MICHAEL J. SONDGEROTH

**** ****** * ( Kearney, Nebraska 68847

308-***-**** ( abl5rw@r.postjobfree.com

SUMMARY

An accomplished, performance-driven human resources professional with

a proven track record of achievement in benefits/compensation,

training/development, recruiting, workers' compensation, safety,

employee/labor relations, change management, and strategic planning.

Utilizes strong knowledge of federal and state laws to ensure company

compliance with regulations. With a solid commitment to excellence,

facilitates the long-term success and profitability of an

organization.

EXPERIENCE

CLARCOR, Kearney, Nebraska

Vice President Human Resources, Baldwin Filters 2005-2010

Responsible for the human resource function of company, with total U.S.

employment of 1,200 and non-U.S. employment of 1,000, including six

manufacturing sites and corporate headquarters. Facilitated HR legal

oversight, employee policy updates, recruitment and retention oversight, as

well as wage, salary, and bonus structure/adherence. Served as member of

company senior staff team.

o Improved communications by creating "What's on Your Mind" meeting

forum for employees to attend in small groups to discuss issues and

solutions with company president.

o Developed and implemented job transfer/promotion policy that rewarded

achievement and accomplishment instead of seniority.

o Implemented direct hire program for hourly production positions in

conjunction with temporary employment program, resulting in reduction

of annual turnover from 12% to 4%.

o Reduced workers' compensation losses from $900,000 in 2008 to

$198,000 in 2009 by creating employee-focused, behavior-based safety

program.

o Managed reduction of 5% of workforce. Achieved zero discrimination

lawsuits levied against company as result of careful planning and

implementation.

TYCO INTERNATIONAL, Norfolk, Nebraska

Director, Human Resources, Tyco Healthcare Division 2001-2005

Managed the human resources activities of manufacturing facility totaling

650 employees. Developed, implemented, and directed compensation/incentive

policies, procedures, practices, and programs. Implemented in-house

programs for training personnel. Created in-house programs and practices

to identify developmental needs, including preparing personnel for more

responsible positions and increasing effectiveness in present assignments.

Evaluated present benefit programs through research, surveys, and analysis

of benefit trends to ensure competitiveness of plans. Served as member of

EH&S Steering Committee.

o Incorporated Safety Training Observation Program, focusing on helping

change employees' behavior regarding safety. Enabled development of

observation and communication skills to take positive steps to ensure

safer workplace. Achieved 45% reduction in annual workers'

compensation losses.

o Transformed human resource department from one of isolation and

control to one of inclusion and participation. Enabled HR department

to serve as strategic business partner with plant managers and

operations group. Realized 25% decline in employee turnover.

o Developed and fostered recruitment program to attract high-potential

candidates for open professional positions. Enabled facility to serve

as one of division's top-performing operations.

o Improved communications, utilizing video system located in lunchrooms

for general information dissemination.

o Incorporated Take Action suggestion program, enabling employees to

suggest improvements in work environment and provide responsibility for

implementation to management team.

o Integrated in-house leadership development training series designed

to develop skills of supervisory team.

o Instituted in-house leadership development training series for hourly

employees interested in promoting themselves into lead roles.

DALE ELECTRONICS INC., Norfolk, Nebraska

Senior Human Resource Manager, Vishay Intertechnology 1996-2001

Directed the human resource function for non-union, 600-employee

manufacturing facility and nine sales offices throughout U.S. Performed

key role in change management during acquisition and plant consolidations.

Managed human resources activities, including recruiting, policy

development, benefit administration, job evaluation, wage and performance

review programs, workers' compensation, as well as unemployment

compensation programs. Maintained compliance with state/federal employment

laws and regulations. Served as key leader in providing management

training and development programs. Facilitated plant safety program.

o Achieved 15-year record of never losing discrimination/unemployment

compensation case. Enabled company to continue operations without

disruptions due to legal actions in HR department.

o Managed facility shutdown, resulting in 450 job reductions. Utilized

careful planning and thoughtful implementation to achieve zero

discrimination claims filed against company.

o Reduced workers' compensation claims through implementation of

focused ergonomic awareness programs, resulting in annual average

workers' compensation loss improvement of 37%.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Human Resource Manager, 1986-1996. Held complete human resource generalist

background position for non-union, 700-employee manufacturing facility.

Human Resource Supervisor, 1984-1986. Oversaw recruiting, prescreening,

interviewing, and hiring of factory production employees and front line

supervisory staff. Production Management Positions, 1978-1984. Directed

department goals of high-volume manufacturing department.

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA, Vermillion, South Dakota

B.A., Business Administration, 1978

CERTIFICATION

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) - Society for Human Resource

Management

AFFILIATIONS

Society for Human Resource Management

Member, 1998-2010

Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce

Member, Workforce Development Council, Legislative Action Council and

Industry Management Council, 2005-2010

Central Nebraska Human Resource Management Association

Member, 2005-2010

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