James Birch
**** ******* **. . ********, ******** 48116
Home: 810-***-**** . Cell: 810-***-**** . ******@*********.***
More than 18 years of experience as an Human Resources Generalist, Labor
and Safety Representative, Plant Human Resources Manager, Director of
Human Resources Development, and Human Resources Director in international
and diverse organizations. experience in Manufacturing, Project and
Operations Management.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
. Performance Management . Strategic Business Planning . Project and
Change Management . Cost Control
. Policy Development and Administration . Continuous Improvement .
Communications . Building
Effective Teams . Mergers and Acquisitions . Organizational & Individual
Development
. Manufacturing Engineering . Logistics . Retail Store Operations
Exo-s, LLC. Three Rivers, Michigan. 2013 - 2014
Canadian based manufacturer of molded parts to the auto, agricultural, and
consumer goods industries.
Manager of Human Resources, U. S. Operations
Served as the HR Manager for two Manufacturing Plants and a Machine and
Tool operation.
* Reduced staffing costs by $125,000 and reduced new hire turn-over by
25%.
* Wrote and implemented a QS/TS/ISO compliant Training policy. No
problems noted in a 2013 external audit.
* Wrote a Performance Management Plan linking assessment to performance
improvement tools and processes.
* Implemented a three shift Health and Safety Team at the Three Rivers
facility.
* Conducted labor/market studies for all positions to support the labor
budget and recruit key personnel.
* Created an Incentive/Bonus plan to minimize turn-over in the transfer
of operations to Indiana.
* Coached Supervisors to resolve employee relations problems and
conduct performance reviews.
* Wrote and implemented new HR policies to ensure regulatory
compliance, improve employee relations,
conformance to work rules, identify substance abuse, and improve
safety.
Note: 2010 - 2013. Withdrew from the job market to serve as primary care
provider for my wife. Resumed job search in 2013. I lectured at the
University of Michigan on: The Strategic Role of Human Resources, Designing
and Implementing Performance Management Strategies, and Leadership in Multi-
National Companies
KEIPER LLC. Troy, Michigan. 2008 - 2009
German based supplier of automotive seat structures and components.
Director of Human Resources, North American Operations
Provided leadership for Human Resources at U.S. and Canadian locations.
* Achieved cost savings of $383,000 by reducing annual medical benefits
plan costs, recovering $140,000 in medical premiums, and saving $25,000
by creating and conducting regulatory compliance training.
* Created and led Personal Accountability and Team Performance
Improvement Workshops for the Executive Committee, partnered with the
University of Michigan to deliver training for our newly formed Technical
Sales Teams, and redefined the Program Management Charter and operational
guidelines.
* Rewrote / created HR policies, produced the first Corporate Employee
Handbook, and managed standardization of polices at manufacturing sites in
the U.S. and Canada.
* Implemented new processes and tools to define work, measure and
improve performance.
* Managed the workforce reduction program at KEIPER's headquarters and
manufacturing operations.
Yazaki North America, Inc. Canton, Michigan. 1998 - 2006
Japan based supplier of Vehicle Power and Data Solutions to the domestic
and international auto industry.
Director, Program Management Office 2003 - 2006
Defined and implemented processes for new product planning and launch for
the company's five independent business units.
* Created and managed the implementation of a unified Program
Management (PM) strategy.
* Coordinated the PM Business Plan and special projects with the Japan
office and global manufacturing.
* Defined a development matrix by position and provided the required
training and developmental resources.
Director of Human Resources Development 1998 - 2003
Created and implemented strategic learning solutions to support
organizational development and individual performance improvement.
* Saved $1,000,000 in the first two years in training and related expenses.
* Delivered targeted professional development programs including
Management and Executive Development, Program Management Certification, an
Accounting Boot Camp, and On-Boarding for newly hired Yazaki Global
employees. Increased training by 300%, averaging more than 34,000 contact
hours of class time.
* Designed the 30,000 square foot Corporate Learning Center and managed
it as a Training, Conference and Community Center. Conducted family
oriented events such as Breakfast with Santa and Family Movie Saturday,
Employee Town Hall Meetings, Business Conferences, and events for
nonprofit agencies.
* Implemented the first on-line Performance Management System, cutting
process time from 12 to 2 weeks.
* Launched the Creative Services Group incorporating instructional
design and internal change management.
EWD L.L.C. El Paso, Texas. 1994 - 1998
EWD supplied electrical and electronics products to Chrysler Corporation.
The company was created when Chrysler sold its Wiring Division to Yazaki
Global in 1994. EWD merged with American Yazaki in 1998
Manager, then Director of Human Resources
Led the People Strategy for the company's North American Operations.
* 1994: Redesigned the HR Department and functions to accommodate the
sale and restructuring of the company as a subsidiary of Yazaki Global
Operations.
* 1998: Analyzed disparities and led teams that created unified HR
policies, benefits and compensation plans to accommodate the merger of EWD
with American Yazaki.
* Cut recruiting time-to-hire from 8 weeks to 20 working days or less
in a highly competitive labor market.
* Lead Negotiator in the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the
United Auto Workers.
Park University. Fort Bliss Campus, El Paso, Texas. 1995-1998
Instructor. Part time position; taught Labor Relations, Compensation
Management, Organizational Development, Introduction to Management, and
Human Resources Management.
University of Michigan: Lectures delivered on Defining and Implementing
Performance Management Strategies, Leadership in Multinational
Organizations, and The Role of Human Resources in Modern Organizations.
EDUCATION
* Dual Master of Arts-Human Resources Development/Management. Webster
University. Santa Teresa, NM.
* Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude-Management Science. Park
University. El Paso-Fort Bliss, TX.
* Associate of Applied Science - Labor Studies. Macomb Community College.
Warren, MI.