Human Resources Resource

Talia Wooten

480-***-**** *******@*****.***

Peoria, AZ

www.linkedin.com/in/talia-wooten-9b3854ba

Sr. Director Human Resources & Operations

Driving strong employee retention, exceptional performance, and organizational growth

Experienced, versatile, and resourceful senior leader excelling at the intersection of human resources and technology across healthcare, law, investment, retail, and energy sectors. Direct communicator and active listener leveraging 20+ years of progressive experience in developing and implementing high-impact strategic solutions to complex organizational challenges. Respected mentor adept in balancing strategic decisions and financial responsibilities with administrative efficiencies.

Core Competencies

Talent Acquisition

Employee Engagement & Retention

Succession Planning

Organization Management

Performance Management

Strategic Planning & Execution

Value-Based Procurement

Budgeting & Fiscal Management

Culture Development & Refinement

Process Improvement

Strategic Operations Planning

Contract, Compensation & Benefits Negotiations

Team Building & Motivation

Employment Law

Experience with State Agencies

Professional Experience

iCare Health Services LLC Glendale, AZ

Healthcare Company providing quality life-enhancing services to families in Arizona.

Senior Director of Human Resources & Operations ● 2024 to Present.

Directing HR & Operations along with regional division management teams. Aligning HR activities and Operations with strategic and operational objectives. Responsible for directing, planning, development, implementation, administration, and budgeting of all of operations & human resources functions including, but not limited to employment, recruitment, employee relations, EEO, Visa processing (H1B), compensation/benefits, and organizational development by creating HR initiatives and activities. Advising company leadership & management in all human resources policy and program matters.

Served as the lead HR role for the company’s operations team and aligned HR activities with strategic and operational objectives.

Director/Consultant role for operations executives and align HR activities with strategic and operational objectives.

Identify and anticipate critical issues and provide leadership in developing and implementing innovative solutions.

Consult on the development, revision, interpretation, and execution of human resources policies, practices, and procedures.

Lead workforce planning and organizational design.

Provide oversight while directing one or more of the following human resources functions(s) either for the company or for one or more assigned segment(s) of the company: employee relations, compensation, benefits, recruiting and training and development.

Provide counsel on human resources matters to employees and management at all levels, including senior and executive levels.

Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies that support iCare health goals within state guidelines.

Remain current on relevant company policies and procedures as well as on state and federal laws and regulations to ensure compliance for the company within DDD state guidelines.

Represent the organization with external contacts such as EEOC, OFCCP, and DCAA, & DDD.

Oversee the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of human resources to ensure the availability of the required management, professional, and technical talent for the assigned areas.

Responsible for ensuring all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations are observed wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.

Conducts research and analysis of organizational trends including review of reports and metrics from the organization's human resource information system (HRIS) or talent management system.

Responsible for ensuring work is accomplished safely in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

Collaborate with senior leadership to understand the organization's goals and strategy related to staffing, recruiting, and retention, implementing strategies, goals, and actions to enhance the employee's experience.

Coach management team to deliver positive leadership relationships with their team and provider members.

Monitor and ensure the organization's compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

Developed and implemented rewards systems for performance management review process, including compensation using market data to benchmark recommendations.

Rise48 Equity AM LLC Scottsdale, AZ

$1B public property investment company with 250 employees.

Director of Human Resources ● 2022 to 2023.

Direct development and implementation of the in-house HR department for AZ and TX offices, transitioning the function from 3rd party vendor to in-house service, while ensuring state and federal regulatory compliance including but not limited to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Lead a team of 6 via effective coaching, KPI, stretch goal management.

Developed and implemented strategies for recruiting, staffing, employee development and retention while ensuring hiring quality, type, and timing map in alignment with the company’s corporate plan.

Hired, trained, and developed the in-house HR team while formulating, developing, and implementing processes, procedures, systems, and accounts required for efficient, seamless operation, and execution of a full range of HR activities.

Saved $10,000 in monthly payroll expenses by moving from outsourcing to in-house service, and decreased OT by 25% by implementing new monitoring, and employee identifying systems.

Successfully collaborate with contractors, labor unions, and manufacturers on conflict resolution and contract negotiations.

Develop meaningful People programs, policies, and office/WFH standards that support key corporate goals and achieve prominent levels of team engagement.

Manage all employee relations, such as conflict resolution, performance management, and investigations.

Plan and execute Hi level strategies for staffing, employee development, training, and performance evaluations. Coach and train managers to support a values-based culture, while supporting growth and development of their teams.

Implement compensation and benefits strategy and processes, including salary banding, annual calibration, total rewards, and job titling. Manage vendor relationships, including benefit carriers and external HR partners.

Responsible for employee relations activities such as investigations, employee advocacy, monitoring and reporting for departments, and conflict resolution.

Coach managers/supervisors on employee relations issues to enable them to address employee issues directly at the floor level.

Ensure organizational changes are aligned with effective communication plans. Lead the organizational strategy on learning and development goals and outcomes. Deliver career path guidance and develop organizational succession planning.

Propersys Corporation Phoenix, AZ

Newly established U.S. subsidiary of Taiwanese high precision equipment.

Human Resources Manager (Contract) ● 2022

Managing the CA and AZ offices, sourced, recruited, hired, and onboarded engineering talent to meet the demands of the new business while participating in contract and compensation negotiations between the company and contractors. Mentored and coached senior leadership on best practices and overcoming cultural differences to facilitate alignment with corporate mission, vision, and values.

Successfully recruited, screened, and onboarded 50-100 employees by utilizing the HRIS system Bamboo.

Created accurate policies and adequate procedures to establish efficient workflows and an overall foundation for future growth and expansion.

Developing staffing strategies, drove diversity progress and actively participated in selection process of key leadership roles.

Built high-performance teams by establishing an efficient succession plan, training, performance management and disciplinary actions.

Provided coaching and advice to leadership in support of the recruitment and selection of key and/or critical functions, performance management, and employee relations.

Lead recruiting and selection process by developing current and future staffing strategies; support Company hiring and recruiting processes; drive diversity progress in all aspects of employment; and actively participate in selection process for key leadership positions.

Provide council and guidance to management in developing high performing teams to include succession planning, training, coaching, performance management, and disciplinary action.

Responsible for training, performance evaluation and feedback, and career development for all levels of the HR team.

Maria Jones Law Firm Phoenix, AZ

A private law firm with 100 employees at two locations.

Director of Human Resources/CAO ● 2021 to 2022

Appointed to identify the root cause for high employee turnover, and to formulate and implement systemic changes to ensure employee satisfaction, staff retention, and consequently seamless business operations. Boosted morale by 50% by restructuring executive leadership and implementing standardized processes and procedures while conducting management and staff training.

Decreased employee turnover by 20% by restructuring the bonuses and incentive programs while leading organizational restructuring towards from flexible and cost-efficient workforce.

Reduced manager/employee miscommunication-related issues by 25% by incorporating weekly check-ins between staff and managers to facilitate effective communication and a safe environment.

Diligently maintained knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and modern technology to ensure optimized human resources, talent management, and employment law implementation.

Appointed to role of General Manager during the owner’s international travels, effectively ensuring all aspects of business operations, service delivery and adequate customer and team support.

Developed extensive training programs for management/employees on diversity inclusion, leadership, change management, sexual harassment, and legal compliance.

Served as a key member in developing sustainable workplace capabilities and a motivational culture to encourage productivity and deliver desired outcomes. Sharp business acumen and experienced in managing broad scope of HR operations, from coordinating employee development programs, administering benefit programs to implementing information/data systems and preparing training programs.

Erus Energy LLC Phoenix, AZ

A leading home solar panel installation service in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico.

Sr. Human Resources Generalist ● 2019 to 2021

Hired to systematize and optimize payroll processing, including ensuring accurate commission and bonus payouts. Spearheaded all aspects of new hire onboarding and employee benefits enrollment in coordination with administrative assistants at each office location while directly managing a team of four.

Diligently and precisely processed weekly payroll of 300+ employees in 3 states and ensured adherence to regulatory compliance in human resources management, compensation, HRIS systems, performance management, disciplinary actions, and recruitment.

Managed leave-of-absence programs including FMLA, ADA, and SDT/LTD leave while effectively administering medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and COBRA programs, and employee 401k plan.

Oversaw all hourly and salary activities across the company encompassing workforce planning, employee relations, training, and investigation while coordinating all onboarding, new orientations, and administering of I-9 documentations.

Played a key role in developing sustainable workforce capabilities by applying sharp business acumen and diligent implementation of information and data systems.

Oversaw the effective delivery of all human resources management, including compensation, HRIS systems, performance management, disciplinary action, recruitment, regulatory compliance. Created HR policies and procedures; maintained group benefits databases; and developed orientation, training, and incentive programs.

Cigna Healthcare Phoenix, AZ

$5.4B American multinational managed healthcare and insurance company.

HR Benefits Administration Manager ● 2009 to 2018

Ensured adequate employee education and participation in benefits programs, including facilitating switching and canceling programs, adhering to enrollment deadlines, and accurate and timely implementation of programs. Effectively executed all corporate policies and practices in close collaboration with corporate partners.

Ensured regulatory compliance of benefit policies.

Diligently resolved any employer, employee, broker, and carrier issues.

Maintained with impeccable precision and accuracy all records and source documents for final employee benefit summaries, SBC’s.

Ensuring that the companies benefit policies were compliant with set laws and regulations. Manager periodic audits of benefit plans and processes in order to ensure accurate and effective administration and identify opportunities for efficiency.

Responsible for the management and administration of all employee benefit plans and wellness programs, including but not limited to medical, dental, life, disability, supplemental plans, FSA, HSA, COBRA, and 401(k).

Work closely with benefit vendors, brokers, and consultants to ensure a high degree of customer satisfaction and superior administration. Provided technical expertise to internal stakeholders in the areas of benefit policy and programs.

EARLY CAREER: University of Phoenix Human Resources Talent Acquisition Manager 2002 – 2009

“I have witnessed her display an exceptional level of qualities. She has demonstrated specific examples of contributions, which is a testament of her hard work, dedication, and passion for work. Talia is a highly motivated and talented individual who is passionate about her chosen field. Talia has specific obtained examples of accomplishments, such as professional awards which demonstrate her commitment to excellence and desire to excel in her work. In addition to her technical skills, Talia has exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills that make her a valuable team member.”

– Zach. H, CEO & Co-Founder

“Talia has taken charge in her HR duties and has stepped in for me on several occasions and assisted with helping to run this company in my absence, while I pursued other growth opportunities. She has also developed a rapport with our payroll and benefits brokers as well as our other colleagues/ employees in our Phoenix and Nogales offices, solving daily company issues outside her job description scope in my absence. Talia’s excellent HR employee management skills are evident in how she solves or manages daily staff issues with employees. She is very approachable and genuinely cares for the well-being of our employees to go that extra mile. That I feel is what makes her a great employee.” – Maria J., President

Education

Master of Arts, Human Resources Management University of Phoenix

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration/Marketing Elmhurst College

Certification

Inspiring Today’s Workforce to Go Above & Beyond (2022) Strategic Human Resources (2022) Employee Relations (2022)

Technical Skills

Monday.com iSolve Green link ADP Workforce Now Bamboo HRIS Employee Navigator MS Office Workday Microsoft Teams Concur Paylocity Payroll Paychex Payroll Oracle NetSuite Salesforce INS Zoom Centrix DocuSign E-Verify Quick Connect Indeed LinkedIn SharePoint Google sheets Google Meetings

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