP Reports and violations
- Monitoring HOS by reviewing paper logs
- Monitoring Pro Transport for any updates needed
- Learning PC Miler
- Processing driver applications and conducting orientations
- Following up with any type of DOT Regulated Tests
- Experiencing Safety Audit
Server
Cafe Bubamara
09.2014 - 03.2015
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
Restaurant Server
Steak N Shake Restaurant
04.2014 - 09.2014
- Used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
- Stayed up-to-date on menu changes to help customers make food choices.
- Greeted new customers, discussed specials, and took drink orders.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
Education
No Degree - Linguistics, Polish And English Language, Culture
Faculty of Philology
Belgrade, SerbiaHigh School Diploma -
Secondary School of Economics
Belgrade, Serbia05-2009
Skills
- Implementing policies
- Team player, Organized, Problem-solving, Detail Oriented
- Excellent skills in industry specific software Pro Transport
- Proficient skills in MS OFFICE and Adobe Reader
- Knowledgeable in Safety Regulations
- Safety Auditing
- Accident investigation
- Guest complaint resolution
- Upselling
- Hospitality and accommodation
Certification
- CM - Certified Manager Certification
- Certificate of completion IFTA Preparation for Trucking Companies
Languages
English
Full Professional
Serbian
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Elementary
Polish
Professional Working
Timeline
Hostess / To Go Server
Gibsons Restaurant Group
10.2024 - Current
Safety Manager and Accounting
M&S Transport Inc
04.2022 - 12.2023
Safety Manager
Milsped Freight LLC
09.2021 - 05.2022
Safety Manager and Accounting
M&S Transport Inc
08.2016 - 08.2021
Safety Officer
International Carrier Enterprises, INC
10.2014 - 07.2016
Server
Cafe Bubamara
09.2014 - 03.2015
Restaurant Server
Steak N Shake Restaurant
04.2014 - 09.2014
No Degree - Linguistics, Polish And English Language, Culture
Faculty of Philology
High School Diploma -
Secondary School of Economics
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