Ariela Harris, Chrp Email & Phone Number

Worcester, Ma Usa / Head Office Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada

Initially engaged to complete a 6-week HR inventory contract; demonstrated success with this mandate led to full-time Director of Human Resources role (work remotely from Massachusetts). Oversee all HR functions for over 400 employees, including review and administration of compensation, benefits, recruitment, and strategic policies. Advise and influence executive leadership team, identify opportunities for efficiencies and cost-savings, and align HR business plans with organizational objectives. Directly supervise an HR Manager and an HR consultant.• Implemented new assessment tool to drastically improve recruitment process and business intelligence capabilities; replaced existing, costly profiling system that was failing to provide actionable data. Also established a team member referral program to enhance recruitment outcomes.• Introduced a leadership development program that delivers 1-on-1 coaching for 9 high-potential employees and other critical resources struggling to meet expectations.• Activated existing HRMS (HCM – Epicore module) that was severely underutilized for 3 years, to maximize efficiency.

Toronto, Canada Area

Directed all HR functions, including introducing the first formalized HR infrastructure, specifically a formal recruitment, talent retention and on-boarding process and a pay-for-performance incentive plan; I specialized in total compensation, benefits, staff communication and employee support and provided expert advice to senior leadership reflecting the overall alignment of strategic goals. Key Highlights:- Recognized with a “Workplace Health & Benefits Award 2012” from Benefits Canada 14 months into my tenure as VP, Human Resources.- Identified and implemented a leadership development program to strengthen best practices in process improvement, change management and team engagement.- Reduced driver turnover by 36%, from 68% to just 32%, and improved front-line retention by 35%. - Implemented a formal drug/alcohol testing and pre-employment screening process.- Introduced a simplified compensation and benefits program, streamlined bonus/payroll processes and identified the need for a seamless core database.

Rochester, New York Area

Designed and implemented procedures to align HR initiatives with overall business goals. Addressed compliance gaps after integrating three companies into one organization. Supervised team of 14. Key highlights: - Spearheaded the amalgamation, from an HR function, of three separate entities; established new policies, streamlined processes, and supported 1800 employees in this transition to ensure seamless cohesion and provide a voice for all team members. - Realized a cost savings of more than $4 million through the redesign and integration of an overall health benefits program with a focus on common offerings.- Implemented a single payroll platform, realizing a cost savings of $150,000.- Formalized and implemented a new recruitment and talent retention process.- Engaged in effective change management through purposeful communication and collaborative sessions that encouraged employee engagement.

Calgary, Canada Area

Provided outstanding contributions on the senior leadership team, developing HR strategies for operations across Canada. Delivered HR services to 1,800 employees and directly supervised team of 18. Key Highlights: - Restructured a comprehensive flexible benefits program, securing a three-year, fixed-term contract resulting in an overall savings of $1.1 million.- Achieved a $900,000 cost savings, and eliminated significant risk and liability within a corporate-wide vehicle program.- Played a pivitol role in the realignment of priorities from an HR function in connection to a late (and costly) ERP implementation; through careful restructuring of key players project was completed successfully in just six months. My promotion to VP, Human Resources to the company’s US subsidiary was largely due to my performance on this project. - Implemented a “pay-for-performance” based compensation program tied to EBITDA, Safety, Operational Effectiveness, and Retention and Customer Service. - Positively drove culture of change management, skillfully recruiting personnel for 60 newly created positions and positively navigated the exit of 184 staff in four regions.

Key member of the executive team challenged with developing and directing HR strategies for operations nationwide. Acted as a trusted advisor to senior management of all business units, offering guidance within leadership issues, employee/labor relations, organizational design, succession planning, career development, performance management, compensation and benefits. Served as the HR lead within the RFP process. Ensured compliance with legislation and ensured all HR requirements were seamlessly processed. Directly supervised 11 team members. • Participated in successful RFP bids including, a WSI contract involving 350 employees and a Telus contract with 130 employees.• Drove a 30% reduction in turnover, achieving an overall savings of $300,000 in recruitment costs; streamlined hiring process resulting in an average 33 days to fill vacant positions. • Transformed HR functions to achieve administrative cost savings of $180,000; refocused line managers on key accountability, and developed a total compensation program.• Collaborated with the CEO and President to design and deploy an organizational structure in support of the strategic plan, and co-led labor negotiations with BCGEU, achieving ratification in 2008.• Developed and spearheaded a corporate-wide e-performance measurement program, partnering with leadership to establish measureable goals designed to reflect the organization’s key strategic objectives.• Retained accountability for the entire HR operation upon the departure of the VP of Human Resources.

Toronto, Canada Area

Held various roles during my tenure from Operations to Human Resources in multiple divisions of the bank, including Discount Brokerage.

Certified Human Resources Professional (Chrp)

Human Resources - Honours List, Post-Diploma Human Resources Management