Merritt M. Galla
231-***-**** ~ ***********@*****.*** ~ https://www.linkedin.com/in/merritt-galla-b573169/
HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL
A strategic and innovative HR professional who couples daily HR activities with forward-thinking initiatives to improve performance, employee engagement, profitability and growth. A fair and conscientious leader who supports companies and their top executives with a unique perspective and appreciation that human capital is every organization's greatest asset.
SIGNATURE HR QUALIFICATIONS
HR Policy, Process and System Design, Payroll and Benefit Administration, HR Best Practices, Employee Relations & Diversity, Employee Performance Improvement, Talent Acquisition, Employee Performance Evaluation Systems, Union and Non-Union Negotiations, Staff Coaching, Safety Administration/OSHA Compliance, Affirmative Action Programs, ACA Compliance, New Hire Orientations and Exit Interviewing, Succession Planning, Training & development
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
WOODWARD FITNESS GROUP, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 2016 - Present
Event Management Company responsible for such events as the Biggest Loser Race Series, America Gets FitX and KC Gets Fit series of fitness challenges.
Human Resources Consultant
Design HR policies, processes and systems
Design and implement benefits packages
Staff Coaching
Talent acquisition
Employee relations
Ensure compliance requirements are met
HR Best Practices
THE OILGEAR COMPANY (Formerly Olmsted Products), Traverse City, MI 2015 - 2016
A global manufacturer of high pressure pumps and valves, servicing the oil and gas industry, with annual sales of $100M. Oilgear is comprised of approximately 200 US employees in 3 locations. One of its facilities is unionized.
Corporate Human Resources Manager
•Implemented employee relations programs.
•Developed Human Resources Department by researching and securing cost saving vendors, resulting in annual savings of over $200K.
•Developed and implemented Employee Performance Evaluation Program.
•Strategized with executive team to provide processes and procedures in line with company goals.
•Recruited and subsequently hired top candidates.
•Managed Relocation Program
•Worked with Management team on issues relating to the overall operation of the company.
•Reviewed and improved company safety program.
•Ensured compliance with ACA, Affirmative Action and all other Federal regulations.
•Managed all retiree issues as they occur.
•Developed and maintained continuous improvement projects.
•Managed worker’s compensation, disability and FMLA issues.
•Supervised HR Generalist and HR Manager of the Fremont, Nebraska facility.
CONE DRIVE OPERATIONS, INC., Traverse City, MI 2008 - 2015
A manufacturer of gearing solutions with annual sales of $70M. Cone Drive, the US platform company for Clyde Blowers in Scotland, is comprised of 225 employees in two locations in Michigan. The Traverse City plant employees are unionized.
Inside Sales Manager - Promoted into role 5/2015 - 11/2015
•Managed Customer Service department.
•Led Contract Review aiding in negotiating terms and conditions of sales and to ensure all FARS and DFARS conditions as well as quality clauses were met.
•Worked with production team to ensure customers received orders when promised and to the standards expected.
•Assisted outside sales team with sales negotiations and positive customer contact.
Merritt M. Galla
231-***-**** ~ ***********@*****.*** ~ https://www.linkedin.com/in/merritt-galla-b573169/
CONE DRIVE OPERATIONS, INC., Traverse City, MI (Continued)
Human Resources Generalist 2/2008 - 5/2015
•Conducted new hire orientations, exit interviews, 401(k) presentations and update employees on changing company policies.
•Maintained employee information in Paychex HRIS, TLO and BeneTrac system.
•Supported and upheld policies in the union contract.
•Provided research, support and information during union negotiations.
•Lead talent acquisition efforts.
•Administered benefit plans including ACA compliance.
•Assisted HR Director with employee discipline and terminations.
•Developed and maintained continuous improvement projects.
•Managed worker’s compensation, ADA, disability and FMLA issues.
•Managed Affirmative Action Plan.
HR MANAGMENT CONCEPTS, Interlochen, MI 2007 - 2009
Owner/Consultant
•Responsible for securing clientele through sales and marketing of business.
•Assist companies with the human resource functions of their business providing employee handbooks, information on compliance issues, employment law, employee relations, benefit administration, advice on employee issues and talent acquisition.
CONTINENTAL INDUSTRIES, Benzonia, MI 2004 - 2007
A manufacturer of seat and seat backs for the automotive industry. Continental was acquired by Magna Corporation in 2007 and has since been closed. Continental employed 200 people during my employment.
Human Resources Generalist
•Administered payroll and benefits and employee development programs.
•Conducted new hire orientations.
•Screened job candidates, held subsequent interviews and placed employees in relevant positions.
•Assisted HR Manager with employee discipline and terminations.
•Implemented employee relations programs.
SUNTEL COMMUNICATIONS, Traverse City, MI 2000 - 2004
A national cable company providing services to customers in 13 states. SunTel/Mallard Cablevision was sold in 2007 to a competitor who dismantled the company. SunTel employed approximately 200 employees in 13 states.
Human Resources Manager
•Designed Human Resources department including all policies and procedures from inception to implementation.
•Organized all company functions including community involvement.
•Developed and implemented the company safety and fleet programs.
•Administered payroll and benefits including negotiating contracts with vendors.
•Conducted new hire orientations, exit interviews and updated employees on changing company policies.
•Communicated employment law issues with management with a record of zero employment related court cases during the years of my employment.
•Responsible for compliance of OSHA requirements in 13 states.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
SPRING ARBOR COLLEGE, Traverse City, MI - Student Services Coordinator 2000
LAKES STATES INSURANCE COMPANY, Traverse City, MI - Sr. Personnel Administrator 1995 - 1999
DOUGLAS & LOMASON COMPANY, Farmington Hills, MI - Benefits Specialist 1990 - 1995
CEBCOR, Southfield, MI - Branch Manager 1989 - 1990
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Paychex, ADP, SAP, People Soft, Blue Cross MCS Systems, BeneTrac
EDUCATION
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, Bachelor of Science degree, Family and Individual Counseling with a minor in Industrial Psychology
SST Travel Schools, Oberhofen, Switzerland, Travel and Tourism Certificate
AFFILIATIONS
Betsie Creek Crossings Condominium Association, Current Board Member
Traverse Area Human Resources Association, Current Member
Society for Human Resource Management, Current Member