Resources Business Store Manager

Cindy Alcantara

*.***********@*****.*** • 646-***-**** • Linkedin • Baltimore, MD

Human Resources Business Partner

Resourceful professional with over 10 years of experience developing organizations, talented employees, and profitable operations via strategic HR leadership for companies of various sizes. Proven success interacting with HR management components of strategic planning, workforce efficiency, organizational development, talent acquisition and retention, staff training, performance management, employee relations and full cycle project management. A true partner to business leaders, delivering leadership to optimize growth and deliver strong financial outcomes. Adept at leading and growing business via organizational design and innovative change. Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills, ability to build robust rapport with key stakeholders and clients.

Areas of Expertise

HR Strategic Planning & Execution • Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging • Project Management • Team Building & Leadership • Recruitment, Selection & Retention Project & Program Management • Succession Planning • Talent Acquisition & Management • Employee Engagement & Relations • Relationship Building • Performance Assessment/Optimization Learning & Development • Organizational Transformation • Policy Design & Implementation • Local/Federal & H&S Compliance • Benefits & Rewards Development • Staff Training & Mentoring

Career Experience

The Body Shop, May 2017 – Present

Project Manager – Inclusive Hiring Manager, North America, Baltimore, MD (Mar 2021 – Present)

Ensure the onboarding, mentoring, and professional/personal development of all open hires by building and managing North America’s open hiring program in partnership with the Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. Created a robust and strategic plan for the open hiring launch and long-term sustainability in North American retail shops and distribution center inclusive of business and wellness goals. Pivotal in advising risk, complexities, budget and contingency planning to stakeholders whilst managing external partnerships that contribute to the social mobility of the teams.

• Successfully led and developed the end to end process and visibility of a new recruitment model in North America that enabled candidates in underrepresented communities an opportunity for employment with little to no barriers.

• Influenced and inspired senior and field leaders alike through change management and inclusive leadership training to ensure confidence and effective transitioning from traditional recruitment to the new model.

• Served as the lead and trainer for the Global growth and launch of Open Hiring in the U.K and Australia while managing the expansion and celebrating project milestones in North America.

• Determined necessary KPIs and data in collaboration with cross-functional partners for integration into the business and talent acquisition strategies.

• Responsible for hiring over 1500+ Open Hires throughout 3 countries, implementing a new training program and creating

• Consulted external organizations on Open Hiring implementation process within their workforce

Regional Human Resources Business Partner, New York, NY (May 2017 – Mar 2021)

Played a key role in the comprehensive transformation of the east region by implementing elevated HR strategies for employee engagement, development and succession planning, while resolving complex employee relations issues. Delivered expert-level guidance to 5 district managers and 400+ employees in delivering job functions efficiently. Designed and executed training for performance management, change management, and HR onboarding by driving a purpose driven culture. Delivered insightful support to the HR Director in streamlining U.S employee handbook, interview manual, and performance appraisal process.

• Drove a culture change through accountability and partnership, including restructuring of performance management and succession planning models as well as developing a positive attitude in delivering overall job protocols. • Recognized for increasing employee survey score from 80% to 83% in 6 months by delivering improved ways of working and culture by evaluating implementing employee feedback

• Eliminated barriers in recruitment efforts such as background checks and interviews by leading and designing U.S retail pre-launch

of hiring practice “Open Hiring”.

• Credited with improving 2019 turnover by 10% through a disruptive talent review model that created a culture of accountability

and strengthened the talent pool.

The Donna Karan Company, New York, NY, Jan 2015 – May 2017

Area Merchandise Coordinator

Spearheaded overall facets of overall employees, sales, and operational functions in DKNY shops for wholesale accounts in NYC and Midwest. Provided consultative support and advice to vendors for the successful management of $4M+ in sales annually; directly reported to Director of Retail and VP of Sales.

• Increased cumulative sales within my territory by 2% year over year by conducting product knowledge seminars and store

events, uncovering and capturing new business opportunities.

• Maximized revenue and profitability for the company by devising and implementing training/development and merchandising

plans for all 10 U.S retail coordinators.

• Raised conversion and ADS by optimizing employee/vendor engagement through implementation of selling incentives. • Boosted vendor and client sales by evaluating sales trends and budgets as well as formulating strategies in coordination with Corporate VP and Director.

H&M, New York, NY, Jan 2011 – Sep 2013

Human Resources Manager

Optimized succession planning, decreased turnover, and improved engagement scores through our “Great Place to Work” surveys by creating talent acquisition, management, and development strategy for a $40M Flagship location. Oversaw the year-end review process and coached management in delivering effective performance conversations. Ensured prompt and appropriate resolution of employee relations issues by establishing best practices for management. Managed and consulted on benefits/compensation via compensation analysis and vendor partnerships by building strong collaborations with district HR leaders.

• Equipped the managers with exceptional employee relations/management expertise through training and development that

provided a positive impact on place to work scores.

• Decreased turnover by 8% in 2011 and 12% in 2012 by elevating talent pool via recruitment training and tools. • Enhanced selling ability by developing a store operation plan and scheduling framework as per KPI’s in trends and budget.

Additional Experience

Executive Team Leader – HR/Guest Experience (2007 - 2011), Target Corporation, Bronx, NY

Store Manager – (2013 – 2015), H&M, Paramus, NJ

Education

Bachelor of Science in Retail Management & Consumer Studies

Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

Language

Spanish: Fluent

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