Strategic HR Operations Leader with Transformation Expertise
Resume:
Summary
Strategic and agile HR Operations Leader with 12+ years of experience driving large-scale cultural and organizational transformations, strengthening engagement, and leveraging workforce analytics to reduce turnover and elevate performance. Recognized for fostering inclusive, high-trust workplaces and delivering innovative, business-aligned HR solutions that support sustainable growth. Committed to advancing as an HR Leader focused on optimizing systems, processes, and people strategies to enable efficiency, compliance, and a high-performing workplace culture. H U M A N R E S O MJ U R C E S B U S I N E S S P A R T N E R Mekelle James
Experience
*******.*****@*****.***
www.linkedin.com/in/
mekellejames
Contact Info
Charlotte, NC
Education
Master of Arts- Public
Administration
Concentration- Human
Resources
University of Michigan-Flint
Bachelor of Science-
Psychology
Minor- Org Behavior/HR
Management
University of Michigan-Flint
Led HR operations for a unionized plant, building a high-performing HR team and aligning workforce strategy with organizational goals. Elevated HR service efficiency through workflow automation and self- service tools, reducing administrative case volume by 64% and enabling greater focus on strategic initiatives.
Partnered with union and plant leadership to strengthen communication, resolve workforce concerns, and launch engagement initiatives that reduced turnover from 69% to 27%.
Reduced turnover by analyzing exit trends and executing targeted action plans, leadership development programs, and redesigned onboarding and retention strategies that enhanced employee experience and career growth.
Led engagement diagnostics and targeted interventions that increased morale, improved supervisor effectiveness, and strengthened retention following organizational restructuring.
Decreased employee grievances by 43% through consistent application of progressive discipline, enhanced supervisor training, and strict adherence to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Strengthened compliance and workforce planning accuracy by implementing automated attendance and LOA tracking systems aligned with CBA, FMLA, and ADA regulations.
Saved $140K annually by optimizing recruiting workflows, leveraging predictive analytics, and redesigning onboarding to shorten ramp-up time and improve retention.
Recognized for cultivating an inclusive, psychologically safe workplace grounded in transparency, accountability, and trust. MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCES 2024-2025
Cirtec Medical Rockhill, SC
Mekelle MJ James
Employee & Labor Relations
Continuous Improvement
Relationship Management
Risk Management
Coaching
Consulting
People Analytics
Retention Management
Collective Bargaining
Talent Management
Lean Manufacturing
Policy Design
Project Management
Succession Planning
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Influential Leadership
Training and Development
Organizational Design
Conflict Resolution
Cross Functional Partnership
Legal Compliance
Change Management
SKILLS
Experience Cont’
Partnered with senior leadership on compensation, DE&I, talent management, engagement, and employee relations strategy. Directed HR operations as Interim HR Manager, leading a four-member team overseeing employee relations, staffing, and compliance functions.
Developed and led leadership and internship programs that strengthened talent pipelines, closed skill gaps, and enhanced management capability.
Designed and implemented a new performance review and goal-setting system aligning hourly workforce objectives with business goals. Converted workforce from 73% temporary to 100% full-time employees, strengthening retention and workforce stability. Improved time-to-fill by 30% through proactive headcount management and strategic workforce planning.
Digitized all employee records and files, saving $104K annually and improving data accuracy and audit readiness.
Reduced litigation risk through strict compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
Bobcat Company Statesville, NC
HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST 2018 – 2019
Oracle
ADP
Workday
PeopleSoft
PowerBI
Paylocity
Kronos
Primepoint
Accurate Background
Career Builder
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Supported five facilities and three business units, integrating HR strategy across multi-site operations.
Increased retention by 38% through workforce analytics and targeted engagement programs.
Conducted job and market analyses to drive equitable pay alignment, achieving 92% retention during reclassification.
Led M&A HR integration, aligning legacy business units, payroll, HRIS, and KPI systems while preserving compliance and culture. Collaborated with Centers of Excellence to implement HR solutions for talent management, DE&I, and employee relations.
Served as a strategic business partner, negotiating agreements to enhance operational efficiency.
Analyzed HR data to identify trends and recommend sustainable, business-aligned solutions.
Achieved executive approval for a 75% hourly wage increase and streamlined onboarding processes, reducing time-to-fill by 18% while supporting a 49% headcount increase within four months. Mauser Packaging Solutions Charlotte, NC
REGIONAL HR BUSINESS PARTNER 2019 - 2024
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