Vanessa D. Barragan
Chula Vista
Summary
Dynamic HR leader with a proven track record at Active Apparel Group, excelling in strategic workforce planning and employee engagement. Expert in benefits administration and compliance, I drive organizational success through innovative policy design and conflict resolution, fostering a culture of inclusivity and high performance.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Human Resources
Active Apparel Group
Culver City
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Served as HR leader for 50+ employees, directing full HR operations, compliance, and organizational strategy.
- Developed and implemented HR policies, including COVID-19 protocols and updates to the employee handbook.
- Oversaw benefits programs, 401(k), open enrollment, COBRA, and leave management (PDL, CFRA, and FMLA).
- Directed payroll operations for exempt and non-exempt staff; conducted audits and ensured compliance.
- Guided employee relations, performance reviews, and investigations to ensure fair and consistent practices.
- Partnered with leadership on compensation adjustments, promotions, and workforce planning.
- Managed recruiting, onboarding, and training programs, building pipelines for key roles.
- Directed employee engagement initiatives including company events, recognition programs, and culture-building activities.
Human Resources Manager (Contract)
Milani Cosmetics
Culver City
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Supported full-cycle HR, onboarding, benefits, and compliance for a fast-paced cosmetics company.
- Assisted with open enrollment, I-9 audit, and HR policy updates.
- Partnered with leadership on talent acquisition, interviewing, and workforce planning.
Human Resources Manager
DreamEast Pictures
Los Angeles
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Directed HR functions including onboarding, benefits administration, employee relations, and compliance.
- Advised leadership on staffing strategies and policy implementation.
- Partnered with payroll manager to oversee bi-weekly payroll processing.
- Developed and delivered employee engagement and retention initiatives.
HR Generalist (Contract)
Buchalter
Los Angeles
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Administered onboarding, payroll reconciliation, and compliance audits.
- Supported HR projects and maintained employee records and benefits administration.
HR Generalist
United Talent Agency
Beverly Hills
01.2010 - 01.2017
- Managed HR operations for 1,000+ employees, including onboarding, employee relations, and compliance.
- Oversaw benefits, payroll, and HRIS reporting.
- Supported workforce planning, promotions, and compensation reviews.
- Conducted new hire orientations and training.
Education
Associate - General Education Studies
Southwestern Community College
Skills
- Strategic HR Leadership
- Workforce Planning
- Employee Relations
- Conflict Resolution
- Talent Acquisition
- Retention Strategies
- Benefits Administration
- Compensation Administration
- Payroll Management
- HRIS Systems
- Organizational Development
- Culture Building
- DEI Initiatives
- Employee Engagement
- Policy Design
- Compliance
- Risk Mitigation
- M&A HR Integrations
- Change Management
- MS Office
- Payroll Systems
- Benefits Systems
Professional Development
Extensive HR Professional Seminars & Training, 05/01/10 - 06/01/25
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Active Apparel Group
01.2020 - 01.2025
Human Resources Manager (Contract)
Milani Cosmetics
01.2019 - 01.2020
Human Resources Manager
DreamEast Pictures
01.2018 - 01.2019
HR Generalist (Contract)
Buchalter
01.2017 - 01.2018
HR Generalist
United Talent Agency
01.2010 - 01.2017
Associate - General Education Studies
Southwestern Community College