Human Resources Manager
Resume:
Elizabeth F. Cervantes, SPHR
Marietta, GA 30068 Cell Phone: 404-***-****
Email: ***************@*****.***
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-cervantes-sphr-32b4672
Summary:
A sharp Human Resources professional with over 30 years of increasing generalist experience in the field.
Exceptional organizational, communication, problem solving and customer service skills
Results oriented, self-motivated and confident with the ability to make independent, insightful decisions in complex situations
Diversity of proven experience in all aspects of human resources and employee relations matters
Accreditation:
Achieved PHR accreditation in December 2000
Achieved SPHR accreditation in December 2002 and successfully re-certified every cycle since – current recertification cycle is through 10/31/2027
Work Experience:
Johnstone Supply, The Ware Group (formerly AARP, Inc. dba Johnstone Supply of Atlanta) – Lawrenceville, GA
September 2011- present
Human Resources Manager
Created an HR Department from scratch beginning in September of 2011 after being the outsourced HR Manager for this small business for the previous 3 years
Managed the Human Resources functions for an 80+ employee wholesale HVAC/R supply company with 10 locations. Responsibilities include recruiting and interviewing, employee relations, benefits administration, workers compensation management, payroll processing, compliance, training, performance management, progressive discipline, investigations, unemployment and agency communication, and terminations.
Operated as a one-person HR Department until 2022, when I hired an assistant
In October of 2023, AARP, Inc. was acquired by The Ware Group, and I became a part of a larger HR Team based out of Jacksonville, FL. The Ware Group has forty-one branches and approximately 550 employees in Florida, South Carolina and now Georgia.
My new responsibilities became more heavily focused on recruiting, in addition to supporting my Georgia employees in making the transition to the new company.
Corporate Business Solutions (Human Resources Outsourcing) – Atlanta, GA
December 2007-November 2011
Senior Human Resources Consultant (began as Human Resources Consultant - promoted in 2010)
Support dozens of small to mid-size companies (from 2 to 1000 employees) as human resources consultant, strategic business partner and account manager in both PEO and ASO relationships
Responsible for assisting client companies with all employee relations issues including employee counseling, progressive discipline, investigations, preparing responses to government agency inquiries and charges, unemployment hearings, workers compensation claims, terminations, lay-offs, etc
Charged with providing best practice advice to my client companies pertaining to employment laws, maintaining compliance, and minimizing liability
Conduct training on a multitude of employment related topics including preventing harassment, diversity, recruiting and interviewing skills, progressive discipline, performance appraisals, effective terminations, etc
Manage the client company relationship and ensure complete client satisfaction with all aspects of our services to encourage retention of clients and assist in resale of services when relationship is in jeopardy
Active participant in sales process by attending and contributing to demonstrations and proposals, especially for those prospects who are extremely interested in the human resources services CBS would be providing
Manage implementation of new accounts: establishing their set-up in HRIS systems so that the first payrolls run smoothly including PTO accruals, all earnings and deductions codes and benefits plans set-up, liaison with timekeeping solution provider, workers compensation carriers and health insurance brokers, etc
Assist the Benefits team with Open Enrollment client strategy meetings and employee meetings
ADP TotalSource (a Professional Employer Organization or “PEO”) – Alpharetta, GA
June 2000 to July 2006
Senior Human Resources Generalist (began as Human Resources Generalist - promoted in 2001)
Simultaneously supported dozens of small to mid-size companies (anywhere from 5 to 800 employees) as human resource consultant, strategic business partner and account manager
As Senior HRG, I was responsible for the region’s top accounts – the largest with the most utilization of HR services and highest profitability for the company
Responsible for assisting client companies with all employee relations issues including employee counseling, progressive discipline, investigations, preparing responses to government agency inquiries and charges, terminations, lay-offs, employment law compliance, employee, and supervisor training, etc
Responsible for annual Open Enrollment Benefit Renewals with client companies: reviewing benefits changes, cost increases and offerings and strategically partnering with clients to make the best decisions for their companies and their employees
Managed the client company relationship and insured complete client satisfaction with all aspects of our services to encourage retention of clients and assisted in resale of services when relationship was in jeopardy
Selected to serve as a member of the ADPTS HR Advisory Board – attended regular meetings to strategize with executive management and other HR professionals on redefining HR roles and creating tools, positions, and resources to support our work
Functioned as Mentor for more junior Human Resource staff in an extensive formalized program as well as informally on a regular and ongoing basis
International Technology Corp (formerly OHM Remediation Services Corp) – Norcross, GA
November 1996 to February 2000
Human Resources Generalist II (began as Senior Personnel Administrator)
Responsible for Human Resources activities and practices (including training, recruiting, hiring, terminations, lay-offs, transfers, relocations, changes of status, investigations and more) focusing on the Southeastern United States locations of this 6000-person environmental services firm
Assisted management in insuring that all employment, compensation, benefits, and employee relations activities were consistent with corporate objectives and policies while supporting the overall business strategy for the region
First point of contact for employee questions, concerns, and complaints along with outside party inquiries
Managed hiring process from requisition, recruiting, interviewing and offers to orientation
Responsible for federal compliance in all hiring and postings in regional and divisional offices as well as project sites all over the Southeastern United States
Attended regular Executive Management meetings to represent HR function
Harry’s Farmers Market – Duluth, GA and Marietta, GA
July 1992 to November 1996
Human Resources Coordinator
Responsible for all human resource functions for approximately three hundred employees of a mega-gourmet food store
Conducted all hiring of non-exempt personnel, administration of all employee benefits programs, worker’s compensation and unemployment claims, and employee relations for store employees including counseling, progressive discipline, investigations, and terminations
Performed a weekly new hire orientation program, safety training programs and created and coordinated employee recognition programs and functions
Organized the workforce for three venues of Harry’s concessions at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta and served as Public Relations Coordinator for several community functions
Human Resources Assistant
Assisted in all hiring, terminations and employee relations matters and administered information to employees on all benefits programs
Conducted weekly new hire orientation classes
Responsible for Sales and Labor figures and reports for the Management Staff
Performed all timekeeping and payroll functions
Supervisor of Communications
Managed communication (switchboard) workforce, covering all shifts and keeping within a set budget
Liaison between Communication Department and Management team
Education
Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama – May 1992
Bachelor of Arts, Major: History, Minor: Sociology
Presidential Honors Scholarship
Southern Volunteer Services Volunteer of the Year Award
Professional and Civic Organizations
HRCI SPHR (Senior Professional of Human Resources) since 2002
Professional Member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Professional Member of SHRM-Atlanta
Executive Board, Wheeler High School Academic Booster Club
East Cobb Middle School Volunteer of the Year 2018-2019
President, Eastvalley Elementary PTA (2 years)
References available upon request
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