Maria Gallardo

I perform as a strategic advisor, senior human capital expert and thought partner to the most creative and talented-technical leadership team. I was recruited to manage risk, compliance, performance management, and improve overall operations and effectiveness to help build a community & culture where employees flourish and grow.

Recruited to support the Chicago-based company expansion to California. Responsible for start-up of new facility and for effectively driving all HR functions including: policy development and administration, staffing, recruiting, compliance, benefits, safety, worker’s compensation, and employee relations. Partner/collaborate with leadership team to align and execute HR strategies in support of business objectives.

Recruited to revamp HR resources and introduce best practices into the distribution center operations. Provided leadership and technical direction to associates and members of the management team. Consult and partner with leadership to develop and implement strategic corporate HR initiatives and best practices that align and helped drive the business strategy with a high emphasis on developing and retaining high performers, as well as organizational effectiveness, operational excellence and employee engagement. Planned and supervised compensation activities. Developed compensation score cards, and administered open enrollment processes and resources. Implemented new HRIS system, developed SOP’s and other training material for the leadership team and corporate office.

My main focus was to support and strengthen the employer-employee relationship through identifying and resolving workplace issues, measuring employee satisfaction and morale through focus groups, and providing support and input to the company's performance management systems. I served as a subject matter expert in day to day employee & labor relations, performance management processes and procedures to support a variety of project initiatives. I led/executed projects contributing to the development of the employee relations and engagement function for the Distribution Center. I led and assisted in developing HR/ER policies, protocols and frameworks to mitigate HR risk across the network. Conducted formal investigations, handled and guided resolution on a variety of complex ER matters across the network. Identified ER-related training needs and deliver ER-related updates/training. Developed and conducted manager training on ER-related topics. Utilized internal and external data to analyze cases/legislation/ER trends; made recommendations and led initiatives to mitigate emerging risk across the network. Administered open enrollment process. Managed annual review and compensation process. Audit and approved merit increases, supervised efficiency of classification systems and provided job descriptions. Assisted with the recruiting for new distribution center. Conducted company-wide audit and restructuring of personnel files.

Ensured that all employment procedures were followed according to Company policy, Teamsters local union and within Federal and State law guidelines. Provided leadership across a wide variety of areas to maximize organizational effectiveness and performance. Assisted with labor relations and union-related matters including the bargaining agreement process. Managed associate development programs, including, interviewing and the selection process for the warehouse and transportation environment. Processed all new hire/on=boarding activities including background checks, testing procedures [physical, ergonomics, etc.] and benefits orientation. Monitor all compensation transactions, including payroll transactions. Developed and executed plan for exiting associates, including WARN notices and compensation plans. Networked with local competitor organization to aid dislocated employees in finding new job opportunities.

Designed new employee benefits and compensation package, established and facilitated new employee activities and sessions. Conducted new hire orientation presentations. Assist in budget reconciliation and other forecasting/planning activities. Revised employee evaluation programs, which allowed room for improvement on identified problems before final evaluation. Prepared confidential material for grievance and other personnel-related meetings. Researched and implemented benefits programs, which allowed employees to design their own benefits packages during annual open enrollment. Assisted with special projects as needed (i.e. job fairs, employee celebrations) and was the primary contact for associated our in the field.

Processed all payroll transactions on a weekly, and bi-weekly basis. Assisted the Vice President and CEO in safety and quarterly meetings. Conducted new hire, health benefit Orientations and handle Workers Compensation Claims. Maintained OSHA log and safety boards. Maintain personnel records, including auditing I-9 records Assisted in answering routine HR questions duties as needed. Responsible for employee activities, budget monitoring, reconciled benefits for finance department.