Sr Human Resources Leader

DENISE CLEMENS, SPHR - CA

**.*******@*******.*** Cell: 214-***-****

Accomplished, dynamic professional and business partner with more than 15 years of experience managing various aspects of human resources programs, services, and functions. Service-driven leader with broad based management skills - including strong planning, communication, organizational and decision-making skills. Strong command of employment laws, compliance issues, recruiting, retention, and maintaining a union free environment. Trusted advisor and counselor, effective communicator and passionate manager committed to the belief that "people make the difference" in a company's bottom- line success.

Professional and Management Strengths

Business Strategy, Analysis & Planning Staff Training & Development

Talent Recruitment & Retention Initiatives Compensation & Benefit Plan Management Supporting Transitions & Acquisitions HR Policies, Processes & Procedures

New Hire Orientations & Onboarding Change & Conflict Management Employee Relations Implementing HR Best Practices & Project

Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

CORNER BAKERY CAFE, Dallas, TX 2/2006 - Present

National restaurant company, employing more than 3,500 employees with $25 million in revenue. Private equity ownership through BRS and Roark.

Sr Vice President, Human Resources (3/2008 present)

Vice President, Human Resources (2/2006 3/2008)

Designed and implemented strategic HR direction that enhanced and supported direction of business. Lead team of 9 with budget of $3.5M. Provide hands-on leadership in talent recruitment, assessment and retention, guidance to internal clients, talent management and succession planning, total rewards programs (compensation and benefits), performance management, legal compliance, employee relations, risk management, safety initiatives and payroll. Responsible for driving evaluation, creation and implementation of programs and policies needed to support current and future organizational change.

Successfully conducted due diligence and transition from public to private company.

Consolidated Human Resources Departments with sister company Il Fornaio (America) Corporation (Payroll, Benefits, Risk Management) resulting in a savings of $300,000 in administrative costs, $200,000 in benefit costs and $250,000 is insurance costs.

Implemented Human Capitol System resulting in savings of $500,000.

Created and enhanced employee communication which reduced turnover and increased employee engagement.

Established HR functions for the 124 company-owned restaurants in 10 states with $250 million in annual revenue and 3,900 employees.

Responsible for development, implementation and management of all human resource initiatives including employee handbook guidelines and procedures, management development, employee relations and representation, safety programs, employment branding, recruiting programs, performance management, benefit, and compensation programs.

Member of Senior Leadership Team, responsible for establishing brand strategy to improve overall execution, growth, and performance of brand.

Defined compensation, recognition, and reward program for the company, resulting in industry- leading retention and engagement (turnover at 30% for management & 60% for hourly employees).

Extensive work with vendors to design and deliver solutions for the business, from assessments, employee engagement surveys, brokers, and outside legal representation.

Launched Succession Planning Program, managed and participated/coached development of high- potentials managers, created employee career path (increased internal management promotions from 11% to 25%).

Enhanced employee understanding and perspective of vision and goals through development and delivery of comprehensive new hire orientation program.

Elevated internal knowledge and understanding of US Immigration, State Laws, Federal Laws and Legislation by providing necessary education and training materials and workshops to employees.

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL/ CORNER BAKERY CAFE, (NYSE: EAT), Dallas, TX (9/1994 2/2006)

VP of Human Resources (8/2004 2/2006)

Director of Human Resources (1/1998 8/2004)

Designed and implemented HR direction for the Corner Bakery Cafe brand, ensuring consistency with Brinker International expectations. Led a team of 9 with a budget of $4 million. Top HR position responsible for business and HR strategy, selection, training, retention, leadership development, succession planning, compensation design, employee relations and representative in legal proceedings.

Decentralized HR function and built team of experts focused on business needs of brand. Redesigned compensation programs to support unit economics with communication strategy designed to retain managers and employees, reduced management expense by 240 bps from 12.1% in 2002 to 10% in 2005: hourly wages from 22.1% in 2002 to 20.5% in 2005.

Designed and implemented Balanced Scorecard with metrics to measure, motivate, recognize, and reward outstanding performance in each area of the business (People, Guest/Customer Experience, Financials, Processes/Quality). Resulted in clear goals and expectations for all levels aligned to business model with active engagement by General Managers, unit managers and department teams, tied to one-on-ones, annual reviews, and Managing Partner programs.

Developed retention programs reducing management turnover from 50% in 1998 to 25% in 2000. Retention has consistently remained around 25%.

Developed and implemented training programs to support brand initiatives to include: Par-baked

Director Succession Interviews and Assessments, Employee Career Path and Concept Communication Newsletter.

industry-recognized analytics firm People Report (based upon employee retention, diversity, and recognition programs).

MANAGER OF RECRUITING, RECRUITER (1994 1998)

Led team of 5 with budget of $2 million Central & Northern Regions. Responsible for: attraction and selection, manpower plans, diversity strategy, college relationships and industry relations.

DARDEN RESTAURANTS, Orlando FL

Director of Operations China Coast & Red Lobster Restaurants

Area Supervisor, Recruiting Manager, General Manager Red Lobster Restaurants

EDUCATION and CREDITIONALS

Master of Science Program Human Resource Development, Villanova University, PA

Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Cincinnati, OH

Senior Professional in Human Resources with California Certification (SPHR CA)

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Chain Restaurant Compensation Association (CRCA)

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