As the Vice President of HR Operations for UniFirst Corporation, my primary focus is on optimizing diverse HR functions to drive organizational growth and success. I enhance operational efficiency by leading HR teams across Benefits, Compensation, Employee Relations, HR Compliance, Payroll, HR Technology, and Data Analytics, ensuring that HR strategies are closely aligned with business objectives.Key Responsibilities:• Drive HR transformation initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.• Lead the integration of HR systems to streamline processes, reduce manual tasks, lower administrative costs, and improve data accuracy.• Design and implement benefit programs that align with organizational goals, fostering employee satisfaction and retention.• Develop and implement new compensation structures and reward systems that align with market rates and enhance employee satisfaction with their compensation.• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws, minimizing compliance-related incidents.

Provided leadership and strategic direction for HR Shared Services teams, overseeing Payroll & HR Technology, Employee Relations, HR Policy and Compliance, and Total Rewards (Benefits & Compensation). Ensured operational excellence and drove collaboration with other HR functions and business stakeholders to align with employee and business needs. Led the professional development of a team of ~30 members, overseeing deliverables and aligning projects with company goals. Delivered HR data and recommendations to leadership, maintained compliance with federal and state laws, and served as the final escalation point for HR operations. Advised leadership on HR matters, established ongoing staff training, and supported company-wide initiatives.

Managed the functions of Employee Relations, Total Rewards, and HR Compliance. Led proactive employee relations initiatives to cultivate high-quality working environments for team members. Supported over 200 field locations nationwide in employee relations, policy application, and general HR matters, recommending effective actions to foster the desired company culture. Developed and implemented a comprehensive companywide benefits strategy, ensuring compliance with local legislation, market practices, and company guidelines. Ensured legal compliance by monitoring and enforcing federal and state human resource requirements, conducting investigations, representing the organization at hearings, and responding to inquiries from agencies such as the DOL, OFCCP, NLRB, and EEOC.

Led the Employee Relations and HR Compliance functions, designing and implementing programs to ensure the consistent application of HR policies, including those related to progressive discipline and terminations. Conducted investigations, providing expert consultation and recommendations for corrective actions in line with company policies, practices, and culture. Regularly reviewed and updated policies to maintain compliance with evolving employment laws. Managed responses to government agency inquiries, including those from the DOL, OFCCP, NLRB, and EEOC, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.

Identified areas of compliance vulnerability and risk, developed and implemented corrective actions plans. Created and maintained an effective compliance communication and training program for the organization. Coordinated all HR related regulatory readiness and compliance activities including collecting, compiling analyzing and preparing reports for HR compliance related data, as well as conducting internal investigations, audits and compliance reviews and recommending appropriate corrective actions and/or process improvements. Ensured consistent application, review and resolution of issues related to conditions of employment. Provided direction, instruction and leadership to the Human Resources department.

Ensured HR compliance in employee relations, equal employment opportunity, Affirmative Action, diversity and compensation. Ensured HR practices were in compliance with regulatory and legal requirements and internal policies and influenced, developed & implemented plans for HR compliance strategies.

Designed, developed, and delivered a variety of training to new and existing employees on job specific skills, professional development, systems, products, policies, and procedures. Managed the Peoplesoft Learning Management System.

Supported the recruiting cycle for all U.S. locations for Outside Sales Representatives as well as all corporate positions. Recruiting methods included web searches, cold calling, generating candidates from job fairs, and outplacement events, college recruiting, and newspaper and internet advertising. Oversaw the internal employee referral program, created internal communication and material to advertise the program. Responded to employee relation situations, facilitated round table discussions and generated reports as needed. Participated in benefit enrollments and presentations at locations concerning LTD, STD, 401K, Profit Sharing, EAP, COBRA, etc.

Conducted candidate interviews, including screening, evaluation, and reference checks. Provided comprehensive support to candidates in resume writing, client presentations, interview preparation, feedback collection, salary and rate negotiations, and contract finalization. Made hiring recommendations and extended job offers. Acted as a liaison with key accounts, line managers, and HR teams to ensure smooth communication. Supported employee relations by mediating between hiring managers and candidates, managing crisis intervention, and resolving issues to maintain positive working relationships.