Tapped to lead organization through a period of national growth and expansion due to acquisition of Chiquita Brands International and all associated entities. Proactively partnered with leadership team to identify causes of retention and turnover issues, provided recommendations and solutions for employee retention and vacancies. Improved benefit programs within 90 days by directly negotiating new contracts with providers and expanding services provided to employees, resulting in an overall cost reduction to employees and employer.• Restructured HR department and successfully transitioned payroll from Finance to HR department oversight resulting in streamlined processes and reduced overall costs of payroll processing by 20%. • Led HRIS initiative to optimize use of Workday for HR / operations / management teams; identified opportunities for efficiencies in Workday business process use inclusive of bonus calculation / payment, HCM transactions (hire, termination, job change), as well as integrations to third party providers (benefits, 401k, payroll). • Created reporting / metrics for operations and executive leadership use in the areas of: headcount, turnover analysis, retention, staffing levels, PTO usage, meal & break period compliance. • Conducted review of compliance with all state and federal regulations impacting organization; partnered directly with general counsel to identify potential compliance issues and provide resolution. Directly responsible for all legal matters regarding union and non-union employee relations issues,• Fully manage all workers compensation programs to ensure compliance with all state regulations; established quarterly review process for all W/C claims resulting in reduction of funds allotted for self-insured workers compensation plan.• Responsible for negotiations / grievances / mediation / arbitration of all union contracts; successfully negotiated renewal of three union contracts within first 120 days of employment.

Selected to guide organization through a period of rapid growth and development. Strategically partnered with Finance / IT / Operations and integrated HR into all aspects of the business. Reorganized HR operations, systems and programs, inclusive of a new timekeeping system and HRIS upgrade. Created talent acquisition department, developed centralized recruitment processes and implemented applicant tracking system; secured visas and work permits. Built cohesive HR / payroll team and developed standard processes for all employee transactions, resulting a significant reduction in litigation and compliance issues. Administered benefit programs, HR budget, 401(k) and ESPP program, risk management, employee relations. • Successfully transitioned payroll from Finance to HR department oversight resulting in organizational efficiency and reduced overhead costs; renegotiated ADP contract resulting in $250k savings.• Implemented numerous programs / systems designed to reduce costs / improve compliance, inclusive of garnishment program, applicant tracking (Navicus & iCIMS), learning management system, unemployment claims program, employment verification system, benefit enrollment portal, and employee self-service portals. • Rolled out new timekeeping system with ADP (TimeSaver) and upgraded to new HRIS system; support venues using Kronos and E-Time.• Through aggressive negotiation, reduced benefit costs by $500k while increasing employee coverage; implemented employee wellness program paid for in full by benefit providers.• Successfully negotiated union contract(s) in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania; successfully defended the organization in all NLRB legal actions. • Rolled out Affordable Care Act programs, aggressively prepared for health care reform by developing look back reporting 2 years before ACA enacted. • Developed risk management audit program resulting in $400k refund from Workers Compensation carrier.

Brought on board to the Patina Restaurant Group to be a strategic partner within the newly formed company. Guided the startup and management of a full spectrum of HR operations, systems and programs, inclusive of a new HRIS and Payroll system. Created HR policies and procedures along with employee handbook(s); recruitment of department heads, COO, CFO; established group benefits programs; developed orientation, training and incentive programs. Developed staff to manage leave-of-absence programs and personnel records; administered benefits enrollment and programs; administered HR budget; and handled class action lawsuit issue(s). International recruitment and business development inclusive of H1-B, L1 and O1 visas for foreign workers. Established Risk Management Department with significant reduction in Workers Compensation and General Liability costs.• Structured and implemented programs and policies in the areas of training, compensation scales, benefit packages, incentives and new-employee orientation.• Rolled out new payroll system with ADP and introduced new HRIS system. Developed processes and programs for HR Administration.• Fostered a teamwork/open-door environment conducive to positive dialogue across the organization. • Successfully negotiated Union contract(s) in California, Florida and New York.• Reduced workers’ compensation incidents and expenses through program(s) initiated to reduce injuries. • Reduced benefits costs through structured accounting programs and aggressive negotiation(s) of coverage cost.• Wrote employee handbook(s) and Policy & Procedure Manual covering all relevant issues including ,but not limited to, disciplinary procedures, code of conduct, FMLA policy and benefits information.• Initiated company’s formal performance review program for management and hourly team members. Developed succession planning program for operations.

Recruited to be part of new company, Real Mex Restaurants, and successfully transitioned team members into one unified culture from the blending of (2) separate business cultures. Worked with senior management to create HR policies and procedures; recruit employees and develop orientation, training and incentive programs. Oversaw commissary facility with national transportation on all aspects of HR issues and state / federal regulations. • Created team of HR Managers, Recruiters and HR Representatives for a newly formed company. Structured and implemented programs and policies in the areas of training and development, incentives and new-employee orientation.• Coaching and counseling of team members on legal issues State/Federal laws and all issues involving State and Federal agencies. Reduced exposure and litigation consistently fiscal year to fiscal year.• Created, implement, and conducted seminars for field management, corporate personnel and hourly team members in areas as sexual harassment, wage and hours laws performance management interviewing techniques/recruiting, and diversity training.• Developed paperless documentation storage solution companywide reducing overhead costs.• Reduction of management and hourly team member turnover through proactive training, development, conflict resolution, and recruitment top talent.• Interfaced with benefits department for legal and processing support, streamlined processes reducing overhead costs.• Reengineered company’s performance review program and merit increase processes.• HRIS development and support for upgrade to ADP Enterprise system. Lead team member of transition task force for HRIS system implementation and payroll system implementation.

• Recruitment for all areas and aspects of field management, multi-unit management, • Created, implement, and conducted seminars on HR topics.• Responsible for all investigation on employee relations issues reducing legal costs by proactive management.• Opening team member for all new restaurant openings• Maintained compliance with all labor codes, represented company on DOL and DLSE issues.• Facilitate annual performance reviews and merit increases.• Responsible for the directing, training and development of human resources managers.• Conduct security investigations and risk management investigations.