Trina McDowell
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Experienced HR professional with expertise in recruitment, employee relations, compliance, performance management, and talent development. Proven track record of designing and executing HR strategies aligned with business objectives, driving employee engagement, and fostering a positive work environment. Committed to staying current with industry trends and best practices. Strong interpersonal skills for building lasting relationships at all levels, ensuring effective communication and successful adoption of HR programs and policies. Dedicated to creating thriving environments, prioritizing collaboration, strategic planning, and ethical decision-making to proactively address organizational challenges while prioritizing employee well-being and business success.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Human Resources
Westside Neighborhood School
05.2023 - Current
- - Led comprehensive HR initiatives at WNS, encompassing recruitment, onboarding, employee benefits administration, and compliance with local, state, and federal employment regulations, ensuring a supportive and legally compliant workplace environment.
- - Successfully managed the implementation and maintenance of the HRIS system (Paycom), enhancing employee engagement through streamlined processes for benefits enrollment, payroll, and personnel queries.
- - Developed and executed effective onboarding programs and new employee orientations, fostering a seamless acclimation process that aligns with the school’s mission of nurturing diverse talents.
- - Collaborated with senior staff and legal counsel to effectively address sensitive disciplinary matters, prioritizing the school’s best interests while maintaining confidentiality and fairness.
- - Maintained detailed knowledge of relevant labor laws (FLSA, FMLA, ERISA), consistently updating policies and procedures to meet compliance standards and protect the organization from potential liabilities.
- - Spearheaded the annual review and update of the Employee Handbook, ensuring clarity on policies and alignment with current laws and best practices in human resources management.
- - Monitored and tracked employee leave requests, including worker's compensation and FMLA claims, providing guidance and support to staff while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations.
- - Conducted workplace investigations and conflict resolution processes, employing strong interpersonal skills to mediate disputes and foster a harmonious work environment.
- - Engaged in continuous professional development through industry conferences and training, enhancing HR expertise and implementing best practices within the organization.
- - Demonstrated strong organizational and project management skills by handling multiple HR functions simultaneously, effectively supporting the school's mission and enhancing overall employee satisfaction.
- Devised hiring and recruitment policies for 160 employee company.
Human Resources Manager
Set Active
07.2022 - 05.2023
- Assessed then-current recruitment, onboarding, training, communication and evaluation processes/programs for effectiveness; wrote gap analysis and timeline to address most critical areas of need first
- Met with company leaders, manager and employee regularly to get their views, backgrounds and needs assessment for the company
- Inserted myself personally into talent processes so as to best assess and address areas in need of improvement
- Investigate, evaluate and address employee grievances/claims within a leadership position to improve processes for the future
- Calibrate activities of the HR team as needed maximize service level across departments
- Implemented Job Fairs, tracking system for job vacancies, and recruitment and interview guides
- Implemented performance evaluation program
- Maintain HR regulatory compliance by organizing all record retention; utilized compliance tools to analyze and address deficiencies to mitigate risks
- Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Maintained accurate HR records in compliance with applicable laws, ensuring efficient data retrieval when required.
- Devised hiring and recruitment policies for 50-75-employee company.
Market Director/ People Operations
Jenny Craig
06.2019 - 07.2022
- Company Overview: Centers in Central and West Los Angeles/ Orange County ($10M in sales)
- Responsibilities - Staffing selection, Training Development and Performance Management, Business activity, strategic direction and meeting revenue and profitability targets
- Created Smart Action Plans
- Created Training Programs to improve employee retention and implemented recognition programs to improve morale productivity
- Mentored Coached and Developed 4 team members to Center Director Role
- Consistent Year over Year Sales increase of 20%
- Selected by senior leadership to pilot technology program to enhance the client experience
- Centers in Central and West Los Angeles/ Orange County ($10M in sales)
District Manager / People Operations
Payless Shoe Source
01.1998 - 06.2022
- Company Overview: 34 stores in Santa Barbara and the San Fernando Valley ($30M in sales)
- Provided leadership, direction, coaching, and support to a team of 200
- Through mentoring and coaching developed a group leader (6 stores within the district) for promotion to DM (District Manager)
- Developed and promoted 2 store managers and 6 high-potential assistant store managers internally
- Hand-picked to on-board, train, and develop new district managers from all across the region
- Lead the district from 10th to 2nd in the region (12 districts) on the overall performance scorecard
- Improved from 10th to the top 5 in the region for sales vs budget and comp sales performance
- Lead Customer Satisfaction scores from 75 to 84% - highest in the region and entire zone
- Lead district's average units-per-transaction to the top 2 in the region
- Rated as 'clearly exceeds expectations (top level) on the performance review in my very first year
- 34 stores in Santa Barbara and the San Fernando Valley ($30M in sales)
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management And Marketing
University of Phoenix - With Honors
Los Angeles, CAAssociate of Arts - Business Management and Computer Science
Riverside Community College
HR Certification-SHRM CP - Human Resources
Society For Human Resource Management
Coursework Certification of Completion - Human Resources
University of Lavern
La Verne, CASkills
- Recruiting & Retention
- Mentoring
- Training & Development
- Performance Management
- Leadership Development
- Building Dynamic Teams
- Employee Relations
- Diversity Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Consultation
- Startup
- People Soft (PMP)
- Ulti Pro (UKG)
- Kronos
- Salesforce
- Interpersonal Skills
- Coaching
- Communication
- Microsoft Suite
- Benefits administration
- HR policies and procedures
Personal Information
Title: Human Resource Manager
Professional Development
- Franklin-Covey and Senn-Delaney Including: Four Roles of Leadership
- Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
- 4 Disciplines of Leadership
- Team Building
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Westside Neighborhood School
05.2023 - Current
Human Resources Manager
Set Active
07.2022 - 05.2023
Market Director/ People Operations
Jenny Craig
06.2019 - 07.2022
District Manager / People Operations
Payless Shoe Source
01.1998 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Science - Business Management And Marketing
University of Phoenix - With Honors
Associate of Arts - Business Management and Computer Science
Riverside Community College
HR Certification-SHRM CP - Human Resources
Society For Human Resource Management
Coursework Certification of Completion - Human Resources
University of Lavern
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