Linda Kennedy

• acfmxg@r.postjobfree.com • 662-***-**** • cell 510-***-**** • Columbus, MS

Human Resources Management Professional

Strategic HR Planning / Policies & Procedures / Talent Acquisition

Energetic, positive leader with broad range of experience in design, development, and management of human resources initiatives for start-up organizations.

Human Resources and Administration Strengths:

Employee Relations & Communications

Recruiting & Staffing Initiatives

Project Planning & Management

Restructuring Initiatives

Change Management

Performance Reviews Development

HRIS Implementation & Oversight

Benefits Negotiations / Administration

Budget Management / Cost Reduction

Incentive Planning & Salary Negotiations

Staff Training & Development

Executive Level Consultation

Professional Experience

PRIDESTAFF ( Human Resources Manager (6/2013 – present) Staffing Company

Temporary position with Peco Foods Inc. Direct administration of recruitment, orientation and benefits for a large international food processing company. Investigate and resolve employee relation matters and proactively manage legal risk. ensure employees and management are in compliance with company policies, Union contract and government regulations.

EchoFirst Inc. ( Human Resources Manager (9/2011- 9/2012) manufacturer of worldwide solar energy services provider

Reported directly to the CEO and partnered with executives to provide guidance and training in developing their teams .Conducted an HR audit to correct non-compliance in files and developed electronic personnel files. Proactively managed legal risk; ensured manager and employee compliance with company policies and procedures, and governmental regulations. Developed and delivered training on a variety of HR topics as needed. Managed immigration filings (i.e., H1B visa applications, Green Card applications, etc.). Processed Paychex bi-weekly payroll, commissions, bonuses and tracked paid time off. Updated employee handbook.

Implemented paychex portal to streamline payroll processing, new hire and HR metrics tracking.

Talent Acquisition for 50% increased growth.

Designed and developed Health Fair at no cost to employer.

Strongmail Systems, inc. ( Human Resources Manager Part-Time (1/2011 to 9/2011) Email marketing and social CRM agency

With minimal supervision and considerable latitude for independent judgment and discretion, I executed effective HR process implementations in the following areas: employee relations, employment, training, performance management, and compensation. Collaborated with the leadership team to formulate strategies and set direction for the Total Rewards process that was consistent with business goals and enhanced the company’s ability to attract and retain the best talent. Partnered with management to communicate, provide guidance and implement activities in compliance with various Human Resources policies, procedures, laws, standards and government regulations. Accountable for all aspects of HR generalist support, including recruitment, orienting employees, implementing effective, timely performance management practices, established and maintained job descriptions, investigating and resolving employee relations matters. Developed and administered policies and procedures aligned with federal, state and local laws. Processed semi-monthlypayroll, commissions, bonuses and tracked paid time off.

Implemented ADP HRB portal to streamline recruiting, new hire processes and track HR metrics.

Negotiated with carriers for Open Enrollment to enhance employee benefits at competitive pricing.

U4EA Technologies, Inc. ( Director of Human Resources (2006 to 2009) Manufacturer of multi-service business gateway devices

Played critical role in devising and implementing successful HR strategies to support rapid growth and subsequent reorganization, including three reductions in force and final downsizing of telecommunications startup. Spearheaded design, development, and deployment of effective HR goals, policies, programs, and benefit plans tailored to meet organizational culture and objectives. Recruited trained, mentored, and developed staff. Administered departmental budget of $420K and set up HRIS.

Secured a 10% decrease in medical insurance benefit costs, while simultaneously enhancing employee benefits through aggressive renewal negotiations.

Led development and introduction of global Web performance review program, creating a flexible and well received tool to improve performance review efficiency.

Negotiated ~55 salary offers and sign-on bonuses at the exempt and non-exempt level in a tight market.

Fujitsu Laboratories of America ( Executive Assistant & Facility Manager (2003 to 2005) Cutting edge innovation and research, supporting the global Fujitsu Group

Provided strategic administrative and project leadership, orchestrating all daily office management activities for investment division of Fujitsu, Ltd. Drafted executive inter-company correspondence and liaised between private investors and general manager. Distributed monthly investment reports and prepared annual tax reports for investors.

Ensured continuous operations and delivery of quality services while directing office remodeling project.

WiredPocket ( Human Resources Manager (2001 to 2002) Wireless Internet Software Company

Charged with developing, integrating, and implementing HR strategies, processes, and systems throughout Web wireless software start-up organization. Promptly addressed and resolved employee benefits issues and maintained confidential employee records. Prepared bi-monthly accounts payable reports for executive review.

Collaborated with CPA contractor to prepare financials for presentation to the board of directors.

** Early career experience - North Alabama Representative and Office Manager for U.S. Senator Richard Shelby **

Education and Credentials

Bachelor’s Degree Business Management equivalent with over 15 years business development experience.

Certifications

HRM, Human Resources Management Certificate – The George Washington University, 2007

SPHR / PHR Certification Course Completed – Society of Human Resource Management, 2009

4 years tutelage under an Employment Law Attorney – 2001-2002 & 2006 – 2009

Professional Development

2014: The New FMLA Regulations; I-9 Update

2008: Employment Law Update; How to Terminate the Employment Relationship without Getting Sued; What Every HR Professional Must Know About the FMLA to Avoid Liability; Employee Discipline Process; Onboarding & Effective Employee Orientations; Finance Basics for HR

Technical Expertise

Microsoft Office Suite 2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), ADP HRIS, and HRB systems, Paychex Payroll and ADP TotalSource HRIS, Oracle, ExpenseWatch Web solution, SuccessFactors, NetSuite ERP, and Skype.

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