Laura McFarland

• Monitored and updated employee information in payroll system to add changes in salary, bonuses and deductions.
• Responded to employee inquiries to provide assistance with payroll-related questions.
• Calculated deductions and processed payroll for employees.
• Uploaded time records into computer system and made adjustments to create accurate database for payroll processing function.
• Developed and managed the HR department, overseeing seven direct reports, and performed all HR functions, including performance evaluations, employee engagement programs, and conflict resolution.
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• Managed payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
• Collaborated with management to identify skill gaps, implemented talent development initiatives, and ensured occupational health and safety compliance.

• Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
• Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational practices
• Monitored and handled employee claims involving performance-based and harassment incidents.
• Built the HR department, leading a team of seven in all HR tasks, including talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management.
• Spear headed and implemented the HRIS system with limited time
• Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations, minimizing financial discrepancies through detailed program management.
• Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback.
• Implemented performance reviews and motivational strategies to elevate HR team results.
• Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires, bolstering employee job position knowledge and skillset.
• Recruited top talent to maximize profitability.
• Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
• Collaborated with legal and compliance teams to review paperwork, obtain feedback, and procure available information for new training processes.

• Collaborated with union representatives, fostering positive relationships, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, and resolving labor disputes to ensure harmonious working conditions.
• Implemented comprehensive HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) to streamline HR processes, manage employee data efficiently, and generate reports for informed decision-making.
• Developed and spearheaded safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring compliance with health regulations and promoting a safe work environment for employees.
• Delivered operational HR services, including new joiner processes, internal transfers, payroll and benefits enrollment, and policy inquiries, contributing to continual process improvement and system enhancement.
• Led the Talent Acquisition function, overseeing recruitment processes and executing the annual manpower plan, ensuring a seamless recruitment and selection process.
• Extracted and analyzed HR metrics from HRIS, presenting reports and evaluations to facilitate informed organizational decision-making and HR strategy development.
• Provided guidance and coaching to managers on employee relations matters, conducting effective investigations and leading resolution initiatives.
• Developed and analyzed key performance indicators, enabling the measurement and monitoring of HR effectiveness and initiative impacts.
• Supported organizational leadership in change management processes, effectively communicating policy changes and procedural updates to stakeholders.
• 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.
• Identified HR training needs and conducted training for employees and leadership while recommending approaches to effect continual improvements in business objectives, productivity, and within company to reach business goals.
• Advised senior management on organizational development and change management initiatives.
• Conducted employee surveys and interviews to evaluate employee engagement and job satisfaction levels.
• Collaborated closely with internal teams to develop and implement successful human resources systems and processes.
• Integrated talent management process to include detailed analysis of potential talent gaps and development of career plans to identify and retain current talent and attract outside talent to business.
• Developed and maintained relationships with recruitment agencies, industry professionals and government agencies for successful recruitment efforts.
• Investigated and liaised with legal department to respond to complaints of harassment, discrimination, employee grievances, and other sensitive issues and prepared position statements for EEOC.
• Maintained confidential nature of employee and company proprietary and privileged information used or observed in course of performing job duties.
• Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.

• Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
• Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
• Coordinated employee grievances and disputes in timely and professional manner by finding constructive solutions.
• Monitored and handled employee claims involving performance-based and harassment incidents.
• Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations, minimizing financial discrepancies through detailed program management.
• Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback.
• Implemented performance reviews and motivational strategies to elevate HR team results.
• Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires, bolstering employee job position knowledge and skillset.
• Organized and led staff orientation programs and training to promote collaboration.
• Used technologically relevant digital systems to manage payroll and benefits programs.
• Enhanced team workflows and employee job satisfaction by coordinating communication between managers and employees.
• Developed comprehensive process for new hires and reviewed new hire productivity, optimizing onboarding effectiveness.
• Instructed senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.

• Provided strategic leadership in managing HR functions, including the development and implementation of HR strategies and policies to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Fostered positive relations with union representatives, actively engaging in collective bargaining negotiations and labor relations to ensure a collaborative and harmonious work environment.
• Spearheaded health and safety initiatives, implementing comprehensive safety procedures and training programs to comply with regulatory standards, fostering a culture of workplace safety.
• Managed team-wide communications, ensuring cross-departmental awareness and collaboration among various business units.
• Oversaw and facilitated the recruitment processes, ensuring staffing objectives aligned with business needs, fostering diversity and inclusion in talent acquisition strategies.
• Managed and enhanced the performance management system, resulting in improved employee performance and alignment with company goals.
• Conducted job analyses and supported management in job evaluation and pay decision processes, ensuring equity and consistency across the organization.
• Played a key role in leadership development, succession planning, and workforce management strategies in anticipation of emerging business needs.

• Implemented robust safety systems and procedures, fostering a culture of workplace safety and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Resulted in a significant reduction in workplace incidents.
• Successfully led the implementation of a comprehensive HRIS system, streamlining HR processes, managing employee data efficiently, and generating insightful reports for informed decision-making.
• Played a pivotal role in managing union relationships, actively participating in negotiations, handling grievances, and collaborating on collective bargaining agreements, ensuring smooth labor relations.
• Oversaw and managed semi-monthly payroll processes, collaborating closely with the Financial Controller to ensure accurate salary forecasting and adherence to budgetary constraints.
• Conducted training needs assessments and delivered tailored training programs addressing safety, compliance, and HRIS utilization, enhancing employee knowledge and skills across departments.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement engaging employee programs, fostering a positive work environment and boosting employee morale.
• Conducted complex employee relations investigations, ensuring fair and equitable resolutions and compliance with labor laws and internal policies.

Managed and fostered positive relationships with union representatives, actively engaging in negotiations, handling grievances, and contributing to the development and maintenance of collective bargaining agreements.

Led the design and implementation of robust safety programs and procedures, significantly reducing workplace incidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Conducted regular safety audits and training sessions to promote a safe work environment.

Oversaw payroll processes, ensuring accurate and timely payroll administration for all employees. Collaborated with finance and HR teams to streamline payroll procedures, improving efficiency and accuracy.

Initiated and executed comprehensive training programs addressing safety protocols, payroll processes, and HRIS utilization, enhancing staff competencies and ensuring compliance across the organization.

Facilitated employee engagement initiatives, including recognition programs and team-building activities, contributing to a positive workplace culture and heightened employee satisfaction.

Managed complex employee relations matters, conducting thorough investigations and providing guidance to resolve disputes in line with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Collaborated with department heads to identify training needs and implement professional development programs, contributing to career growth and skill enhancement for employees.

• Implemented an effective HRIS system, optimizing data management processes, and enhancing operational efficiency within the HR department.
• Designed and conducted comprehensive safety training programs, ensuring strict adherence to health and safety regulations, including COVID-19 safety protocols, resulting in a considerable reduction in workplace incidents.
• Orchestrated and facilitated various HR events, workshops, and business offsite gatherings, fostering a collaborative and engaging work environment.
• Managed the complete HR operations and administration, overseeing the employee lifecycle and compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Conducted comprehensive training needs assessments, developing and delivering tailored training programs that contributed to skill enhancement and professional development.
• Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback.
• Implemented performance reviews and motivational strategies to elevate HR team results.
• Organized and led staff orientation programs and training to promote collaboration.
• Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communications.

- Provided comprehensive HR advice and guidance to managers and employees, ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures for an ethical and compliant work environment.

- Conducted assessments to identify organization-wide training needs, addressing skill gaps and facilitating skill development initiatives.

- Evaluated HR programs, recommending changes to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness, subsequently improving overall productivity.

- Designed and executed team performance workshops and organized business offsite events, fostering team collaboration and productivity.

- Prepared reports and performed basic analysis, aiding HR management in decision-making processes and strategic planning.

- Implemented and maintained HR monitoring and reporting systems to track staffing needs, ensuring current and future organizational requirements were met effectively.

- Offered counsel on HR policies and procedures, collective bargaining, and union agreements, supporting smooth business rollouts.

- Collaborated with stakeholders, contributing to staffing structures, job design, and workforce planning for future business needs.

- Advised on staffing structures and effective job design, optimizing workforce planning strategies for current and future staffing requirements.

- Ensured fair and consistent application of the Salary Review process in alignment with company compensation and benefits guidelines.

- Provided guidance to leaders, managers, and employees regarding HR policies, procedures, collective bargaining, and union agreements.

- Orchestrated recruitment activities, including job postings, career fairs, and applicant screenings, cultivating a rich talent pipeline and reinforcing company culture.

- Training Management: Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs using varied instructional techniques, enhancing employee skills and knowledge.

- Policy Development: Spearheaded the development and execution of HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational goals and standards.

- Benefits Administration: Managed comprehensive benefits programs, evaluating market intelligence to align reward structures with industry trends and company goals.

- Meeting Management: Orchestrated and facilitated impactful meetings, ensuring effective communication, engagement, and collaboration among diverse teams.

- Leadership Communication: Acted as a change expert, overseeing HR-related changes, and ensuring clear and effective communication across all levels of the organization.

• Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
• Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
• Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
• Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.