HERB KINDT
Fort Wayne, IN 46814
Home Phone: 260-***-****
Cell: 260-***-**** http://www.linkedin.com/in/herbkindt ***********@*****.***
GLOBAL HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL
Strategic HR professional credited with developing best-in class programs that have consistently met company objectives. A visionary agent of change with attention to detail and accuracy and a leader with excellent organizational skills having the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization. Outstanding critical thinker with a concentration on developing company culture. Skilled in administration, resource allocation, strategic planning and coordination of people and resources. Qualifications include:
• Benefit creation and implementation • Lean Manufacturing, Kaizan leader
• Bonus & Compensation Development • Contract Negotiations
• Talent Assessment & Succession Planning • Recruiting and Staffing
• Mergers and Acquisitions • Workers Compensation, Health & Safety
TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS
Performed due diligence and risk assessments of acquisitions in the U.S and abroad.
Created benefit programs for employees saving $500,000 the first year.
Developed a succession planning tool and training for the key executives within the company.
Managed 12 Kaizan events bringing supervisors and employees together in work teams to address plant issues and improve productivity by 20%.
Developed and implemented an on line salaried appraisal program for the global operations.
Implemented salaried policies and procedures for a $750 million dollar company including compensation, bonuses, recruiting, benefits, performance appraisals, and education and training for 450 salaried employees.
Planned, recruited, and assembled interviewing teams to hire 250 engineers in 8 months.
Chief Spokesperson for over 20 contract negotiations with the UAW, Machinist and Steelworkers
Worked with the Board of Directors on executive compensation and proxy statements.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC., Bluffton, Indiana 1993 – 2010
A global leader in the manufacture of submersible motors and pumps for use in clean water and fueling systems.
Director, Human Resources 1998 – 2010
Hands on manager working with plants and corporate staffs; 15 facilities globally with more than 3,200 employees. Staff included five professionals and five supports, reporting to the CFO and VP of Administration. Managed benefits, compensation, appraisal, bonus programs and recruiting.
• Performed lean manufacturing events at Corporate to streamline hiring and benefit processes.
• Due diligence and transitioned 3 acquired companies in 5 years increasing market share.
• Managed the closure of five union and non-union facilities in North America moving manufacturing to lower cost countries.
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FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. (Continued)
• Led the executive staff to develop talent assessments and succession planning tools to improve bench strength and identify training needs.
• Successfully managed changes to benefit programs for North American plants for 1,800 employees saving over $500,000 annually.
• Directed the activities of three union plants including grievances, arbitration hearings and negotiations resulting in lower wages, benefits with no slowdowns or work stoppages.
• Developed HR policies for facilities in Europe and new plants in Mexico and China.
• Successfully stopped two union organizing attempts in non-union plants while improving the communications and atmosphere of each facility.
• Chaired the Compensation Committee responsible for presentation to the Board of Directors for compensation changes that were incorporated in the annual reports and proxy statements.
Manager, Human Resources 1993 – 1998
Provided leadership, motivation and inspiration to the Plant Manager and staff to function as a cohesive team for two electric motor plants covering over 800 salaried and hourly employees. Negotiated grievances, arbitration cases, and served as Chief Spokesperson for the Company at the organized plants.
• Facilitated salary and hourly teams on Kaizan events for productivity improvements resulting in reductions of parts and changed sourcing agreements.
• Managed a Conciliation Agreement with the Federal Government avoiding litigation and fines.
• Worked with plant teams on OSHA compliance and plant safety reducing lost time accidents, workers compensation costs, recordables and days away from work.
• Managed the outsourcing of a plant and its 200 employees to a Southern location resulting in major cost reductions.
PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION, Detroit, MI
The world’s largest automotive manufacturer of cars and trucks.
Fast-track promotions through a series of increasingly responsible HR positions. Extensive experience in recruitment, benefits, compensation, and employee relations.
Corporate Manager, Communications, worked with plant teams on improving communications.
Manager, Employee Relations and Benefits and Salaried Compensation, GM Flint Metal Stamping Plant
Administrator, Salaried Compensation and Recruiting, GM Truck & Bus Group
General Supervisor, Employee Benefits
Supervisor, Labor Relations
Production Supervisor, Heavy Duty Truck Line.
EDUCATION & SPECIALIZED TRAINING
MS, Accounting, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
BBS, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan
University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business, HR Executive Seminar
Oakland University, 30 Hours of Journalism Studies
Michigan State, Internal Consultant Seminar