Kenneth N. Thompson Jr., MBA, MHRIR

**** * ****** *** *******, IL 60619 708-***-**** adk9jk@r.postjobfree.com

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations Candidate

Expected Date of Graduation: December 2018

DeVry University, Keller Graduate School of Management

Master of Business Administration with Distinction, Human Resource Management, 2017

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Bachelor of Science, Psychology, 2012

Professional Experience

International Paper, Bedford Park, IL January 2019 – Present

Human Resource Generalist

•Support approximately 300+ union/nonunion employees across 3 locations in the Chicagoland area

•Utilize safe workplace practices to achieve a safe workplace with zero injuries

•Provide leadership development to business unit managers and area managers/leaders on engagement and International Paper policies

•Promote labor relations by investigating grievances, completing discipline, and building relationships with local unions

•Assist the HR Specialist in hiring and recruitment transactions using SAP system and provide FMLA claim management aid

•Facilitate and champion roll out of 2019 global engagement survey and achieved 99% participation

PepsiCo, Mesquite, TX May 2018 – August 2018

Human Resources Intern

•Provided leadership and functional HR generalist support for approximately 900+ union/nonunion employees across two locations in the North Texas Market

•Communicated strategic goals and prepared managers for CBA Contract Negotiations

•Developed and executed Change Impact Assessment plans to ensure consistency between frontline leadership and employees

•Ensured continuity of employee handbook by thoroughly reviewing updates and providing substantial recommendations

•Conducted employee investigations and recommended solutions pertinent to PepsiCo’s core values

Avis Budget Group, Chicago, IL

Rental Sales Agent March 2015 – September 2016

• Exceeded location sales and margin goals by 32%, benchmarking monthly revenues of $2.3 million

Executed training development needs and coached Sales Associates to ensure quality service

Coordinated operational agendas and maintained staff scheduling

Updated rental agreement accounts, notified customers of overdue rental vehicles and inquired on expected date of return and process rental extensions

• Ranked #34 in the country for Avis Budget Group top sales performer

Customer Service Representative January 2014 – March 2015

• Assisted customers by providing product and service information in relation to general inquiries, complaints, billing and/or payment service requests

• Participated in the voluntary customer service training to learn ways to enhance the voice of the customer and improve productivity

• Opened and maintained customer accounts by recording and/or updating account information

• Developed and expands customer relationships with each customer by understanding and meeting their needs to ensure smooth transition with vehicle rentals and returns

Collegiate Experience

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL

Society of Human Resources Management, VP of Programs August 2017 – August 2018

• Planned and executed programs that showcased and promoted Human Resources, the school of Labor and Employment Relations, and the University of Illinois community

Organized and presented documents, reports, and information on a weekly basis to committee members and staff to create a program proposal for each desired event