LP Supervisor, PI, Labor Relations Mgr, Regional Distribution HR Direc

Traci (Donnelly) Ward

**** ******* ***** ** ********, MI 49508 • 616-***-**** • ******@*********.***

Professional Summary

Experienced and creative HR and Labor Relations Director with a demonstrated history of working in grocery retail with pharmacy, warehouse, logistics and supply chain industry. Skilled in HR law and compliance, Change Management, Organizational Design, Internal Investigations, Performance Management, Leadership Development and most importantly, People Leadership. Strong human resources professional with a loss prevention and investigation background as well. Licensed Private Investigator with specialty in criminal defense investigation. Master's degree in Criminal Justice with a cognate in Labor Relations from Grand Valley State University. Recent national recognition as a Top Women In Grocery (TWIG) award recipient in November 2019.

SpartanNash

14yrs 10 mos.

HR Regional Distribution Director

Nov 2019 – Feb 2021

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Supported and partnered with supply chain senior leadership in the attainment of company and business unit goals.

Integral in the development of HR strategic operating plan in support of company, HR and operational goals and initiatives.

Lead and developed a team of 7 direct reports and 20 indirect reports.

Covered a region of 17 distribution center locations within multiple states consisting of both union and non-union employees and a total of 8 union contracts and 5 union locals.

Created continuous process improvement and synergies across all of supply chain HR practices.

Lead change management of supply chain HR Business Partners to a COE model of operation to enable HRBPs to utilize analytical driven data to best demonstrate, influence and advise supply chain business partners toward operational efficiencies, cost savings and increased profitability.

Encouraged and fostered HRBPs use of innovative and creative thought to build programs that could be implemented across all of supply chain to positively impact the business.

Assisted in identifying top talent within the organization. Help to create cross-functional or other training opportunities for development and career growth in preparation for next level promotional opportunities.

Responsible for development and monitoring of departmental budget.

Oversaw, advised, mentored and trained supply chain HRBPs, Sr HRBPs and all levels of supply chain leadership.

Responsible for Labor Relations between the company, the employees and the Union local. Also was involved in advanced level grievances, arbitrations and union contract negotiations.

Lead Union Avoidance management training in non-union locations.

Created and administered train the trainer sessions for Reasonable Suspicion drug and alcohol testing practices across supply chain.

Maintained HRBP focus and oversight of company and supply chain initiatives such as Turnover Reduction, Associate Engagement, Recruiting, Onboarding, Leadership Development and Safety.

Revised and updated the supply chain onboarding process for a better candidate experience.

Partnered cross-functionally with several different departments on multiple projects.

Corporate HR Director

Aug 2017 – Nov 2019

Plan, lead, developed and coordinated Human Resources Management to maximize the strategic use of Human Resources for corporate facilities and retail supermarkets.

Maximized the ROI from human capital and minimized the financial risk.

Responsible to ensure guidelines, policies and management/operational roles are performed in an effective, legal, fair, consistent and professional manner.

Consulted and advised HRBPs and corporate leadership on a variety of topics including talent development, handling employee/HR related issues or concerns, potential legal risks, management training and development.

Responsible for development and administration of policies; Lead change and integration of Human

Resources as a business partner throughout the organization to assist in strategically building more effective, efficient and cost conscientious departments.

Created and implemented a continued Retiree Employee Discount plan that positively impacted associate engagement and satisfaction and increased sales. Average basket spend by that group increased by 56% while the receipt discount amount only increased by 3%. The program started as a pilot program for the Grand Rapids distribution center and corporate employees. Based on the results of the pilot, senior leadership decided to implement the program companywide.

Changed company associate appreciation offerings to recognize our associates while driving distribution and retail store sales and positively impacting associate engagement.

Wrote policies and procedures for all business segments.

Regional HR and Labor Relations Manager- Central Region

Jan 2016 – Aug 2017

Covered a region of 4 distribution center locations within 3 states consisting of both union and non-union employees and a total of 5 union contracts.

Oversight and professional development of respective HR Business Partners as well as indirect reports.

Partnered with operations leadership on training, talent management and ensuring development of a diverse pipeline of internal candidates for future leadership opportunities.

Supervised and consulted in the investigation process of internal HR related concerns as well as EEOC, ADA and FMLA practices for risk mitigation.

Worked with Legal department to formulate responses to EEOC, NLRB and DOL charges.

Identified, developed and implemented training development as needed across all levels of supply chain leadership.

Continued fostering trust and strong relationships with employees, HRBPs and supply chain leadership.

Partnered cross-functionally with several different departments on projects.

Distribution HR & Labor Relations Manager

Nov 2010 – Jan 2016

Performed HR Generalist functions, Employee Relations, FMLA administration, administered to ADA guidelines, Recruiting, hiring and onboarding.

Advised operations business partners on employee issues, progressive discipline, risk mitigation and training and development of management.

Labor Relations including contract prep and negotiations and grievance hearings, prepared responses to any relevant EEOC and DOL charges, created and provided management training.

Created and implemented a company loyalty campaign in distribution locations.

Company Chairperson on West MI Industrial Board Labor panel.

Identified, developed and implemented training development as needed in supply chain leadership.

Built trust and strong relationships with employees, HRBPs and leadership alike.

Regional Loss Prevention Manager

May 2006 – Nov 2010

Oversaw a team of Loss Prevention Investigators focused on loss and shrink reduction and risk mitigation.

Focused on internal and external causes of loss or shrink and solutions. Performed root cause analysis, cost analysis and implemented appropriate solutions.

Administered training to Retail and Supply Chain leadership to help mitigate loss.

Represented the company in court proceedings related to theft or restitution.

Created and implemented Shrink Link, a shrink reduction campaign across all retail locations.

Created and implemented a Bottom Of the Basket (BOB) awareness program across all retail locations to reduce loss.

UPS-United Parcel Service

19 yrs. 5 mos.

Labor Relations Manager

Full-time

2003 – Jun 2005

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Loss Prevention Supervisor

Full-time

1995 – Dec 2003

Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

Warehouse Laborer

Part-time

1986 – Jun 1995

Grand Rapids, MI

Education

Master’s degree – Criminal Justice/Labor Relations – Grand Valley State University 2001

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