Human Resources Manager
Resume:
DAVID R. BLANK
Wausau, Wisconsin 54403
Cell: 715-***-**** Home: 715-***-**** E-mail: ***********@*****.***
BACKGROUND SUMMARY
Human Resource Professional with 25 plus years experience in union and non-union manufacturing environments. Solid
generalist background with multi-plant experience involving employee and labor relations, salary/benefit administration,
recruitment/staffing, safety, as well as training and development. Proven expertise in team/employee development,
leadership coaching and organizational effectiveness.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
WAUSAU WINDOW AND WALL SYSTEMS, Wausau, WI (A division of Apogee Enterprises, Inc.) 1999 - 2009
Designer and manufacturer of aluminum window and curtainwall systems for use in commercial real estate development.
Director – Human Resources
Responsible for the human resource activities for five facilities in the Wausau area. Provided leadership in the areas of
employee relations, safety, recruitment/staffing, benefits, and organizational design and development for a workforce
of 600.
Selected to lead a $20,000,000 new facility project to consolidate operations in the Wausau area. Responsibilities
included: Coordinated the design and layout of the new facility with the architect, selected the developer and
general contractor with other senior executives, negotiated with the City of Wausau for funding, attended weekly
meetings with the general contractor during construction, lead the interior design and selection of all office
furniture and furnishings.
Designed and implemented a new human resources structure to support the organization through interviews with
senior and middle management to identify gaps, and determine the needed skill-sets for long term success.
Worked with other senior executives to complete a re-design of the company resulting in a 30% reduction in
indirect headcount and a new team based organizational structure by utilizing Value Stream Mapping.
Designed and delivered Harassment in the Workplace training to all 600 employees.
Mentored four newly promoted human resource professionals as well as other managers and supervisors on
effective techniques for leaders.
Served as Lean/Six Sigma Champion with three full time Black Belts who led projects to eliminate waste and
reduced variation.
GAYLORD CONTAINER CORPORATION, Deerfield, IL 1997 to 1999
Manufacturer of corrugated containers, containerboard and unbleached craft paper with 25 facilities and 4000 employees.
Director – Human Resources, Container Operations 1998 to 1999
Responsible for the human resource activities at 14 facilities nation-wide. Provided consulting services to general
managers on performance management, staff development, employee relations, succession planning, staffing and
regulatory compliance.
Implemented a new performance management system and coached general managers and direct reports on
effective utilization. Process resulted in improved performance and increased feedback.
Conducted investigations involving EEO claims and harassment charges resulting in no formal complaints being
filed.
Redesigned succession planning process resulting in an automated, user-friendly system.
DAVID R. BLANK
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Director – Human Resources, East Region 1997 to 1998
Responsible for all human resource activities for eastern region facilities, including employee relations, performance
management, recruitment, staff development and regulatory compliance.
Designed individual development plans resulting in promotion of two human resource employees.
Provided in-house expertise on FMLA, ADA, EEO, FLSA, and ADEA.
Conducted termination meetings when human resource expertise was required.
Completed feasibility study for the construction of a new facility in Delaware by meeting with State and local
authorities, and interviewing local businesses to determine workforce availability, local wage rates and potential
sites.
Administered employee opinion surveys at all locations, analyzed results, and conducted feedback sessions to
employees.
BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, INC., Nashville, TN 1993 to 1997
Global leader in the manufacture of passenger, light truck and truck/bus radial tires, with sales of $6 billion and 27,000
employees.
Division Manager – Human Resources, Warren County, TN
Responsible for labor and employee relations, safety, recruitment and staffing, organizational design and development,
employee health and security for a facility employing 700 with sales of $500 million.
Negotiated two contract re-openers maintaining unique employee programs and operational methods established in
the original seven year Partnership Agreement with the United Rubber Workers of America.
Arbitrated two issues through an interest based binding arbitration process, with both issues decided in favor of the
company regarding pay rates for Engineering Technicians (maintenance workers) and benefits for the entire
bargaining unit.
Worked closely with local union leaders to resolve workplace issues resulting in no grievances moving to
arbitration.
Presented keynote address to the community on industry’s needs from local school systems regarding students
entering the workforce. Stressed that industry will train new workers on the proprietary technology in their
facilities, and that the schools must give the students a solid foundation in the fundamentals of reading, writing
math and problem solving for them to be successful.
MASTER LOCK COMPANY, Milwaukee, WI 1990 to 1993
Major producer of institutional and consumer combination, keyed, and specialty locks and door hardware.
Manufacturing Supervisor 1992 to 1993
As part of personal development plan, assumed responsibility for supervision of Specialty Lock factory on second
shift, including production scheduling, inventory management and process improvements, utilizing a team based
approach.
Redesigned two complete production lines, improving process flow and total output.
Facilitated team member involvement in reducing WIP inventory and non-value added activities.
Coached other supervisors in effectively dealing with employee issues such as absenteeism, quality and low
productivity.
Manager – Employee Development and Training 1990 to 1992
Responsible for start-up of training and development function for Wisconsin and Alabama facilities.
Implemented leadership development program for all managers and supervisors.
Established on-site employee development center utilizing cross-functional team to ensure buy-in and success.
Authored “World Class Manufacturing” employee newsletter emphasizing total quality concepts and success
stories.
DAVID R. BLANK
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DANA CORPORATION, Toledo, OH 1986 to 1990
World leader in the manufacture of automotive parts and supplies.
Manager – Human Resources, Laurinburg, NC 1988 to 1990
Employee Relations Representative, South Beloit, IL 1986 to 1988
ROPER CORPORATION, Kankakee, IL 1984 to 1986
Manager – Employee Relations 1985 to 1986
Employee Relations Supervisor 1984 to 1985
EDUCATION
Graduate level courses, Keller Graduate School of Management, Milwaukee, WI
B.S., Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Six Sigma Green Belt
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