CARISSA KENNEDY

act2y6@r.postjobfree.com 806-***-**** Bardwell, TX

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

I am a Dynamic HR Professional with over 18 years of extensive, progressive corporate and manufacturing experience in small and large cutting edge Organizations. I have excellent qualifications in project planning/management/administration, data integrity, issue resolution, process development and recruiting/staffing. One of my main guiding principles is “If it’s illegal, immoral, unethical or unsafe neither I nor my team do it!” My perception and thinking tend to be holistic and conceptual therefore I see the big picture, think outside the box and am very creative when it comes to problem solving. My motivation and passion are for understanding and meeting the needs of the business and always protecting the assets of the Company with integrity constantly lighting my path. If you are seeking a HR Professional with “real world” experience and a successful track record who can hit the ground running at full speed immediately…YOUR SEARCH IS OVER!

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

VXI Global Solutions LLC Lubbock TX

VXI in the leading global provider of BPO/call center technology to many fortune 500 companies such as DirecTV/ATT, NetFlix, Western Union, Comcast, Apple, and Dell. I was awarded “Leader of the Year” in 2015.

Facility Sr. Human Resources Manager (280 employees – 4 direct reports including Facilities Specialist)

Meet required HR metrics at an exceptional level related to reducing attrition (from 181% to 123%), filling required “best quality applicant” headcount quickly, aggressively addressing gaps in hourly/salary communications/challenges identified and improving Associate Appreciation and moral

Manage all FMLA/LOA/Workman’s Compensation programs and requests/claims including site Safety Programs, Security Team and Facilities Specialist

Create and manage facility budgets related to Recruitment effort including advertising, Associate appreciation events, HR and Facilities expenses through JDE tracking system.

Corporate HR liaison for all HR/PR/Benefit data migrations and system configurations/upgrades to ensure superior data integrity and security at all levels including working very closely with the Global Director of the Fraud and Securities Department, and Legal Council

Created and implemented “Union Avoidance” Training Program for Management/Supervisor staff

Work very closely with LOB clients/customers, Leadership Teams and all on-site Departments to build successful relationships based on Integrity, Excellence and True Team Work

Ability to communicate across all lines of business and successfully influence Peers and Senior Leadership Teams

Identified need and implemented quarterly Employee Satisfaction Survey company wide, then created/implemented strategy with other facility HR Staff/VP of HR and VP of Operations to successfully overcome obstacles/challenges

Manage the Talent Acquisition Business Partner and all related Recruiting/Staffing/Promotion processes

Assist Supervisors /Managers in understanding/interpreting HR Policies and Procedures and develop their soft skills in a manner that improves their relationship and communications with their Peers and Direct Reports

Develop and manage Cross Training Program and progress tracking system (which is now used company(f(wide) and Succession Planning efforts

Manage the Annual Performance Review process for Salaried Associates and submit wage survey information to ensure company remains very competitive in attracting the best talent

Serve as expert regarding EEO/DOL/Unemployment claims/hearings, HIPAA, ADA(A), EEO1 reporting, minority hiring, all HR laws and guiding principles

Manage Benefits and Open Enrollment processes including transmission of benefit data to Insurance Brokers

Creation of Training Materials related to HR/PR/Benefit data entry “best methods”

PR administration and key driver in US 100% paperless payroll efforts (for all locations including Corporate office) which came to fruition in May 2015

Created Attendance Policy and Tracking system to ensure fair and consistent application of rules and appropriate performance improvement planning to improve consistent attendance

Vendor/Supplier Relationship Management including large scale projects to improve and maintain facility appearance and safe workplace

Utilized 5S principles to improve facility efficiency and insure proper inventory of required equipment/supplies

Shearers Foods LLC Lubbock TX

Shearers Foods is the Nation’s leading manufacturer/co-packer of salty snacks and has been awarded “co-packer” of the year from other US Leaders in the potato chip (kettle and extruded) industry for its superior manufacturing/production, intricate co-pack relationships, and quality standards. The Lubbock TX facility has the best safety, attrition and data integrity records of all 8 manufacturing facilities.

Facility Human Resources Manager (250 employees – 4 direct reports)

Create and lead Staffing, Orientation, Training, Recruiting, Retention and Data integrity initiatives including internal X-Training programs, internal job bids/promotions and succession planning

Lead special HR projects related to data integrity and system upgrades

Assist Safety Manager with all Wellness and Safety initiatives and responsibilities consisting of working closely with Safety Manager to ensure all safety goals met and set superior example for working safely on production floor by attending safety meetings and required safety training and talking about safety at every given opportunity

Research and implement attrition reduction plans to reduce turnover from 110% to 74% in 1.5 years and continue to drive this % down through honest Associate interaction, opportunities for internal advancement and Strong Management Team relationships thereby increasing internal promotions from 11% to 49%

Recommend and Implement changes to policies/procedures at facility level in order to assist Lubbock facility in performing at its peak at all times while maintaining very high facility moral

High level of involvement in GMP’s, HACCP, SQF, FDA and AIB audit preparedness exercises and actual audits

Work very closely with Plant Manager and Sustainability/Continuous Improvement Manager to drive down labor, scrap and MUV by creative staffing/scheduling at appropriate levels, identifying peak production times and material usage and cost saving initiatives regarding sustainable resources

Excellent Employee Relations and conflict resolution skills at all levels

Effectively manage unemployment claims/appeals process resulting in reduction of facility unemployment monthly charge backs by 33%

Actively conduct bi-weekly round table meetings, monthly plant meetings and focus groups with both hourly and salaried Associates to better understand challenges, accomplishments and goals of the facility workforce

Work very closely with local HR and labor resources to accomplish diversity and minority employment goals and effectively compete in such areas as benefits and wages (conduct information gathering in order to recommend facility wage rate increases on annual basis)

Understand, explain and apply all policies/procedures fairly and consistently to ensure all SSOP’s and rules of conduct are being followed at all times to ensure only highest quality, safety and personnel standards

Work very closely with entire Management Team to set and maintain Leadership goals (including Soft Skills and influential communication training, interview training, best practices related to progressive discipline, and annual Departmental Goals)

Facility Payroll Administration and submittal (reduced wage corrections from 21% to 3%)

Conduct open enrollment for wellness and benefit programs through awareness meetings and hands on assistance

Lead Annual Salaried Performance Evaluations and hourly reviews and implement positive change by challenging all Associates with “stretch” goals and training regarding how to accomplish them

Successful vendor/contractor relations in area’s such as rental uniforms, vending, safety supplies, etc…

Special event planning for activities related to Associate appreciation and HR/Facilities Budget Management

Built strong/lasting relationships with both hourly and Management Associates by way of integrity (earning trust and respect for HR Dept by creating a translucent, honest, fair and straightforward HR Team and letting HR footsteps be seen on the production floor whenever possible), team work and the ability to have difficult conversations which produce positive outcomes and stay true to both corporate and facility goals

Create/Produce required HR Reports for both facility and Corporate Executives including attrition, time to fill, UE claims wins/losses, and required governmental statistics.

Assist Facility Director with communications, travel calendar, Town Hall Meetings and Union/Labor Relations meetings

Russell Stover Candies Corsicana TX

Russell Stover Candies is currently the largest manufacturer/co-packer of boxed chocolates (including Whitmans and Pangburn brands) in North America. The company's roots are deep in family values and traditions. The three principles of quality, service and value allow Russell Stover Candies to remain "Only the Finest." Russell Stover is the largest co-packer for “Weight Watchers” Candies.

Facility Human Resources and Safety Manager (600 – 850 employees, 10 direct reports including Security Guards)

Manage/oversee all facility safety programs, work injuries, accident investigations, OSHA reporting and Audits

Compile EEO, AAP, OFCCP, attrition, internal promotion, and time to fill data and complete required reports

Creation and implementation of all Training Materials (companywide) for HR and Payroll Data Entry methods and shortcuts in ensure consistent data accuracy and integrity

Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring appropriate regulatory compliance and investigate/settle claims of harassment/discrimination/work place violence

Oversee the interview/hiring/orientation process (E-Verify, SSA verifications, I-9 documentation, orientation classes/training, etc…)

Manage all facility unemployment claims and represent company during all UE hearings reducing charge backs by 12%

Implemented very first “Employee of the Month” and “Mentoring” programs to help drive employee satisfaction and appreciation efforts

Review and approve all Salaried and hourly performance evaluations, including wage survey information gathering and reporting

Manage HR Staff (Staffing Admin, Benefits/HR Clerk, Health and Safety Coordinators, Admin Associates, Security Team) for 1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts

Administration/Communication of all benefit and leave of absence programs

Manage complex employee relations issues to ensure complete and thorough resolution achieved

Provides HR Policy guidance and interpretation to Upper Management based on understanding of best practices for Human Resource Strategy

Provide guidance and input on facility restructures, workforce planning and succession planning based on an understanding of the roles involved and best practices for organizational development

Initiated “group interview” process in order to hire “best qualified” seasonal employee workforce very quickly

Manage Facility Budget related to HR, Safety and employee appreciation events

Advise facility leadership on best practices to improve work relationships, build morale, increase productivity and retention and introduced Seasonal Hiring and “lack of work” Policies and Procedures to support labor initiatives and reduce attrition by 34% overall.

Utilize 5S and lean manufacturing methods to drive sustainability and efficiency efforts

Heavily involved in Food Safety Audits and recommendations (with FDA, AIB, Weight Watchers)

Audit on regular basis Environmental and Facility Health and Safety program implementation and, in addition, conduct inquiries and analyses of all accidents, hazardous or risky situations and Identify trends and causes, and ensure the consistent application of necessary corrective and preventive measures (root cause analysis).

Hanson North America/Lehigh Cement Las Colinas TX

Hanson/LeHigh is the world’s leading heavy building materials and aggregate companies, employing over 22,000 people in North America, the UK, Australia, Asia Pacific and Continental Europe.

Senior Benefits Administrator (Corporate office)

Manage all pre and post encrypted benefit data file transmissions to benefit providers on an ongoing basis

Oversee and update all benefit data administration tables that support benefit provider files

Manage Sarbanes-Oxley Audits related to Benefits

Resolve benefit conflicts to ensure positive/accurate outcome for Employees/Retirees and their dependents

Communicate effectively with employees, managers, employee relations, payroll and benefit providers

Train team members on new procedures and creation of training materials

Work as part of HRIS implementation team regarding acquisition benefit implementations

Disaster recovery training and procedures program including ER data recovery and storage

Coordinate all open enrollment activities regarding benefits for Corporate and Facility employees

Key member in large benefits administration project where eliminated third party file transmission vendor, resulting in 51% reduction in overall cost of benefit file transmissions

Company wide data conversion from JDEdwards to SAP: Benefits project lead interfacing directly with other Department leads to ensure successful and timely project completion

FMLA/Leave Coordination/WC administration

401(k) data administration and file transmissions

Avaya Communications/Lucent Technologies Coppell TX

Avaya is the leading provider of communications solutions/services and is the US leader in voice communications systems. Avaya is a spin-off company of Lucent Technologies effective October 2000.

HR Business Partner/Global HR Advisor (Corporate office)

Project Manager for conversion of HRIS data from Lucent to Avaya systems during spin-off activities

Implementation of HR, Payroll and Benefit modules from Global PeopleSoft to SAP

End to end corporate recruiting and staffing management

Administrator for all special leave programs/Workers Compensation/tuition reimbursement programs

EEO/Affirmative Action/Labor Relations activities and reporting (IBEW)

Consultations concerning policy and procedure guidelines to Managers and HR Partners in off-site field locations

End to end situational/data analysis and resolution recommendations

Benefits Administration and encrypted data file transmission

Strategic/Organizational planning and Project Management (lead special projects as assigned mostly related to early retirement packages and merger/acquisition/divesture activities and related data)

Identify, design and document process improvements for Global HR care center

Creation of global "Standard Operating Procedures" for ISO9000 certification

Creation/facilitation of "Exceeding Customer Service Expectations" for global employee service centers in effort to create and maintain positive team moral during difficult layoff activities

Perform situational analysis by understanding end-to-end processes

Partner with internal organizations including Compensation, Benefits, Org management and Payroll to administer employee programs

Staffing Supervisor

Offer letter development/generation for all global salaried positions to support large global Recruitment Team

Candidate sourcing and job ad postings

Development of pre-employment process for international and external/Visa candidates

New employee orientation facilitation

Serve as liaison for new employees nationwide

New hire/I9 file maintenance

Key role in development of Visa/Immigration/Intern programs

Partner with recruitment organization to ensure seamless presentation to new hire candidates (Recruitment and Staffing Teams “holding hands” at all times)

Training of 8 Staffing Coordinators on end-to-end staffing processes and procedures during spin-off activities

EDUCATION

Total of 72 college credit hours and 18 years of very progressive on the job training/experience – currently studying for SPHR exam

PROFESSIONAL AFFILITATIONS/DEVELOPMENTS

National Member of SHRM since 1999 – National Member of NOW since 2007

Advanced Computer Knowledge using the Microsoft Package - National SkillPath Training System – 1999/2012

Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines – National SkillPath Training System – 2000

Presentation Skills in Corporate America – National SkillPath Training System – 2000

Human Resources Generalist and Business Law Overview – UT Arlington – 2001

Specialized SAP Training – SAP Corporation (2001)

Corporate Recruiting Skills for Success – National SkillPath Training System - 2002

Understanding and Applying the Family Medical Leave Act – UT Arlington – 2002

Workers Compensation Laws in Texas – UT Dallas – 2004

Canadian Payroll laws and training – Canadian Payroll Association – 2007

Project Management for PeopleSoft Users – D&T Training - 2008

DOT Drug and Alcohol Reasonable Suspicion Training – Advance Online Solutions Institute – 2011

Certificate in Employee Relations Law – Institute for Applied Management and Law – 2011

Certificate in Essentials of Human Resources Management – Institute for Applied Management and Law – 2012

Union Avoidance Training – Baisden Law Group – 2013, 2014

Minority Hiring and Training – SHRM – 2014

New ADA/ADAA laws and regulations – SHRM - 2014

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS/SOFTWARE

Global PeopleSoft, SAPHR (many modules), Oracle, JDEdwards, Quest, ADP Payroll/Benefit/ HR Modules, PayCom (cloud based payroll data platform), E-Time, Lotus Notes, Business Objects, Internet Explorer, SABRE Plus, Microsoft Office Suite including all Windows based applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook), Brass Ring, Vurv, File Maker, Snag-it, Kronos, Presi, Project Management Platforms

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