JAMES P. SYKES
609-***-**** Oreland, PA 19075 **************@*****.***
* Fortune 20 HR Management * Merger/Acquisition Due Diligence * Enterprise Perspective
* Process Improvement Experience * Board of Directors Exposure * Start Up Expertise
* Strategically Focused Leader * Organizational Development Successes * Executive Coaching
SUMMARY
Senior strategic executive business partner focused on driving bottom line results in fast paced, growing companies. Known for the exceptional ability to assess and develop talent while fostering an effective culture focused on aligning human capital with the goals of the business. Strong senior level business coaching experience as well has exposure to working with and answering to the board of directors.
EXPERIENCE
KVK Tech Inc., Newtown, Pa 2016 to Present
Diversified generics pharmaceutical company building off its position of being the highest quality developer, manufacturer and marketer of FDA approved pharmaceuticals with a focus on indications such as obesity, pain management and hypertension. Dosage forms include immediate and modified release tablets, capsules, liquids, suspensions, solutions and semi-solids. Currently building the physical plant and human capital infrastructure to deliver nasal spray, injectable medications, creams and ointments; representing over 1 million square feet of office, lab, high tech manufacturing and packaging capabilities in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Director Human Resources
CHRO member of the executive team reporting to the Chief Executive Officer with responsibilities for the human capital strategy of the expanding business; focused on the acquisition and development of key leaders, establishment of key human resources strategies, FDA and cGMP compliance, policies, procedures and programs to support the growing business.
Developed and currently executing the human resources strategy to support the immediate and long term growth of the expanding business. Direct manager of four HR professionals.
Key strategic business partner with the critical focus of scalability of compliant cGMP manufacturing and all supporting functional areas of the organization; driving efficiencies and safety while controlling cost.
Evaluate and recommend appropriate changes in the organizational structure to promote greater efficiencies and stronger leaders resulting in significant enhancements in communications, accountability and meeting the company strategic goals.
Introduced talent review and succession planning concepts to identify future leaders and leadership gaps in the organization.
Establish policies and procedures to establish a solid administrative foundation in preparation for the scale up to support the growth strategy of the company.
Developing a culture focused on effective communications, accountability and pride.
Introduced a series of Leadership Development programs to prepare future leaders and strengthen the core of the organization
Conducted full audits on all human resource procedures and programs; established standard operating procedures to ensure full compliance with all federal, state and local regulations.
Established and executed a strategic staffing plan to support the growth in R&D, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Regulatory and all of manufacturing.
CANNAPHARMARX INC., Carneys Point, NJ 2014 to 2015
Early-stage pharmaceutical company whose purpose is to advance cannabinoid research and discovery using proprietary formulation and drug delivery technology currently in development. CannaPharmaRx is currently focused on targeting disease states where its delivery systems can have optimal impact with therapeutic differentiation among alternative cannabinoid therapies, including: neurological disorders, oncology, infectious disease, pain management, inflammatory disease, gastrointestinal disorders and ophthalmology.
Vice President Human Resources
CHRO member of the executive team, reporting into the CEO, with full responsibility of the Human Resource function. As a startup company, my role has been focused on the establishment of a strategic human resources business plan, strategy and operating model for this publicly traded organization. Additionally, I was responsible for the establishment and ongoing involvement with the Board of Directors at CannaPharmaRx .
Lead the identification of a well-rounded Board of Directors and selected the chair of the finance, compliance, compensation and corporate governance committees.
HR operating model design and implementation with a specific focus on talent acquisition, total rewards & recognition, talent development and compliance.
Identification and selection of third party relationships to facilitate and administer payroll, health and welfare benefits, 401(k) and company time off programs.
Provided support in relation to SEC filings, acquisition accounting review/audit and other related human capital matters
Board of Directors/Investor related presentations and reporting..
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CARDINAL HEALTH, INC., Dublin, OH 2002 to 2014
Leading provider of innovative products and services to the healthcare industry. Maintaining market-leading positions in pharmaceutical formulation, manufacturing, packaging and distribution: medical-surgical product manufacturing and distribution; and automation and information services. Cardinal Health is a Fortune 19 company, with annual revenues in excess of $110 billion.
Group Director / Business Partner Human Resources – Medical Segment 2011 to 2014
Human Resources Business Partner with the responsibility of supporting our $1.1 billion Laboratory Products business, $1.2 billion Presource business, $700 million Distributor Management business as well as our entire Medical Products and Services national selling organizations. Direct business partner responsibilities for three SVP / GMs and all of their direct reports.
Successfully restructured Laboratory Product and Presource organizations including overhauling sales, marketing, sales operations, pricing and operations as well as the Medical Products and Services national selling organization based on the change in go to market strategy and cost to serve model.
Successfully started up Nursing Products and Orthopedics selling organizations.
Selected to participate on the CEO Advisory Council.
Selected to participate in HR Leadership Impact pilot program.
Group Director / Business Partner Human Resources - Integrated Provider Solutions 2006 to 2011
Human Resources Business Partner supporting two Executive Sales Management Teams including 17 Cardinal Health businesses and 850 professional selling resources representing half the United States.
Successfully integrated 17 different selling teams and cultures into one integrated team focused on collaborative solution selling.
Conducted the first multiple business unit Talent Review promoting cross segment opportunities for development, coaching and promotions.
Established consistent performance improvement plan standards across all business units.
Lead executive level interview teams to fill key vice president level positions in the Midwest and Northeast for our capital equipment, manufacturing, specialty products and services, integrated solutions and distribution businesses.
Executive coaching of all senior managers elevating overall performance within the Midwest and Northeast.
Regional Director Human Resources, Pharma Distribution, Atlantic and Ohio Valley Regions 2005 to 2006
Responsibilities increased to support two senior regional management teams with annual sales in excess of $13 billion dollars. Directed three human resource managers and their teams supporting multiple sites in two regions.
Regional Director Human Resources, Pharmaceutical Distribution, Atlantic Division 2002 to 2005
Integral part of the senior management team responsible for the distribution of pharmaceutical and over- the- counter products to hospitals, pharmacies, Department of Defense and mail order customers with annual sales in excess of $7.5 billion representing over 12% of Cardinal Health, Inc. revenue.
Instrumental in developing recruiting, retention and performance management programs to support the growth of the Atlantic Region going from $2 billion in revenue to $7.5 billion in just over two years.
Evaluate and recommend appropriate changes in the organizational structure of the operation to promote greater efficiencies and stronger leaders resulting in significant enhancements to the region.
Evaluated work flows and developed operational standards and measurement procedures in the warehouse driving productivity and reducing payroll cost by $1 million per year. Representing a 33% reduction as a percentage of sales.
Established and maintain a culture of positive employee relations remaining free of Union representation by establishing a Community Relations and Employee Activities Committees.
BISYS PLAN SERVICES, Ambler, PA 1999 to 2002
The largest third party record keeper in the small to mid sized 401(k) plans marketplace with average sales growth in excess of 20% per year.
Director Human Resources / Business Partner
Full responsibility for Human Resources management supporting a 650 associate 401(k) record keeping division of BISYS Group, Inc. Worked directly with senior managers in a fast paced growing organization to establish several best practice human resource initiatives. Managed a budget of $1 million.
Introduced and led efforts to build extraordinary succession planning and performance management programs that achieved substantial success in fast growth companies’ retention efforts.
Worked directly with department managers to establish staffing models based on workflow, reducing headcount by 15% in six months while increasing efficiency.
Reduced turnover from 34% to 9% in two years, significantly reducing costs and improving customer satisfaction.
Selected as the primary human resources lead for the acquisition of a large block of business from Merrill Lynch, including performing due diligence and the successful assimilation of 250 associates to BISYS, helping to solidify largest partner relationship.
Grew division from 300 associates to 650 associates in two years to support both incremental sales growth and acquisition.
QVC, INC. West Chester, PA 1993 to 1999
The largest electronic retail company in the world with sales in excess of $5 billion.
Corporate Human Resources Manager/ Business Partner
Responsible for all human resources functions including recruitment, performance management, strategic business planning, employee relations and organizational development for Information Systems & Technology, Merchandising, Sales & Product Planning, Marketing, Affiliate Relations, Finance, Broadcast Engineering organizations.
Designed and implemented corporate-wide bench strength program including the creation of a mentor program, career analysis, leadership development and succession planning.
Created and maintained QVC University Relations program called “Catch a Rising Star.”
Grew information systems and technology group from 125 associates to 300 associates in three years, recruiting for up to 50 positions at one time.
Human resources responsibility for the start-up of i-QVC, On-Q records, QVC Local and Q Direct, all divisions of QVC, Inc.
Reduced turnover from 27% to 14% in three years.
EDUCATION
BS, Business Administration, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
LaSalle University – actively involved with the Alumni Association including transition coaching
McDevitt High School – actively involved with Alumni Association including coaching and fundraising
Community Ambulance Association of Ambler – Board Member