Strategic Human Resources Leader

Nicole Zalazar

Hawthorne, CA 310-***-**** **********@*****.*** www.linkedin.com/in/nzalazar03

SUMMARY

Strategic HR Leader & People Partner with 15+ years of experience enhancing the employee experience, driving HR transformations, and leveraging data analytics to improve organizational performance. Adept at employee relations, compliance, HR systems implementation, and change management. Proven ability to guide managers through performance management, organizational transitions, and policy updates while ensuring regulatory compliance. Skilled in implementing and managing HRIS, ATS, and workforce analytics to inform strategic decision-making and improve business outcomes.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Zalazar Consulting Hawthorne, CA

Human Resources Consultant 11/2023 - Present

● Develop and implement performance dashboards enhancing decision-making and rewards programs, resulting in a 3% increase in gross profit within a quarter.

● Conduct monthly payroll and workforce analytics, ensuring accurate resource allocation compliance with labor laws.

● Provide strategic HR consulting, focusing on employee relations, policy updates, and compliance to optimize client performance.

Endless Pursuit Corp DBA 1-800-GOT-JUNK? El Segundo, CA Director of People & Culture (Prev: People Manager) 03/2016 - 10/2023 Served as a trusted HRBP and provided day-to-day HR support to 275+ employees for 15 business units across 5 states with annual revenue over $25M. Managed the organizational change of succession planning, performance management, learning and development technology, policies and procedures, and safety initiatives.

● Led 12 successful acquisitions, ensuring smooth transitions, cultural integration, and compliance with employment laws.

● Managed employee relations issues, including investigations, mediation, and policy enforcement, reducing legal exposure and improving workplace culture.

● Guided managers through performance reviews, coaching, and PIPs, strengthening leadership effectiveness and talent retention.

● Implemented HR technology improvements, including transitioning PEO providers, reducing HR operational costs by $600K over two years.

● Designed and launched an employee career progression framework, resulting in 200+ internal promotions over five years.

● Partnered with leadership on organizational changes, restructuring, and workforce planning, ensuring minimal business disruption.

Arcade Edit & Timber Industries Santa Monica, CA

Human Resources Consultant (Contract, Part Time) 02/2015 - 06/2017 Advised clients on talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, and conflict resolution, resulting in improved workplace culture.

● Assisted clients in crafting HR policies and employee handbooks, ensuring alignment with legal requirements and industry best practices.

● Administered payroll and benefits programs, including health insurance and retirement plans. Nicole Zalazar 310-***-**** **********@*****.*** Page 2 of 2 Financial Finesse El Segundo, CA

Office Administrator (Temporary, Part Time) 07/2014 - 11/2014

● Assist the Director of Talent Management in implementing the Applicant Tracking System.

● Create reports and update information in the Customer Relationship Management system.

● Coordinate the scheduling and distribute materials for client workshops and webcasts. Process and report client attendance and surveys for webcasts, 1x1 meetings, helpline calls, and workshops. Celerity Consulting Group San Francisco, CA

Human Resources Manager (Prev: Snr HR Specialist) 07/2011 - 03/2014 Transformed HR from administrative role to strategic business partner for this Information Management Consulting Firm, including working with senior management to implement a Company-wide training and performance evaluation program.

● Developed and updated HR policies to align with compliance regulations and organizational culture.

● Optimized recruiting and onboarding processes, reducing recruitment costs by $200K and enhancing retention.

● Led HR data analysis efforts, using workforce metrics to inform leadership on turnover trends, engagement levels, and performance improvements.

● Transitioned payroll and benefits vendors, saving the company $50K annually while improving employee offerings.

EDUCATION

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY DALLAS, TX

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

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