Project Management Human Resources

LAITH MEKHAEL

• • •

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

High-achieving HR Director adept at driving company growth and productivity by locating the best talent and establishing effective, modern policies for the workforce. Demonstrated current working knowledge of federal, state and local regulations or laws.

SKILLS

• HR Service Model and Strategy Building Employee Development & Organization Effectiveness

•

• Leadership Development Program • Succession Planning & Execution

• Culture, Diversity & Inclusion Programs • Executive Team Participation & Reporting

• Vendor & Contract Management • Performance Management

• Project Management • Six Sigma-Green Belt/Kaizen/LEAN+/VSM

• Workday/ServiceNow/HRIS/Ultipro/ADP/UKG/SAP • Investigation skills

• Recruitment/staffing • Change management

• Employee coaching • Interviewing

• Corporate, state, and federal law • Employee Retention

• HR Metrics • Data Analytics

WORK HISTORY

08/2024 - Current

Senior Consultant - HR

GLG - Remote

Partnered with various HR leaders and insinuations identifying people initiative gaps addressing concerns with targeted pragmatic solutions.

•

Assisted and guided clients on HR procedures and program development by devising performance evaluations, job descriptions and industry-standard salary ranges resulting in an engaged population by 15% based on pre and post assessment.

•

Established metrics-driven approach to HR decision-making, enabling data-driven strategies for workforce optimization, streamlining Talent Management reviews and boosting internal promotions by 10%

•

Collaborated with management to identify skills gaps, resulting in targeted training initiatives for workforce development, which resulted in deploying new online and blended training of 15 modules and consolidated previous training to optimize selections.

•

Improved organizational effectiveness through conducting regular employee engagement surveys and addressing concerns promptly. Overall satisfaction increased by 8% within 3 months time period.

•

Managed human capital reporting, developed and built manager dashboards, and analyzed data to proactively enhance business performance. Directed the maintenance, upgrades, and improvements of systems, methodologies, workflows, integrations, and year-round automations for a UKG customer.

•

08/2023 - 08/2024

Regional Human Resources Director

Phillips 66 - Los Angeles, CA

Westminster, CA 92683 619-***-**** ********@*******.*** WWW: Bold Profile Provided HR leadership and support to Refinery GM and Executive Team developing and implementing effective people strategies to enable the goals of the refinery. This included developing a full understanding of the functions' business and goals so that people strategies are value adding and targeted to address specific business strategies and needs. Reported to the VP of HR and dotted line to Refinery GM. Overseeing 800 diverse FTEs (Multi Sites-Multi States).

•

Implemented Succession Planning and Career Development initiatives that increased promotion by 20% and improved diversity across the organization.

•

Led Business Transformation achieving 15M in Operational savings and 7% revenue growth through strategic resource optimization.

•

Provided HR direction, consultation, advise and support to managers regarding compensation, performance management, employee relations, development, training, diversity, staffing, talent and succession issues.

•

Directed contract interpretation and application of Labor Agreement to include: complaint investigations, grievance processing, arbitration coordination, contract negotiations and other related labor relations activities

•

• Spearheaded facility contracts and negotiation at all sites resulting in 1 million dollar saving the next 5 years. Led Talent Acquisition and recruiting activities increasing diversity talent pool from 35% to 47% and reduced turnover to a historical low 5%.

•

Created 6 ERGs representing the site demographics increasing engagement and belonging to the site and business units.

•

Championed workplace safety initiatives and deployed safety training, resulting in reduced incidents rates by 3% for 2024 and a safer working environment for all employees.

•

Evaluated and selected HR technology solutions that improved efficiency, user experience, and data-driven decision making within the department.

•

• Partnered with 32 local agencies and institutions and donated over $300K annually per CSR.

• Drafted and implemented the organization's staffing budget and the budget for the HR Department 09/2022 - 06/2023

Regional Human Resources Director (Contract)

AWP Safety - Costa Mesa, CA

Responsible for the entire West Division Business Unit (Multi-State) with over 1000 employees, (Hourly, Union, Salaried) over 20 branches, 7 direct reports including payroll, reporting to the CHRO and VP of Operations.

•

Involved in projects that touch all aspects of HR such as employee relations, team member development, compensation analysis, pay band, benefits (Total Rewards), talent management, employee engagement, succession planning, performance management, HR policy/compliance, talent acquisition, training, data analytics and complex HR metrics.

•

Partnered with Business Units/Leaders to drive business goals through people strategy such as: Leading the BU through an overall re-org driving role consistency while increasing retention and reducing turnover by over 20% along with fostering and cultivating a positive and supportive work environment for all employees. Led Payroll/Union audit saving the company close to 3 million dollars, and revamping an entire EH where over 30 HR policies were out of compliance.

•

Managed and led recruiting, hiring, and onboarding process by offering guidance in clarifying role accountability, developing candidate pipelines, and leading continuous improvement in the overall recruiting/hiring/onboarding processes.

•

Served as an ambassador for Social and Corporate Responsibility, establishing critical partnerships with industry's non-profit organizations and charities promoting safety as a priority elevating company's presence and brand within the community.

•

Provided leadership and oversight of the communications systems to ensure the right audience get the right information at the right time, across the Business Unit.

•

Led HRIS implementation (UKG) and supported the launch of an ATS system and other HR processes across the division.

•

12/2020 - 04/2022

Senior Human Resources Manager

Reyes Coca Cola - Los Angeles, CA

Responsible for over 600 team members (Union+Non-Union) in Multi-State capacity. Partnered with CEO, CFO, and local facility leadership to get input on HR decisions and ensures the delivery of high-quality HR initiatives. Reported to the Director of HR and VP of Manufacturing. Had 6 direct reports including Payroll.

•

Led talent management, employee development, and succession planning initiatives. Communicated benefit- related changes and assisted employees with questions regarding benefits.

•

Designed, led, and leveraged HR processes, designs and drove key HR initiatives, including onboarding, hiring, staffing, benefits, performance management, compensation planning, succession planning, training and development, rewards & recognition, payroll, organizational effectiveness and employee communication. Applied Lean+ applications reducing onboarding timeline from 15 to 6 days for new team members.

•

Ensured all employee relation issues are investigated and handled swiftly, and partnered with cross functional teams to reach an outcome according to company policies. Adhered to federal, state, and local laws in terms of company's policies and safety protocols being in compliant.

•

Partnered with leaders and employees to establish and maintain a positive work environment, which encourages the full use of diverse talents and abilities; act as an employee advocate resulting in increase of diverse and minority leadership roles from 27% to 52%.

•

Worked with managers on building career paths for their employees, identifying opportunities for training, new skill acquisition, and advancement. Deployed on-demand training for employees reducing hours of work and re-work in one quarter resulting in cost saving of $120K.

•

Led HRIS modifications, reporting and partnered with IT and Employee Data team to ensure changes are effective catering quality services to all employees.

•

Partnered with legal counsel regarding compliance policies across the organizations. Negotiated several contracts with the union.

•

07/2019 - 05/2020

Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Mazda - Irvine, CA

Led a team of 4 HR professionals, a client group of 400 team members (Globally) reporting to the VP of HR and VP of Engineering.

•

Aligned the global talent strategy with business priorities to drive results while understanding the execution of that strategy may vary by business line and region.

•

Developed in-depth knowledge of the business, both strategic and operational, to help address the organization and talent needs.

•

Streamlined complaint response management by creating Ethics Point platform across the company and provided guidance on policies ensuring an appropriate and accurate investigation process is in place. Identified trends and shared metrics with LT. Conducted train the trainer sessions on several compliance topics related to state and federal laws.

•

Led negotiations with travel benefit solution and streamlined travel expenses process, which reduced credit collections, minimized payroll and finance re-work, contributing to 18% saving to the overall company travel budget.

•

Facilitated and administered various employee relations matters such as performance management meetings, counseling, grievances, advancement, leave of absence, accommodations, on-boarding, and exit interviews

•

Led HRIS launch-Workday. Collaborated with global and cross functional teams of HR, IT, Finance, and other stakeholders to drive strategy and implement new processes. Project led the lifecycle of Workday launch from inception to execution including Change Management, Beta Testing, Immersion Sessions, and Soft Launching. Updated global leaders on Workday project schedule, troubleshot incidents reported by end-users to schedule system changes and identify permanent solutions driving consistent business model across the global spectrum.

•

• Created 7 ERGs promoting DEI initiatives enterprise wide. 01/2011 - 07/2019

Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Boeing Co - Seal Beach, CA

Acted as a SME and an HR leader partnering with VPs, executives and leaders providing integrated HR services. Oversaw multiple plants in various locations globally. Owned a team of a mixed workforce - 1000 team members, reporting to the VP of HR, GM of Propulsion in a decentralized command. Had 4 direct reports (Globally).

•

Responsible for all HR aspects, such as employee relations, investigations, interpreting company policies and practices, performance management, problem-solving and ensuring compliance with local, state and federal employment laws and regulations including wage and hour law, labor law and civil rights law, negotiated CBAs, blocked Unionization in several states.

•

• Partnered with global COEs ensuring seamless execution of services making business needs top priority. Partnered with global HR and site leader and responsible for planning, developing and deploying NextGen Performance Management system within Workday and partnered with L&D to develop Performance Management Training enterprise wide.

•

Partnered and worked closely with Executives and Senior Leaders to roll out enterprise wide major HR initiatives such as Boeing Behaviors - driving a common theme of 5 working generations operating as one team, which boosted moral based on annual engagement survey by 23% over the span of 3 years. This initiative was awarded the "President Award - Best Cultural Innovation" and replicated across multiple units.

•

Played as a key member of Workday Project ensuring all HR functions within Workday such as: Core HCM, Payroll, Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards and Benefits are functioning accordingly supporting all global HR Workforce and leaders.

•

Created "Propulsion University" encompassing over 20 training offerings to various audience eliminated vendors and external support resulting in $400K annual saving.

•

09/2007 - 01/2011

Manager, Human Resources Business Partner

CALNET - Fairfax, VA

Worked with Military and DOD Leaders and Business Units globally emerging requirements, concerns, data and issues for analysis and resolution and provided global world class HR services to 400 DoD team members reporting to VP of HR and VP of Shared Services while supervising 5 direct reports.

•

Responsible for US and global region offices/sites. Partnered with local and international HR executives, senior leaders to streamline HR processes, leverage corporate programs by utilizing COEs solutions, and coached leaders on best practices promoting performance and productivity.

•

Proactively managed employee relations, complaint resolution and investigations and provided performance guidance to business leaders (i.e., coaching, counseling, disciplinary action).

•

Offered HR consultation globally and coached employees on HR procedures, career planning, and personal growth.

•

Provided advice on federal and international HR laws, counsel, and influence business leaders on company policy, procedure, as well as legal compliance.

•

01/2004 - 09/2007

Human Resources Business Partner

Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District - San Diego, CA Reporting to the Dean of "Technology Programs" and VP of HR, ensuring offering of HR solutions to a team of 350 members while partnering with business leaders and other business functions.

•

• Resolved understaffing issues, disputes, employee terminations and disciplinary procedures. Conducted exit interviews with employees leaving company to gauge areas of success and opportunities for improvement.

•

• Investigated complaints including disciplinary actions, employee complaints, and employee relations.

• Played a key role in selecting and developing next generation leaders.

• Guided, counseled and administered the performance management process from goal setting to reviews

• Managed full cycle of recruiting, hiring and onboarding new employees. EDUCATION

2017

Master Certificate In Leadership: Leadership

Villanova University - Villanova, PA

2017

Master Certificate In Human Resources Management : Human Resources Villanova University - Villanova, PA

2015

Advanced Project Management Certificate: Project Management Stanford University - Stanford, CA

2005

Master of Science: Organizational Leadership

National University - La Jolla, CA

Capstone Course in Progress

2004

Master of Science: Psychology/Career Counseling

National University - La Jolla, CA

2002

Bachelor of Science: Psychology

San Diego State University - San Diego, CA

AFFILIATIONS

• SHRM, 2004 to Current

• American Psychological Association, APA, 2004 to Current

• Golden Key International Honor Society 2002 to Current

• Project Management Institute, PMI, 2014 to Current

• CEB Corporate Leadership Council, 2010 to Current

Contact this candidate