Human Resources Manager

Nichlos P. Knepper 319-***-****

**** * ***. *.*., Cedar Rapids IA 52402

Professional Profile

Twelve years of human resources Served as a strategic Human

experience. Resources Business Partner with

Directed a process of organizational Corporate VP Human Resources,

planning that evaluated job design and General Manager and Directors.

manpower forecasting for the Cedar Assisted in the development and

Rapids facility. implementation of a new Norwood

Executed a standard hiring process for Mission Statement and four pillars

all open positions for facility and of our foundation (trust, quality,

developed a new hire orientation service, and people) to promote the

program. "Positive Norwood Experience" and

Involved with Lean manufacturing/office culture.

teams of associates to review Participated in the yearly TEL

processes, reduce waste, and increase (team effectiveness lab) goal

productivity. setting for the Cedar Rapids

Coordinated training of associates and facility.

supervisors by developing and Participated in the yearly TAPP

presenting team training, soft skills (talent assessment planning

training, and employee relations program) sessions to develop and

sessions. maintain a succession plan for the

Provided human resources support for 30 Cedar Rapids facility.

exempt associates and 230 hourly Developed and managed the Human

associates. Resources department budget.

Developed an associate recognition Administered all benefit programs

program. (flexible spending accounts,

Initiated and/or implemented new health/dental insurance, workers

company policies, salary management, compensation, 401(k), long/short

and performance appraisals. term disability, FMLA, life

Supervised payroll personnel. insurance, vision, and COBRA),

Planned company-sponsored events. conducted all associate benefit

Protected interests of associates and orientations, and annual open

company in accordance with company enrollment training sessions.

policies and federal and state laws and Implemented wellness programs

regulations. (health risk assessments, health

Managed safety and workers' fair, biggest loser, and pedometer

compensation programs. step contests).

Professional Accomplishments

Workers' Compensation/Safety

Reduced number of lost days out of plant to zero.

Reduced the cost of workers compensation claims by 79%.

Established a Safety Awareness Program in 2007.

Designed job safety sheets for each position.

Fostered commitment to management team of safety initiatives.

Implemented Safety "SAM"- Safety Always Matters.

Initiated monthly safety topics discussed in team meetings.

Awarded "Norwood Facility of the Year" 2 out of 2 years (2006, 2007)

EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes depreciation and amortization)

2007: finished 21.5 % better than budget and 33.6% better than prior year.

Net Sales: finished 2007 30.6 million of net sales, which was 8.3% better

than budget and 17.8% better than prior year (2006).

Returns: 1.68% of net sales.

On-Time Delivery: 97.2% of all orders shipped on time.

Company Lean Manufacturing Office Kaizen Events

Team redesigned the order processing/ graphic artist work areas, which

reduced waste of travel time and reduced our lead times in this area from

48 hours to 24 hours.

Team redesigned the plant layout with point of use storage at printing

presses and 5S's (Sort, Straighten, Sweep, Standardize, Sustain)

workstations, with the result of reducing production time from 7 days to

3.5 days and the ability to offer 24-hour delivery of selected products.

Facilitated increase of associate flexibility skills by 10%, which enabled

associates to move around and be productive in areas with the biggest need.

Work History

Human Resources Norwood Promotional Products January 2000- Present

Manager Inc. formerly Souvenir Pen

and Pencil, Cedar Rapids, IA

Human Resources Norwood Promotional Products April 1996- January

Generalist Inc. formerly Souvenir Pen 2000

and Pencil, Cedar Rapids, IA

Assistant Store Bruegger's Bagel Bakery, June 1993- August 1995

Manager Cedar Rapids, IA

Education

BA Degree Business Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA

Administration

References: References are available upon request

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