Employee Relations Human Resources

KEN KNUTH

McKinney, Texas ***** 972-***-**** ***.*********@*****.***

VICE PRESIDENT: HUMAN RESOURCES

Versatile, high-energy safety professional, human resources, and operations executive who leads an organization through change and challenge with financial performance improvement at the forefront. Hands-on leader able to keep teams safely focused and productive during growth and expansion. Extensive knowledge of organizational dynamics, human capital management, and employee development. Possesses financial acumen and extensive operational experience, working with executive teams to identify, evaluate, select, and execute strategies that achieve value-building goals. Builds strong, dedicated teams, and instills high-performance culture company-wide.

•Strategic Planning & Leadership • P&L/Budget Management & Forecasting

•HR Process Design & Optimization • Organizational Development

•Productivity & Efficiency Improvement • Benefit Management/Succession Planning

•Occupational Safety Program development

•and implementation

•DOT Compliance

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Champion Fire and Security - Plano, Texas

2017-Present

Vice President of Human Resources

Strategically-minded senior executive with accomplished entrepreneurial track record of top-notch leadership and team building, with strong execution capability in gaining operational efficiencies and increasing organizational capacity. Solid background in leveraging and integrating advanced technologies into corporate infrastructure to enable innovative business offerings, differentiate services, and improve efficiencies / productivity. Seasoned in all aspects of operations geared to drive business innovation and revenue growth while increasing organizational effectiveness. Exceptional communicator and mentor with ability to present highly technical information in easily relatable, concise terms to internal and external stakeholders.

Executive Vision: Strategic Planning and Implementation, Entrepreneurial Approach, Business Development, Safety Program Development and Implementation and Due Diligence, Organizational Infrastructure

Operational Leadership: Human Resource Management, Safety Leadership and Business Development, Organizational Change, Systems Efficiency.

ENCORE WIRE CORPORATION-McKinney, Texas 2001 – 2016

Vice President of Human Resources

Oversaw day-to-day activities, had P&L ownership and served as a catalyst for ongoing growth and development. Directed various facets of the business including strategic direction, human resources, health & safety initiatives, and staffing. Created a collaborative process to drive cultural change and support the business model; added pragmatic people solutions tailored to specific cultural needs. Streamlined and restructured the HR team to focus on productivity, clarified roles and responsibilities, as well as enhancing skills in the areas of business acumen, results orientation and relationship/partnership skills. Managed $100 million budget and 1,500 employees, set strategic goals, supervised and motivated staff, and implemented organization policies.

Implemented the building of on-site medical center; managed facilities; assumed responsibilities for HSE. Designed and created the first formal Human Resources infrastructure. Led corporate initiative to drive consistency and efficiency in recruiting, hiring, employee relations, labor relations and performance management, with a goal of increasing morale and reducing high turnover. Redesigned executive compensation programs to improve retention and recruiting on a national level.

Championed implementation of PayCom HRMS System, spearheading a process improvement initiative that streamlined HR administrative practices and procedures.

Managed legal/litigation issues. Trained front line supervisors on management principles and how to avoid situations that may result in litigation. After training, lawsuits against the company dropped from 5-10 per year from 2001–2005 to 2 from 2005–2016.

Saved over $1 million in worker’s compensation costs by implementing a formal safety program and hiring as safety professional and paramedic, meeting compliance standards.

Implemented recognition system that led to $3 million savings though incentive and mentor programs to reward employees for referrals and work/life balance initiatives. Improved employee relations through formal training, safety meetings, financial planning assistance, and wellness programs.

Reduced employee turnover 70% after training front line supervisors on proactive management strategies, implementing employee accountability, and documenting training procedures.

Cut annual employee medical costs 20% while head count increased 10% by implementing onsite medical clinic and managing medical and liability programs.

Successfully resolved the differences between management/employees and averted a unionization effort by IBEW.

UNIPLAST FILMS-Dallas, Texas 1999 – 2001

Corporate Director, Safety & Human Resources

Directed Corporate Safety Program for five facilities in the U.S. and one in Canada including plant operations, maintenance, and training.

Oversaw environmental compliance including Hazardous Waste, Title V and Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPP).

Administered workers compensation for U.S. facilities.

Managed employee labor relations including union negotiations, contracts, and grievances.

Considerable experience in workplace health and safety practices

Exceptional grasp of OSHA and NFPA rules and regulations

Strong knowledge of manufacturing plant operations

Superior multitasking and prioritization skills

High abilities in basic computer applications

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Good proficiency in utilizing workplace protective equipment

ICI EXPLOSIVES-Dallas, Texas 1997 – 1999

Corporate Director, Safety, Health, and Environmental

Implemented plant operations safety and security programs and maintenance for five processing facilities and 38 sites in the U.S.

Oversaw environmental compliance including Hazardous Waste, Title V, and SWPP.

Administered workers compensation for the U.S.

Managed CMA/Responsible Care Programs.

Directed corporate training program.

Fleet Safety for over 2600 vehicles operating 24/7

KEN KNUTH

Page 2 972-***-**** ***.*********@*****.***

REXENE CORPORATION-Dallas, Texas 1994 – 1997

Manager, Safety, Environmental, Training, and Quality

Implemented safety and security program and environmental compliance for four facilities in the U.S. and U.K.

Administered workers compensation administration

Directed all training programs for plant operations, maintenance and administration.

Governed CMA/Responsible Care Programs.

Developed and distributed safety procedures and guidelines for equipment operation.

Analyzed potentially dangerous workplace practices and conditions and made recommendations accordingly.

Investigated and made recommendations regarding all facility incident reports.

Provided support on health and safety services in coordination with program and personnel teams.

Ensured compliance of all health and safety programs with OSHA rules and requirements.

Assisted in preparing health and safety procedure presentations for employee meetings

REXENE CHEMICAL COMPANY-Odessa, Texas 1990 – 1994

Safety Engineer

Managed safety training and accident investigations; coordinated Hazardous Materials Spill Response.

Led contractor construction safety and training.

Oversaw hygiene, fire protection, and OSHA and EPA regulation compliance.

Supervised three Safety Technicians.

EDUCATION

CENTRAL MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY Master of Science, Industrial Safety

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS OF THE PERMIAN BASIN Master of Arts, Human Resources/Administration

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA Bachelor of Arts

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Board Member, North Texas Workforce Commission

Member American Society of Safety Engineers

Member, Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Member, American Society of Training and Development

Member, Local HR Roundtable

Member, National Electrical Manufactures Association

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