Karen B. Szelest, PHRA

* ******** **** ( Hillsborough, NJ 08844

908-***-**** ( abmrgo@r.postjobfree.com

URL: http/www.linkedin.com/in/kbs/2010

Goal-driven human resources professional whose accomplishments reflect wide-

ranging generalist/recruiting experience, strong leadership skills and a

demonstrated commitment to improving the organization

Summary of Qualifications

o Strategic HR professional with a demonstrated achievement in a variety of

settings including global headquarters, corporate divisions, sales

organizations, plants and start-up enterprises.

o Certified behavioral recruiter with proven track record in identifying,

attracting and hiring high caliber talent including talent for succession

plans.

o Action-oriented business partner and influential change manager who

quickly assimilates information and adapts to changing needs and

environments.

o Professional, approachable demeanor effective in working across functions

and disciplines to achieve results. Versed in Six Sigma and Balanced

Scorecard methods.

o Recognized leader who is able to create balanced work environments

fostering cultural change and professional development which included

major event planning.

Career Summary

Ohaus Corporation (a division of Mettler-Toledo, Inc.), Pine Brook, NJ

2 /2009- 5/2010

Manager, Human Resources

Recruited by President for a part-time special assignment to restructure

workforce at Pine Brook corporate office in addition to managing generalist

function including recruitment. Primary focus on coordinating and

presenting severance packages and outplacement services to 40 displaced

employees. Filled Director, Finance position within 60 days.

Contract Employment

2/2007 - 7/2008

Generalist/Senior Recruiting Consultant

Lead high-volume recruiting assignments for Smiths Detection, Inc. and

Johnson & Johnson.

. Managed talent identification and recruiting team with 60 open

requisitions serving the research & development, engineering and human

resources groups at all levels, including senior level positions, for the

Consumer Products and Personal Care division. Implemented strategies

successfully filling requisitions that had been open longer than 90 days

by creating a win-win team environment between talent identification and

recruiting team.

. Served as senior recruiting consultant for Consumer Products and Personal

Care division personally accountable for a slate of open positions.

Reduced openings from 36 to 15 over 8 month time frame.

. Successfully installed new J&J recruitment strategy including the

implementation of Taleo at the Consumer Products and Personal Care

division.

. Provided consulting and high-volume recruiting support for Smiths

Americas division. Reduced open requisitions form 60 to 12 over a 5

month period. Key open positions filled within 60 days.

Scientific Design Company, Inc. (a SABIC-Sud-Chemie Partnership), Little

Ferry, NJ 6/2004 -10/2006

Manager, Human Resources and Staffing

Recruited by senior management team to establish human resources

infrastructure at growing research & development, manufacturing, and

engineering company. Effectively functioned in change agent role to launch

new initiatives.

. Established professional recruitment strategy to attract and retain high

caliber talent. Built record of success in recruiting for R&D,

engineering, sales, marketing, and administrative positions utilizing

extremely effective HirePriority sourcing software. Recruited 40

employees over two-year timeframe including senior level management

positions.

. Initiated and managed process for immigration issues related to

expatriate new hires. Efforts coordinated with third party vendors for

seamless management of visa and relocation concerns.

. Successfully implemented first time variable incentive compensation

program. Did wage survey to address inequities.

. Redesigned and improved benefits plans (medical, dental, STD, LTD, life),

saving $260,000 over two-year period.

American List Counsel, Inc., Princeton, NJ

2/2004 - 6/2004

Human Resources Consultant/Temporary Assignment

Contracted to develop recruitment and benefit best practices for

corporation employing 250 staff members.

ATC Corporation (Argo Turboserve Corporation), Carlstadt, NJ

7/1997 - 1/2003

Director, Human Resources/Staffing

Recruited by CEO to lead aggressive new venture staffing efforts. Procured

talent for senior-level management and other key positions. Designed,

developed, and launched centralized recruiting function to support five

divisions plus national sales organization. Facilitated employee

informational and training meetings. Managed three direct reports while

guiding organization through merger/restructuring initiatives.

. Attracted and hired top-notch talent for new divisional start-ups to

support sales growth to $200 million target. Successfully filled key

management position in two-week time frame. Overall, brought on 125 new

employees in three years.

. Initiated strategic planning process that enabled company to proactively

identify talent gaps, build bench strength, and target candidates for

accelerated development, while reducing time to fill open positions.

. Designed major intervention to address change and trust at the senior

management level that incorporated 360-degree approach to explore issues

and identify solutions.

. Managed conversion of benefits to ATC plans, including oversight of

401(k) plan transition. Conducted research to support three stages of

employee benefits from start-up to large company benefits including a

supplemental income plan. Worked directly with providers to save

$280,000 while substantially improving benefit programs.

. Led major corporate re-branding initiative that refocused business

through the clarification of corporate mission and goals. Championed

design of new company logo in conjunction with re-branding.

. Key team member in the development of www.argoturbo.com, effectively

addressing the communication of company culture and philosophy to attract

candidates.

. Identified need for training, successfully sourced and secured training

grant worth $35,000.

. Introduced performance-driven management process for of all levels of

staff. Developed corporate wide pay structure that included bonus,

executive pay programs and employment contracts.

. Designed and developed comprehensive programs and practices manual that

promoted uniformity of HR practices throughout company thereby improving

employee relations through clearer communication of policies.

McCormick & Company (Tubed Products, Inc. - a plastic packaging

subsidiary), Freehold, NJ 5/1992 - 7/97

Regional Human Resources Manager

Oversaw recruitment, wage and salary administration, compensation

negotiations, sales incentive programs, and training for newly-acquired

subsidiary. Directed EEO/Affirmative Action diversity initiatives for

subsidiary's two plants and corporate office. Managed and guided

restructuring efforts. Counseled employees, implemented disciplinary

actions, and handled terminations. Served as liaison with company's legal

counsel regarding employment and employee relation issues.

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree, Sales & Marketing, Minor in Psychology; DeSales

University

Training & Professional Certifications

Certified Targeted Selection Behavioral Interviewer and Trainer,

Development Dimensions International

Lominger Interview/CHOICES Architect Talent Management certified (selection

& talent management methodologies)

Certified Googling for Candidates

Professional Human Resources (PHR) Certification, 2001.

Interaction Management Facilitator, Development Dimensions

Financial Planning, International Foundation of Employee Benefits

Member: Society of Human Resources Management, American Society of Training

and Development,

WorldatWork, International Foundation of Employee Benefits

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