Larry J Dickens
La Porte, IN *****
Summary: Seasoned HR Professional with experience in hospitality,
production, security, corrections and retail. Proven abilities in training,
management development, compliance, employment law, change management,
audits, payroll, benefits administration, supervision, performance
evaluation, communication and other human resource functions.
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
Compensation/Bonus Development and Delivery of Payroll
Programs Training
Benefits Administration Recruiting, Screening, Hiring Orientatio
n
Labor Laws Mentoring Programs Evaluation
s
Contract Negotiations Conflict Resolution Diversity
Safety Programs Employee Relations HRIS
RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Indiana Dept of Correction Westville Correctional Facility, Westville,
Indiana;
Largest correctional facility within the State of Indiana, housing over
3000 offenders.
Human Resources Generalist, 02/07 - 11/07
Generalist role responsible for handling various HR functions, including
employee merit complaints, unemployment matters, and counseling with
employees. The facility employs over 900 workers in various capacities.
Correctional Case Manager: Nov 07-Present.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide DBA Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and
Spa
Keauhou, Hawaii; 521 room luxury hotel and spa with retail outlets,
Starwood Vacation Ownership office, 3 restaurants, coffee/juice bar;
Oceanfront property.
Director of Human Resources, 2006-2006
Supervised human resources manager and human resources coordinator in the
administration of human resources policies/procedures for approximately 300
employees (90% union). Responded to management and employee questions
related to HR matters, provided counseling to management and employees,
assisted in investigations as needed to resolve employee relations or legal
issues. Coordinated posting of open positions with human
resources manager to ensure equitable access to all employment
opportunities. Attended brand training orientation and workshop in
anticipation of new brand concept rollout for 2006.
Kona Brewing Company
Kailua-Kona and Honolulu, Hawaii; Largest craft brewery in the State of
Hawaii and 10th fastest growing craft brewery in the United States. Award
winning beers at many national and international conventions. Corporate
office located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, one restaurant adjacent to corporate
office, and one restaurant located in prestigious Hawaii Kai in Honolulu.
Corporate Manager of Human Resources, 2005-2006
Responsible for HR matters for the company's corporate office, the brewery,
and two restaurants. This was a newly created department, serving
approximately 125 employees. I was charged with several start-up
activities, including the establishment of a company compensation
structure, organization and implementation of a leadership committee and
safety committee. Created dress code and various other policies and revised
others for inclusion in the company handbook. Established safety manual
containing policies and procedures for each area of the business. Developed
and delivered management training programs related to retention,
performance evaluation, team building, coaching and counseling, harassment,
and workplace violence. Recruited and hired employees at all levels of the
organization. Recommended design of new orientation program. Developed and
implemented various forms and revised the company's management manual.
Responded to employee and management questions on HR matters. Provided
counseling to employees and assisted with coaching and counseling sessions
as required. Provided the company's directors and managers with information
and interpretation of state and Federal employment law. Revised and
developed job descriptions for all positions within the company to ensure
compliance. Provided guidance to company President related to future
staffing, compensation, and organizational changes. Supervised human
resources assistant and payroll function. Administered benefits including
cafeteria plans, simple IRA, health, and life insurance programs. Met with
benefits providers on a regular basis. Assisted with investigations as
needed to resolve human resources and legal issues.
Richfield Hospitality DBA: Holiday Inn Select Conference Center, Comfort
Inn, Ramada Limited Hotel, and Country Inn & Suites.
Decatur and Jacksonville, Illinois; Holiday Inn: 370 room conference hotel
with 75000 sq ft meeting space, 2 restaurants, sports bar, pizza/snack
shop; Comfort Inn: Gold Award winning limited service property with 70
rooms, conference room; Ramada Limited: 70 room limited service property;
Country Inn & Suites: 72 room limited service property with conference room
and breakfast bar.
Area Director of Human Resources, 2003-2005
I directed the human resource efforts for the properties listed above while
supervising one human resources assistant. The employee base for all four
locations was approximately 200. This position was involved in recruiting,
hiring, and orientation of staff, providing management development
opportunities through workshops and regular training held during weekly
staff meetings. As a member of the executive committee, I participated in
the discussion and implementation of various activities contributing to the
productivity and profitability of the properties. Counseled management and
employees as needed. Provided timely answers to questions regarding human
resource and compliance issues. Supervised payroll efforts. Performed data
entry utilizing Time Saver and Ceridian HRIS systems. Chairperson for the
safety committee. Administered benefits, assisted with open enrollment.
Conducted associate satisfaction survey meetings and assisted with
formulation of management action plans.
Perdue Farms, Incorporated
Washington, Indiana; Nationally recognized grower, processor, and
distributor of poultry products. The Washington facility is comprised of
the production facility with approximately 800 employees, a feed mill
located north of Washington, breeder farms located throughout the state, a
hatchery in Vincennes, Indiana, and a facility in Thorntown, Indiana. These
other facilities add approximately 400 employees served, for a total of
almost 1200.
Human Resources Representative, 2000-2003
This management role was the sole HR manager on duty during second and
third shifts. In this position, I interviewed, screened, and hired
applicants, performed employee orientations in both English and Spanish,
and also conducted safety and security orientations. The position was also
heavily involved with employee relations. I was certified as a PeopleSoft
trainer for the company and assisted in training the clerical staff in the
functions of that HRIS system. There was a dotted-line reporting
relationship to the receptionist, two clerical associates, the employment
coordinator, and employment interviewer. The staff of the company's
Wellness Center was also affiliated with the human resources department,
consisting of a receptionist, LPN's, RN's, and five MD's. I provided
response to questions regarding HR matters and counseled with management
regarding solutions to employee relations issues. I conducted training
sessions for supervisors and upper management and was certified as a
trainer for the company's "Strategies of Retention" and "Quality
Improvement Process" workshops. I conducted or assisted with investigations
as required. I authored the Affirmative Action Programs and Plans for the
facilities during my three year tenure. I was also responsible for response
to unemployment claims and was instrumental in lowering our unemployment
tax rate to the lowest rate possible. I compiled various statistical
reports (cost of hire, retention, etc) for the HR Manager and assisted with
quarterly audits of EEO figures and goals.
Hilton Hotel Corporation DBA Doubletree Club Hotel
Norwalk, Connecticut; 268 room hotel with French Bakery/Caf , business
center (The Club Room), 7500 sq. ft. meeting space. Now operates as a
Doubletree.
Director of Human Resources, 1999-2000
One-person human resources department, involved all aspects of recruiting,
hiring, orientation, brand-specific and other customer service training.
The director of HR also conducted investigations as required, coached and
counseled employees, provided guidance to management related to employee
relations and legal matters as necessary. Maintained employee files,
including training and medical information. Collected and provided reports
to corporate office regarding Affirmative Action statistics. Performed
payroll data entry utilizing ADP Payroll system, reviewed all payroll
reports. Administered benefits programs and was in charge of open
enrollment meetings. Conducted employee satisfaction survey and worked with
managers to develop corrective action plan for low scoring areas. Responded
to and defended unemployment claims. Directed safety committee and provided
safety training to new hires. Responsible for monitoring worker's
compensation claims and encouraging timely return to work through regular
contact with insurer and health care providers.
Red Roof Inns, Inc.
Mt. Laurel, New Jersey; Economy sector lodging chain now operated by Accor
Hotels, Inc.
General Manager, 1998-1999
As general manager, I had complete P&L responsibility for a 108 room
limited service property 15 miles from Philadelphia, PA. Upon completion of
the GM training program, which is a hands-on 4 week session, I was assigned
to the Mt. Laurel location. The position included supervision of
approximately 35 employees in the rooms, maintenance, laundry and guest
service departments. Responsible for all recruiting, screening, hiring, and
training of new hires and regular ongoing training for all associates.
Prepared budget for all departments of the hotel. Using careful revenue
management, increased profitability and occupancy of the hotel within first
three months of employment by 29 per cent. Received awards during the
annual sales blitz for most sales calls resulting in additional business
for the property. Improved relationship between the property and local
police department, improving security for the hotel.
American Commercial Security Services
Redmond, Washington; ACSS is a contract security firm whose parent company
is ABM Industries, San Francisco, California. ACSS provides physical
security services for many well-known locations, including Microsoft and
the former World Trade Center in New York City.
Human Resources Manager, 1996-1998
I was assigned to the ACSS account on the Microsoft campus in Redmond and
was also responsible for the security personnel at metropolitan Seattle
locations. In this role, I provided guidance to the project manager and
supervisory staff related to human resources matters. This position is
involved in recruiting, interviewing, screening, and placement of security
staff for the campus as well as executive security for Bill Gates and his
home. I worked briefly in the security command center and then was promoted
to the position of HR Manager. This position had a heavy emphasis on
training, employee relations, and ensuring compliance with Microsoft's
vendor relationship agreement. Microsoft's generous sharing of best
practices and being able to utilize the amazing technology of the location
made this a real learning experience and enabled me to learn a great deal
about benchmarking, diversity issues, etc. I conducted employee orientation
programs, provided statistical reports to the project manager, and
impartially resolved issues with employees and management. Conducted
investigations as required. Performed security inspections of outlying
Microsoft locations. Participated in ride-along with the security staff
assigned to mobile patrols throughout Seattle area (Field Inspectors)
PCA/ASI Incorporated
Plainsboro, NJ and Seattle, Washington; PCA/ASI operates photography
studios in Wal-Mart stores nationwide. The operation in each store
generally consists of a manager and 2-3 photographers. These stores are
divided into districts that are overseen by a district manager and regional
manager.
Human Resources Generalist/Trainer, 1994-1996
Provided human resources support and guidance to the district manager for
15 stores. Responded to employee questions, resolved issues between
management and associates. Interviewed, screened, hired, and recommended
placement. Assisted with transfer of employees within the company's other
locations. Performed audits (both HR and accounting) with the district
manager and provided statistical reports to the DM and RM related to
turnover, cost per hire and Affirmative Action statistics. Performed
investigations as required. Trained managers regarding progressive
discipline, harassment, performance evaluations. Ensured compliance with
state and Federal employment laws. Assisted with benefits administration
and open enrollment.
CERTIFICATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
Strayer University - Online - Major: Bachelor Business Administration/HR -
IN PROGRESS
Vincennes University, Vincennes, Indiana; Major: Law Enforcement, Minor:
Behavioral Science
Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana; Major: Human Resource
Development
Indiana Business College, Indianapolis, Indiana; Major: Human Resources
Certified, Human Resources Professional, Brainbench
Certified, Human Resources Concepts (US), Brainbench
Certified, Human Resources Concepts, (UK), Brainbench
Certified, Business Communications, Brainbench
Certified PeopleSoft HRIS trainer
Various workshops and seminars related to employment law and compliance -
ongoing.
COMPUTERS
Windows XP, ADP Payroll, Ceridian Source, Win Star Payroll, Microsoft
Office Suite, Internet applications, Outlook, Time Saver, SAP, Certified
PeopleSoft trainer.
MEMBER, Society for Human Resource Management; American Correctional
Association; Indiana Sheriff's Association; National Volunteer Fire Council