Neal Gifford, Phr Email & Phone Number

North Chesterfield, Virginia, Us

Richmond, Va, Us

Primary HR Business Partner for corporate office, supply chain, and manufacturing. Responsible for supporting 2,500 associates. Consult directly with senior leadership on employee relations, business trends, SG&A, leadership development, training, recruiting, benefits, and corporate programs for exempt and non-exempt associates.

Work with clients to analyze organizational HR and business opportunities and recommend solutions based on expertise, knowledge, and experience. Consult with leadership teams regarding organizational structure, succession planning, recruiting, leadership development, performance management, retention, and employee engagement.

Glen Allen, Va, Us

Led HR business initiatives for client groups that included Finance, Operations, Manufacturing, Legal, Marketing, Applied Technologies, and Research & Development. Consulted directly with Senior Leadership on team organizational structure, leadership development, succession planning, associate engagement, performance management, retention, SG&A expense and programs to increase profitability.

Mechanicsville, Va, Us

Provided regional HR business support, cultural alignment, and teammate advocacy for approximately 1500 individuals in a multi-state region. Collaborated with General Managers, Area Vice Presidents of Sales and Operations, Regional Vice Presidents and Home Office to provide guidance on leadership development, employee relations, union avoidance, labor relations, and teammate engagement. Consulted with all levels of the organizations to support the achievement of performance goals and business objectives.• Collaborated with sales and operations to develop high performing teams by gaining a comprehensive knowledge of their business, consulting on development opportunities, and creating a cadence of accountability• Reported directly to CEO, COO, SVP General Counsel, and SVP of HR on all activities concerning labor relations, regional leadership assessments, and new business ventures • HR project manager for acquisitions, mergers, and consolidations for supported business region• Monitored business metrics and utilize root causes analysis to quickly resolve concerns and formulate long-term strategies to successfully turn around struggling operations and sales teams• Provided on-going trend analysis regarding teammate engagement issues to key stakeholders• Coordinated talent management and succession planning for supported business region• Advised leadership on state and federal labor laws • Ensured performance management adhered to corporate policy and guidelines• Partnered with legal department on EEOC claims, legal issues and depositions • Provided leadership and development for ten field based HR personnel• Collaborated with the recruiting team to identify high quality sales and leadership candidates• Work closely with Owens & Minor University to develop and deliver leadership and sales curriculum

Guided regional, district, and store staff in resolution of employee relations issues in accordance with all employment laws and Lowe's Open Door policy. Area included two districts totaling 2700+ employees.• Worked with the corporate office as a field based project manager for special projects • Consulted with regional and area leadership to assess management teams and commercial sales teams to identify underperforming areas and create performance improvement plans.• Collaborated with store managers in regards to HR Manager performance issues• Managed recruiting and succession planning efforts for supported areas• Conducted various company training programs as the lead facilitator. Programs include Store Manager Training Program, Human Resources Manager Training Program, Management Training Program Managing Compensation, and Employee Relations• Mentored high potential HR Managers for the Area HR Manager position• Worked with HR Managers and Store Managers to manage payroll and staffing• Supported stores on Employee Engagement Survey process and interpreting

Plano, Tx, Us

Provided human resources support to 1000 non-exempt and 150 exempt employees in 60 branches in a multi-state market.• Worked directly with the corporate office to develop and deliver leadership and sales training• Acted as an international liaison between the domestic business and merging international markets • Advised district, regional, and sales leadership on positive discipline and termination • Prepared position statements for EEOC claims• Oversaw the entire recruiting process for exempt and select non-exempt positions• Administered PDI Talent View 360 and LI+ process for management succession plans • Conducted employee satisfaction surveys and round tables• Project manager for phase one and phase two PeopleSoft implementation and daily management of HRMS database• Investigated and resolved employee relations issues• Provided monthly training focus to managers including union avoidance, performance management, and sexual harassment awareness

Plano, Tx, Us

• Managed and coordinated regional training efforts for 15 branches totaling 300 coworkers• Managed a team of five trainers• Facilitated management classes and executive orientation for corporate office • Assisted with preparation and management of the annual regional training budgets