Employee Relations Manager

JAMES JUSSEAUME

**** ******* ***, ********** ** *5827

(916) 225 – 8848 - **********@******.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Adept, insightful, and passionate leader with a strong work ethic. Throughout my different roles in my career, I demonstrated business acumen, entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to work well under pressure. Keen to analyze data, identify opportunities, and streamline procedures for an optimal organizational performance. I pride on developing an institutional culture that is team centered and delivers on productivity goals. EDUCATION

Ave Maria University - Latin American Campus

B.A. International Relations and Political Science May 2010 Minor Business Administration

EXPERIENCE

Director of Operations January 2021 – Present

O Café, LLC Fair Oaks, Sacramento, CA

• Introduced an Employee Handbook outlining organizational structure, company policies, procedures, and employee benefits.

• Accounting and Payroll protocols including: Timecard audit, Paid Sick Leave tracking, and maintaining accurate employee records on Paychex Flex.

• Responsible for Talent Acquisition from recruiting and onboarding to orientation and training. Assistant General Manager November 2019 – December 2020 Aquavit, Inc. New York, NY

• COVID 19: Conducted training on guidelines compliant with New York State and CDC directives to ensure the health and safety of our team and guests in our facilities.

• COVID 19: Developed a new business model compatible with the restaurant's concept including outdoor dining, take-out, and delivery.

• Oversaw the recruitment of team members for closures post-renovations and pandemic restrictions.

• Streamlined onboarding process by centralizing all procedures and building a checklist to expedite the completion of new hire documentation and ensure a comprehensive employee file.

• Centralizing all onboarding procedures and building a checklist to expedite the completion of new hire documentation and ensure a comprehensive employee file.

• Monitored all team members employment lifecycle or “flight plan” from recruitment, to onboarding, to development, to separation.

• As senior management of a Two-Michelin-Starred restaurant in New York City, I was responsible for reviewing, maintaining, and enforcing company policies. Manager February 2019 – November 2019

Moe Larry Cheese, LLC - STARR Restaurants New York, NY

• NYC Anti-Sexual Harassment Law: Led and executed several workshops to train employees on identifying sexual harassment in the workplace and their rights and protections under the law. Given the diverse workforce these sessions were hosted in English, Spanish, and French.

• Built a food purchasing tracking tool to keep accurate record of purchases vs. budget and a tighter control on food cost.

• NYC Anti-Sexual Harassment Law: Led and executed several workshops to train employees on identifying sexual harassment in the workplace and their rights and protections under the law. Given the diverse workforce these sessions were hosted in English, Spanish, and French.

• Took point on Onboarding procedures from I-9 verification and compliance via ADP, new hire orientation, and enrollment in company benefits program. General Manager October 2017 – January 2019

6380 Restaurant Associates, d.b.a. The Amsterdam Rhinebeck, NY

• In conjunction with Controller and ownership, established a budget and forecast for years 2018 and 2019.

• Reduced Labor Cost from 40% to 28% in 90 days. This goal was for immediate achievement from the beginning of my tenure.

• Developed the Private Dining Department by expanding the client base and promoting the restaurant as a destination venue for weddings and other occasions.

• Devised a Human Resources structure for the company including: New Hire Procedures Checklist, Employee Records Maintenance, Workers Compensation and Unemployment Insurance Claims, Conflict Resolution Process, and Employee Relations in general.

• Put in place an Employee Handbook covering company policies, disciplinary procedures, code of conduct, and benefits information.

• Vetted potential benefits program options to offer our employees that were compatible with a small business setting to foster employee retention and establish the restaurant as desired employer in the market. Dining Room Manager January 2017 – October 2017

Aquavit, Inc. New York, NY

• Oversaw all employee relations by maintaining an open line of communication between executive leadership and associates, mediating disputes, counseling, and ensuring compliance with local laws.

• Established a procedure for handling sexual harassment complaints at all stages: filing, investigation, and resolution.

Service Manager October 2015 – January 2017

Café Pushkin USA New York, NY

• Established Financial protocols to ensure proper handling of Petty Cash and undeposited funds, in addition to streamlining payroll procedures.

• Redesigned standard operating procedures to better suit our operational needs and improve workflow.

• Drafted preliminary payroll reports and audited timecards in VALIANT to ensure compliance with Meal Break laws and monitor the proper distribution of gratuities.

• Responsible for recruitment, onboarding, training, and supervising dining room and kitchen staff in accordance with organizational goals.

• Organized “All Staff Sessions” to provide an outlet for staff contributions and establish goals for the team as a whole.

Beverage Manager November 2012 – October 2015

David Burke Group New York, NY

• Conducting preliminary interviews for potential candidates to join the Beverage Team.

• Responsible for scheduling team members within my department in properties with multiple outlets.

• Ensuring compliance with NYS Meal Break Law and Affordable Care Act.

• Train and develop staff members in beverage and salesmanship through workshops and incentive programs to generate higher revenues, resulting in a sales increase by 17%.

• Undertook independently the implementation of Binwise, a beverage inventory platform, and once completed, assisted other stores with the same project.

• Awarded with the Wine Spectator's Best Award of Excellence three consecutive years.

• Originally hired as a Sommelier to oversee wine service and finished my tenure as a Beverage Director and Operations Manager for a multi-outlet property with companywide responsibilities. September 2011 – October 2012

The River Café New York, NY

COMPLEMENTARY QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, with interpreter experience.

• Proficient in financial and personnel management platforms such as QuickBooks, Compeat, C-tuit, ADP, and Paychex.

• Experienced in organizing a wide array of themed events from coordination and setup to execution and follow up.

• Proficient in website design and building using Bentobox and Wordpress.

• Strong interpersonal skills including but not limited to customer service, sales, and conflict resolution.

Contact this candidate