Human Resources Employee Relations

Ursula Lehman

Wooster, ***** Ohio 330-***-**** ************@*****.***

Summary

Senior member of the Board of Directors' Compensation Committee and an integral part of the bank's senior management team, serving on the Compliance Committee, Information Systems Committee, Human Resources Steering Committee, and Pricing/ALCO Committee. Possess extensive experience as an HR generalist, encompassing employee recruitment and retention, staff training and development, conflict resolution, benefits and compensation administration, HR records management, payroll processing, HR policy development, and ensuring legal compliance. Skilled in managing safety protocols, unemployment claims, workers' compensation, and wellness initiatives. Proven track record in negotiating mutually beneficial agreements, designing effective team-building programs, and preparing comprehensive management analysis reports. Qualification Highlights

HR information systems

Workforce planning

Payroll administration

Performance management

Recruitment strategy

Employee relations

Professional Experience

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER 05/2024 - 07/2025

Gerber Poultry, Inc. - Kidron, Ohio

Directed HR operations for a high-volume poultry processing plant with 670 employees and a weekly output of 625,000 chickens.

Supervised and developed a human resources team of 4, including oversight of payroll administration and compliance. Advised senior leadership on compensation strategy, employment law, workplace policies, and employee performance management.

Successfully reduced employee turnover from 54% to 43% by improving recruitment practices and strengthening retention initiatives.

Led the implementation of a new payroll and HRIS system, enhancing functionality and achieving a 20% cost reduction. Strengthened employee relations by fostering transparent communication between HR staff and departmental leadership. Played a key role in aligning HR strategies with operational goals to support productivity and organizational growth. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER 11/2021 - 12/2023

Last Arrow Manufacturing - Orrville, Ohio

Established the Human Resources department from the ground up, building foundational processes, systems, and compliance structures to support company growth.

Oversaw all HR functions for a 130-employee manufacturing workforce, including recruitment, onboarding, payroll, benefits, and employee relations.

Ensured full compliance with federal and state employment laws, managing audits, reporting, and sensitive legal matters with accuracy and professionalism.

Led and conducted comprehensive onboarding and benefits orientation programs to ensure employee engagement and understanding from day one.

Designed and implemented a safety and professional development training program, promoting workplace safety and continuous employee growth.

Managed all aspects of timekeeping and payroll processing, ensuring accurate compensation and adherence to labor regulations.

Provided consistent HR leadership and support until departure due to a company-wide reduction in force (RIF). HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER 05/2016 - 11/2021

Gerber Poultry, Inc. - Kidron, Ohio

Led the HR function for a privately held poultry processing plant with 550 employees producing 625,000 chickens weekly, overseeing all day-to-day operations and compliance. Managed a human resources team of 4, including full payroll responsibilities, ensuring accurate processing and adherence to company policies and labor laws.

Advised the management team on compensation strategies, employment law, HR policies, employee relations, and performance management to support operational effectiveness. Reduced the company's employee turnover rate from 54% to 43% through targeted retention strategies, improved onboarding, and stronger engagement initiatives.

Implemented a new HRIS and payroll system, increasing system functionality and generating a 20% cost savings, while also enhancing employee relations across departments.

SVP, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND TRAINING 04/2002 - 12/2015 Wayne Savings Community Bank - Wooster, Ohio

Served as a key member of the executive leadership team for a publicly owned community bank with 140 employees across 11 branches in 4 counties, regularly advising the Board of Directors on HR strategy, compliance, and workforce planning. Designed and executed competitive compensation plans to improve employee retention and ensure market alignment, directly supporting organizational growth and stability.

Spearheaded the implementation of a new payroll and HRIS system, enhancing operational efficiency and achieving a 15% reduction in administrative costs.

Launched a structured community involvement initiative to strengthen the bank's presence and engagement within its service areas, enhancing brand visibility and employee participation. Acted as AAP/EEO Officer, overseeing all related compliance functions, reporting, and policy enforcement to ensure adherence to federal regulations and inclusive hiring practices. BENEFITS MANAGER 01/1998 - 01/2002

The Will-Burt Company - Orrville, Ohio

Oversaw the full lifecycle of employee benefits management—from RFP through implementation and ongoing administration—for a global manufacturing company with 350 employees. Strategically reduced overall benefits costs while expanding plan offerings, balancing fiscal responsibility with enhanced employee value.

Led clear, employee-focused communication efforts to explain benefits packages, ensuring workforce understanding and informed utilization of available resources.

Played a key role in the rollout of ADP payroll and HRIS systems, streamlining data integration and improving efficiency in benefits administration.

Developed and launched a company-wide wellness program to promote employee health, engagement, and long-term cost savings in healthcare utilization.

ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES 01/1986 - 01/1998 The College of Wooster - Wooster, Ohio

Assisted in the implementation of a comprehensive job and pay classification system for a private liberal arts college serving 1,800 students and employing 1,200 staff.

Managed all aspects of new hire onboarding, including conducting employee and benefits orientations to ensure smooth integration into the institution.

Supervised a human resources team of three staff members, overseeing daily operations and ensuring alignment with departmental goals.

Directed the administration of student employment and payroll processes, ensuring compliance and timely payments for student workers.

Led the transition from a state workers' compensation system to a self-funded model, resulting in annual savings of over

$200,000 for the college.

Education & Certifications

American Intercontinental University - Chicago, IL Bachelor of Science (BS) Human Resource Management, 04/2012

GPA: Summa Cum Laude

Qualification Highlights

Senior member on the Board of Directors Compensation Committee, and the bank's senior management team, Compliance Committee, IS Committee, Human Resources Steering Committee, and Pricing/ALCO Committee. Extensive background in HR generalist duties, including but not limited to experience in employee recruitment and retention, staff training and development, conflict resolution, benefits and compensation, HR records management, payroll, HR policies development and legal compliance, safety, unemployment, workers' compensation and wellness programs. Demonstrated success in negotiating win-win compromises, developing teambuilding programs, and management analysis reports.

Contact this candidate