Human Resources Manager

Executive Summary

Bi-lingual strategic business partner and catalyst for innovative initiatives that address today’s business challenges of attaining revenue goals, controlling expenses, satisfying customers, and attracting/retaining talent while achieving business and profitability objectives.

HR Skills:

HR Department Startup

Employment Law

FMLA/ADA/EEO/WC

HR Program/Project Management

Personnel Handbook

Staff Recruitment & Retention

Employee Relations

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Benefits Administration

Hotel Pre-Opening

Orientation & On-Boarding

Performance Management

HR Policies & Procedures

Professional Experience

Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Inc. January 2011 – June 2014

Human Resources Manager - (Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Airport)

Responsible for all facets of human resources to include, employee relations, staffing, payroll, benefits administration, worker’s compensation, unemployment, safety, regulatory compliance regarding AAP, VET-100A, OSHA, etc. for a federally contracted company with the US government, DHS/USCIS compliance for a federally contracted of the US with regards to J1 Visa interns, and associate orientation. During my time I,

Drove a successful Associate Engagement Survey score of 86% to a company average of 82% during eminent domain proceeding.

Ran a Gross Operating Profit of 37.1% in 2013.

Decreased Worker’s Compensation Incidents by 39% from 2011 – 2012; 32% from 2012 -2013; and 70% from 2013 – April 1, 2014.

Controlled Turnover during the eminent domain proceedings thru closing.

Was entrusted to perform duties of an HR Manager (Taskforce) for incoming properties in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Williamsburg, Captiva Island, Orlando, Lakeland and South Florida.

Played a key role in the successful closing of my home property

The Raleigh Hotel, Miami Beach, FL March 2008 – December 2010

Human Resources Manager

Managed the employee relations, staffing, payroll, benefits, workers compensation, unemployment, and safety for a 70 year-old boutique hotel with 170+ colleagues. Responsible for compensation, new hire orientation, employee counseling, termination, investigations, policy development, compliance with State and Federal regulations, and maintenance of the personnel files. Redefined compensation/pay practices after conducting an extensive analysis of current wage trends of the immediate comp set. Served as the benefit administrator for all employee benefit programs including but limited to, 401(k), Workers’ Comp., and health benefits. Participated in positioning of property for sale in 2009. Elevated employee morale and increased confidence through communication forums, and employee opinion survey. Created an environment of inclusion, open communication, and honesty during time of change.

Played a key role in the successful startup of the human resources department; and implementation of ADP PayExpert human resources system, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Broker Services with Mercer Administrators, COBRA program, Cafeteria and Welfare system, Work Opportunity Tax Credits, and employee benefits (medical, dental, vision, EAP) post acquisition of the property on 9/29/09.

Brought workers’ compensation program into full compliance. Instituted preferred providers list and trained managers and associates on procedures to follow in case of injury.

Wrote and collaborated with planning committee on policies covering drug and alcohol, time and attendance, progressive disciplinary action, managers and staff code of conduct, confidentiality and non-disclosure, and termination process.

Revised job descriptions across all levels and created standard operating procedures.

Estefan Enterprises, Inc., Miami Beach, FL February 2006 – April 2007

Human Resources Director

Provided human resources services for 600 employees over seven affiliates with various business focuses including, recording studio, television and film production, three (3) restaurants and a boutique hotel. Responsible for recruitment, compensation, employee relations, counseling, termination, investigations, benefit review and implementation, policy development, compliance with State and

Federal regulations, and the assessment, implementation and maintenance of the human resource software system. Conferred with General Counsel on EEOC, Workers’ Compensation, disciplinary action grievances and wrongful termination issues. Served as plan administrator for three (3) individual 401k plans and assisted fiduciary attorney with the completion of the Form 5500’s.

Increased administrative efficiency by spearheading the conversion of all retirement plans to ADP from existing third-party recordkeeper.

Rewrote ten (10) year old Employee Manual, including revision of outdated policies to ensure compliance and added new policies.

Spearheaded the development of training program to include Title VII, personnel forms, progressive disciplinary methods and effective communications, and hiring process.

Provided guidance to line management with the interpretation of Employee Manuals, and policies and procedures.

FMS Management Systems, Inc. (IHOP), North Miami Beach, FL March 2001 – February 2006

Payroll/Human Resources Manager (5/1/2002 – 2/3/2006)

Provided human resources management for 40 year old franchising office of the IHOP brand with over sixty-four (64) company owned locations and 2400 exempt/non-exempt employees. Supervised a staff of five (5). Developed business plan to update all policies and procedures, and training programs to meet statutory compliance. Provided guidance to line management with the interpretation of Employee Manuals, and policies and procedures.

Consulted with Management Team in handling EEOC, labor law, employee complaints and Title VII issues.

Increased administrative efficiency by spearheading the conversion of the payroll processes to a web based processing application.

Payroll/Human Resources Generalist (3/17/2001 – 4/30/2002)

Served as sole liaison to thirty-three company restaurants. Oversaw all facets of executing bi-weekly payrolls for approximately 1200 employees, including garnishments, health insurance, 401k, general ledger entrance, quarter and year-end reporting, new hires, salary increases, vacations and time and attendance. Provided support to the HR Director with the implementation of policy and procedures. Consulted with line Managers to ensure EEOC, DOL, OSHA, and all applicable local and national statutes, rules and regulations, as well as, compliance of internal policies and procedures.

ABC Distributing, Inc. North Miami Beach, FL April 1996 – November 2000

Human Resources Generalist - Corporate Recruiter

Assisted and supported the leadership team with handling and resolving general Human Resources issues. Created and maintained new hire and personnel files and entered them into Human Resources Information Systems. Assisted with employee relations issues by conducting initial investigations and provided analysis regarding any harassment claims. Assessed recruitment trends; proactively recruited candidates through direct recruitment, internet mining and other creative methods, performed screening, interviewing, applicant assessment and presenting of candidates to Hiring Managers to finalize the recruitment process and assisted in hiring decision. Identified new, cost effective resources for recruitment, and tracked and reviewed effectiveness of advertisement sources.

Education & Languages

St. Thomas University, Miami, FL

Bachelors of Business Administration - Specializing in Business Management (1994)

Fluent in English & Spanish

Professional Affiliations

Member - Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) 2001 – Present

Member - Hospitality Human Resources Association of South Florida 2008 – Present

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