Administered employee relations program, providing support for a workforce of 220 employees, including overseeing workplace conflict resolution, policy development and corrective action. Developed strong cross-functional relationships, working closely with all leadership to develop strategic initiatives, create and implement programs and drive ongoing process improvement to boost employee engagement, morale and retention. Developed and implemented policies and procedures for internal communications and conflict resolution. Coordinated with outside providers to deliver training and education for management on employee regulations, including FMLA, ADA and FLSA, as well as disciplinary action, attendances tracking and EEO program compliance. Facilitated in-depth investigations on all employee complaints and conflicts to ensure effective resolution and eliminate the threat of legal issues. Coordinated the defense and case management in collaboration with legal counsel for all discrimination complaints. Developed curriculum/training program to drive professional development and ongoing operations improvement. Revised employee handbook and existing policies to align with business goals and objectives. Designed and created policies and training programs for sexual harassment and on-the-job tasks. Created an exist interview process to track key information and identify reason for high turnover; assessed data and developed action plan to reduce turnover. Developed system for tracking disciplinary action to facilitate the preparation of the Affirmative Action Plan.

Promoted into role to hold full accountability of HR operations for company with 440 employees, including 220 union team members. Actively directed recruitment strategies, onboarding processes and succession planning to support staffing requirements. Administered benefits and claims management for new hires and existing staff. Coordinated and facilitated leadership training on established regulations, standards and guidelines. Prepared and updated all personnel and regulatory records/documentation to ensure compliance with HR and industry regulations. Managed a team of 6 HR and training professionals responsible for the coordination and administration of all HR functions, including payroll, recruitment and selection, benefits administration, recognition events, training and employee relations. Managed the negotiation of 2 collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters Local 901; enforced agreement terms, including no-strike clause, with local Teamsters Union, the first of its kind in Puerto Rico. Agreement led to 99% of workforce reporting to duty during public service strike. Managed company strategy during union representation campaign/petition to the NLRB to organize an additional unit, resulting in union avoidance for the petitioned unit. Developed and implemented expedited grievance resolution process for aged grievances, leading to 92% reduction of filings and significant reduction of legal expenses. Resolved high absentee level by developing an aggressive attendance bonus policy and discipline program, leading to reduction of absenteeism by 40%. Selected to take over the training department, overseeing the complete restructure of training programs to meet development needs. Created training metrics to track training and certifications of all team members. Developed recertification program for 5 different positions to ensure compliance with established regulations.

Led a team of 6 consisting of contract attorney, technical buyer, 2 buyers, supervisor and administrative support responsible for executing the procurement and administration of $52M contracts for goods and services for the Tren Urbano project. Developed and implemented SOPs (Standards Operating Procedures) for contracting and procurement process for parts, materials and services. Evaluated RFP, RFQ, suppliers and contractors for price effectiveness, service level, performance, delivery and quality services. Negotiated and drafted contracts, justified contract award recommendation and issued purchase orders.