HR & Office Operations Manager
Resume:
Teresita Layton
Phoenix Arizona
******.*****@*****.***
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Accomplished Human Resources and EHS leader with 20+ years of experience driving organizational performance through strategic HR management, compliance, and operational leadership. Expertise in employee relations, labor law compliance, payroll administration, safety programs, and risk management. Proven ability to strengthen workplace culture, improve operational efficiency, and support business growth while ensuring full compliance with federal and state regulations. Bilingual in English and Spanish with a strong track record of building high-performing teams and implementing effective HR and safety initiatives.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Human Resources Leadership
Recruitment, Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
Employee & Labor Relations
HR Policy Development & Implementation
Compensation, Benefits & Payroll Administration
Performance Management & Workforce Planning
Employee Coaching & Development
Strategic HR Partner to C-Suite (CEO, CFO, President)
Financial & Executive Leadership (CFO)
Budgeting, Financial Planning & Analysis
Compensation & Benefits Strategy
Cost Management & Operational Efficiency
Financial Reporting & Audits
Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance
Compliance & Risk Management
HR & Workplace Regulatory Compliance
Workers’ Compensation & Incident Reporting
HR Audits, Policy Enforcement & Documentation
Training & Operations Support
Training Development & Delivery
Contractor & Vendor Coordination
Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency
WORK HISTORY
CFO / HR Director – Live Free Carpentry – Williams AZ 10/2025 to Current (contract)
Financial Management & Strategy
Developed detailed budgets and forecasts, incorporating project costs, labor, overhead, and change orders to ensure accurate financial planning.
Established short- and long-term financial strategies, goals, and internal controls to support organizational growth and operational efficiency.
Identified and mitigated financial risks related to bidding, labor, materials, contractors, and subcontractors.
Managed financial reporting and analysis, providing actionable insights to executive leadership for informed decision-making.
Human Resources & Payroll
Ran weekly payroll and managed all HR functions, including policy creation, employee handbook development, compliance, and recordkeeping.
Oversaw employee lifecycle management, including performance reviews, training, interviewing, recruitment, wage structure design, and bonus programs.
Ensured HR processes aligned with federal and state labor regulations, supporting organizational compliance and workforce engagement.
Risk & Safety Management (EHS)
Led Risk & Safety operations, conducting workplace audits, training programs, incident investigations, and root cause analyses.
Maintained detailed compliance documentation and reports to meet OSHA and state regulatory standards.
Developed and implemented safety programs and policies, reducing workplace incidents and promoting a culture of safety.
Operations & Project Management
Supervised contractor teams and subcontractors as Contractor Foreman, ensuring timely project execution, quality standards, and safety compliance.
Managed project documentation using QuickBooks, AIA standards, and other project tracking tools to maintain accurate financial and operational records.
Corporate HR Director (Remote/Hybrid) - Gold Tech Industries Tempe AZ 03/2024 to 09/2025
HR Operations & Leadership
Directed all HR operations and payroll processes, acting as a primary liaison between employees and executive leadership.
Led full-cycle recruitment, including job posting, candidate screening, interviews, selection, onboarding, and exit interviews.
Supported workforce planning and organizational decisions, ensuring staffing aligned with business needs.
Oversaw performance management, including employee evaluations, coaching, disciplinary actions, and learning & development initiatives.
Managed California office operations, supervising HR and administrative staff to maintain smooth daily operations.
Payroll & Benefits Administration
Processed weekly payroll for all employees, handling garnishments, PTO accruals, off-cycle runs, 401(k), FSA, and benefits reconciliations.
Maintained HRIS records (Paycom), ensuring accurate employee data, proper documentation, and I-9 compliance.
Administered benefits programs, including health insurance, COBRA, Workers’ Compensation, and retirement plans, ensuring timely enrollments, terminations, and updates.
Responded to inquiries and audits from EDD, IRS, FTB, and other federal and state regulatory agencies.
Compliance, Policies & Procedures
Created and maintained HR and Payroll Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the Employee Handbook, ensuring alignment with federal and state labor laws.
Ensured compliance with all federal, state, and local labor regulations, including payroll and benefits administration, recordkeeping, and reporting.
Coordinated with leadership to implement HR policies and programs that support organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
Special Projects & Global Support
Supported GSO training programs in the U.S., including immigration coordination and housing logistics for international staff.
Provided guidance and oversight on employee relations issues, supporting leadership in conflict resolution and policy enforcement.
HR - EHS & Operations Director - OERC - Phoenix, AZ 07/2020 to 3/2025
HR, EHS & Operations Leadership
Led full-cycle recruitment for hourly, salaried, and temporary roles: developed job descriptions, posted openings, screened candidates, conducted interviews, performed reference checks, and managed onboarding.
Partnered with staffing agencies for temporary labor and supervised temps in coordination with department managers.
Managed employee relations, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, and workplace investigations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws.
Oversaw performance management, including annual reviews, salary adjustments, coaching, and development of high-performing employees.
Administered employee benefits: enrollments, terminations, dependent updates, and open enrollment presentations; processed bi-weekly payroll for all employees.
Developed employee retention initiatives and supported leadership with workforce planning and organizational decisions.
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
Directed safety programs including training, PPE management, audits, incident investigations, and root cause analysis.
Developed SOPs, Job Safety Analyses, and accident prevention programs, ensuring compliance with OSHA and Arizona labor regulations.
Produced labor and overtime reports, and implemented internal training programs to reduce reliance on outside contractors.
Trained employees on forklift operation, machinery use, and workplace safety procedures.
Operations & Logistics Management
Supported daily production operations, ensuring efficient workflow, material handling, and coordination with business leadership.
Oversaw logistics scheduling for inbound/outbound shipments and maintained communication with drivers and logistics teams.
Managed vendor relationships, including uniforms, PPE suppliers, vending services, and onsite vendors.
Human Resources & Safety Director HBG - Phoenix, AZ 05/2016 to 06/2020
HR & Operations Leadership
Directed HR operations across corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, and retail branches in four states (AR, LA, IN, AZ), ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
Developed and improved HR policies, procedures, and programs aligned with company goals and operational needs.
Led company-wide compensation and benefits restructuring for hourly and salaried employees to improve competitiveness and equity.
Partnered with CEO, plant, and retail leadership on workforce planning, supporting short- and long-term staffing strategies.
Managed Workers’ Compensation claims, risk management, and employee support, serving as primary contact for claims resolution.
Built relationships with insurance brokers, benefits providers, and 401(k) advisors, administering retirement plans and auditing invoices, recovering $16,000 in overpaid premiums.
Supervised four HR and safety team members, overseeing Safety and Risk Management programs.
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Development
Led full-cycle recruitment for hourly, salaried, and C-suite positions across multiple operations.
Developed job descriptions, posted openings, partnered with staffing agencies, coordinated interviews, and managed onboarding.
Benefits Administration
Managed health insurance, 401(k), and other employee benefits, conducting open enrollment and benefit education sessions.
Administered the benefits portal for new hire enrollments, terminations, and dependent updates.
Risk Management & Workplace Safety
Directed health and safety programs, including OSHA compliance, new hire safety training, and accident prevention.
Maintained OSHA 300 logs, incident reporting, and conducted safety inspections with actionable recommendations.
Collaborated with local fire and safety authorities to ensure proper training, fire prevention, and permit compliance.
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