Human Resource Senior

Scott J. LaRaia

Dumont, NJ 917-***-**** ad8umq@r.postjobfree.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/scottlaraia SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCE (HR) PROFESSIONAL

25+ years’ experience driving growth, productivity, and enhanced employee morale by overseeing HR and talent strategy, including staffing, retention, and succession planning. MS in HR Management with deep HR experience in union/non-union environments for 50-275staff. Excel at recruitment, interviewing, conducting reference/background checks, onboarding, and training; also adept at implementing incentive programs, resolving grievances, developing/updating job descriptions, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. Well-versed in compensation/payroll and benefits administration. Manage three direct reports and $500K budget. KEY STRENGTHS:

Talent Management & Succession Planning Employee Development & Training Programs Recruitment & Retention Strategies

Performance Management Systems (PMS) Strategic Planning & Project Management Employee Relations & Conflict Management Payroll Software & HRIS Selection, Implementation HR Policies & Compliance Functional Member of Senior Management Strategic Workforce Planning Proficient in MS Office Applications Leadership Development & Coaching Budget Planning and Execution Compensation Plan Design & Management Risk and Safety Management Employee Engagement & Communication Strategies State & Federal Regulatory Compliance Risk Mitigation & Litigation Prevention

HR Policy Design & Implementation 360-Degree Feedback & Review Process Organizational Development (OD) HR Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement Safety & Workers’ Compensation Management Conflict Mediation & Problem-Solving 401(k) Administration Labor Relations SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS

Improved production cost and boosted production with fewer staff in six months at Sun Noodle by implementing 5s training and Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.

Reduced turnover in six months at Sun Noodle by enhancing communication between management and hourly staff through leadership training for the management team.

Achieved 90% staffing for new high-volume government contract at Saddle River Trails by hiring 80 bus drivers in only six weeks; achieved this through aggressive and creative recruitment of bus drivers.

Decreased number of employee complaints and made it easier for managers to conduct daily business in six months at Saddle River Trails by developing employee handbook to feature clear employee guidelines; worked with operations team to develop job descriptions and clear, consistent work procedures, which employees and management welcomed. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Human Resource Manager Sun Noodle Carlstadt, NJ May 2020 – Present Manage employee scheduling, document employee records, and payroll for 118 employees. Conduct monthly orientation classes for new hires, and train employees on discrimination, FMLA, forklift operations, and health and safety. Report on accidents and ensure that workers’ compensation claims are correctly administered. Update employee handbook and training manual with relevant OSHA regulations. Facilitated safe operations during COVID by introducing effective policies and procedures in alignment with federal and state COVID guidelines. Oversee $600K budget.

Enhanced productivity by developing incentive programs that encouraged efficient production; developed compensation and bonus structure for all employees based on department KPIs.

Developed and implemented Employee Growth and Development Plans to foster career advancement and skill en- hancement.

Designed and executed Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) to address underperformance and drive productivity improvements.

Introduced and managed the 360-Degree Feedback Review Process, ensuring comprehensive employee performance evaluations.

Created and delivered a ChatGPT Training Course to enhance staff proficiency in AI tools and emerging technologies.

Conducted Leadership Development Instruction, focusing on enhancing managerial and leadership competencies.

Designed and implemented a Performance Management System linking business planning, organizational goals, and individual employee performance.

Proactively reduced legal risks by preventing litigation through consistent application of positive HR policies, sound performance management, and proactive management training.

Redesigned and updated job descriptions across all positions, ensuring alignment with company locations and goals

Implemented a new Safety Program, leading to a significant reduction in workers' compensation insurance costs. Scott J. LaRaia

Dumont, NJ 917-***-**** ad8umq@r.postjobfree.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-laraia-3035304 Page 2 of 2 Human Resource Manager / Operations Manager Saddle River Trails Carlstadt, NJ August 2017 – March 2020

(Company Closed Due to COVID)

Envisioned and conceived HR department for this family-owned bus company, and recruited for all positions (bus drivers, mechanics, and operations management). Facilitated onboarding process, including performing background checks and overseeing new-hire paperwork. Implemented employee benefit programs, including 401k, dental, disability, life, medical, and vision. Investigated and resolved all EEO and harassment allegations.

Maintained 125 employee files while adhering to all relevant federal and state regulations and laws.

Staffed new location with 55 bus drivers, eight mechanics, five dispatchers and operational staff in two months. Human Resource Director Novastacks, Inc. Hackensack, NJ January 2015 – January 2017 (Company Closed) Designed HR department for this small startup IT company, and managed office operations (e.g., lease agreements, morale- boosting activities, and payables). Directed employee benefit programs. Created department budget. Managed six employees.

Managed three contracted employees in Ecuador and Philippines.

Launched employee training program covering company’s products and practices. Human Resource Manager Hudson Transit Lines, Inc. Mahwah, NJ. October 2005 – June 2014 (Company Relocated) Managed multiple aspects of HR, including hiring and administration/auditing of employee benefits. Conducted 100 pre- employment interviews to hire 20 exempt and non-exempt employees (bus drivers, mechanics, and operations and sales management) monthly for offices in NJ, NY, and PA. Assumed responsibility for 350 employee files. Negotiated with union leaders, and developed annual performance review for all non-union employees. Fostered smooth operations by instituting disciplinary processes. Ensured that company met all requirements of ADA, EEOC regulations, FMLA, and workers’ compensation laws. Oversaw $1M budget. Supervised 260 employees.

Elevated employee satisfaction by enrolling 80% of workforce in Aflac and 70% in a credit union, as well as reintroducing company picnics and holiday parties.

Developed 1:1 and group training for 350 employees on 401K program, benefits, and sexual harassment training. Senior HR Representative FedEx Express Newark, NJ. September 1999 – April 2003 (Company Reorganized) Played a key strategic role being an influencer in aligning HR initiatives with business objectives by shaping the organizational culture, particularly in a fast-paced logistics and service environment.

Work cross-functionally with other business units to support projects that impact the workforce.

Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues by conducting effective, thorough, and objective investigations.

Provide advice to managers on handling employee grievances, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.

Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement HR strategies that support business goals

Lead initiatives to foster a positive work environment that drives employee satisfaction and retention. Earlier Roles Include:

HR Manager – DF Young, Inc.; HR Manager – Burns International Staffing; Recruiter/ HR Representative – Boston Coach Corporation, Inc.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

Master of Science in Human Resource Management Dowling College, Oakdale, NY Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice / Business / Psychology Pace University, Pleasantville, NY Industry Training –

Certified Fork Lift SHRM PHR DiSC Assessment FMLA Seminar Management Training Retreat Recruiting/Interviewing Seminar Sexual Harassment Workshop Some OSHA Workshops / certification 30 Computer Experience – ADP Workforce Now PayCom MS Office Suite MS Dynamics Business Central

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