Sheila O'Connell Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Chicago, Il

Long-term, independent contract to analyze and advise on benefit programs, correct compliance concerns, play a key role in HR system change and act as benefits expert for employees.• Analyze and recommend changes to benefit programs and HR operations business processes.• Brought multiple benefit plans into compliance with both plan documents and government regulations.• Advise on and ensure completion of annual plan testing, EEO reporting and other industry related diversity analysis and reporting.• Work closely with 401(k) record-keeper, internal accounting department and external auditors to ensure successful completion of annual non-discrimination testing, including providing all required data, answering auditors' questions and and correcting any errors.• Created and implemented leave policies.• Played a key role in Workday implementation, including advising on benefit tenant development, conducting all benefit process testing and recommending system changes, partnering with IT to import data, and conducting data audits. Ongoing audit of business processes and data, reporting and training employees on how to use the system.• Revamped Open Enrollment process, including developing employee communications (handouts, videos and instructional text in Workday screens). • Manage day-to-day benefit administration, working closely with Payroll and the benefit plan vendors to ensure enrollments and terminations are processed and maintained accurately.• Ongoing audits of both internal and vendor data and employee on-boarding and off-boarding activity.

Chicago, Il

Direct the HR Function for a sales and service organization consisting of two distinct companies with employees throughout the U.S. and Canada.Direct the benefits for the company, including analyzing usage and making recommendations for changes to the Plans; working with vendors for cost and efficiency savings, and negotiating/implementing new plans.Member of Financial Committee for Company’s 401(k) Plan; meet quarterly to discuss Plan and Fund results, recommend and implement changes.Oversee annual compliance audits and testing for all health and welfare plans.Continual monitoring of health plans as various portions of ACA are enacted. Communicate potential impact to Senior Management and recommended strategies to ensure continued compliance with the ACA.Manage OSHA compliance, including safety training, filing and monitoring worker’s comp claims.Develop/implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ACA and pay practices.Manage the recruitment and onboarding process, including analyzing success of sourcing tools and negotiating with vendors.Investigate and reply to all employee relations concerns, including responding to any EEOC charges or employee demand letters.

Scottsdale, Az & Crestwood, Il

Managed HR function for region consisting of up to 5,500 employees at 142 locations in 13 states. Included both union and non-union employees. Established and maintained strong strategic partnerships across all levels of leadership while ensuring visibility/accessibility to employees.Developed monthly trending analysis on headcount, benefits issues, internal investigations, legal issues. Established root cause analysis and action plans for priority locations to address areas of concern.Managed employee relations, legislative compliance, investigations, agency charges and audits, litigations, benefits, compensation, diversity and recruitment. Designed/implemented human resources policies and procedures, conducted audits to ensure compliance with Company/Federal/State regulations. Collaborated with divisional and district management to develop talent management strategies and succession plans.Developed and delivered training for employees and managers throughout the region.Facilitated/conducted due diligence process for potential acquisitions and/or divestitures.Managed union avoidance, negotiations, grievances, arbitration's.

Chandler, Az

Managed all HR-related activities for a manufacturing plant with approximately 80 employees.Human Resources Manager* Restructured H.R. role making it an integral part of management team, involved in strategic planning.* Developed and published all H.R. policies, including creating Employee Handbook. * Responsible for all employee relations, including development and communication of “soft” benefits to increase morale, such as award and recognition programs, and conducting disciplinary and discharge meetings with employees.* Responsible for all recruiting of exempt and non-exempt positions.* Worked closely with medical and dental TPA’s to ensure proper interpretation and payment of benefits.* Oversaw administration of 401(k) and Profit Sharing plans, including eligibility, enrollment, and member communication.* Coordinated all training, including tracking certification courses completed by employees.* Supervised clerical employees, including directing workload and conducting reviews.* Completed and filed all required government reports, including OSHA 200, Vets 100, and others.

Chicago, Il

* Executed all employee relations for two regions; monitored and resolved employee and government agency charges and disputes, including discrimination and sexual harassment allegations, and wage claims for employee base of 800 to 2000.* Conducted H.R.-related training for all regional and field employees, including new employee orientation, and compliance with all employment laws such as ADA and FLSA, including analyzing and re-writing job descriptions to ensure compliance.* Instrumental in recruiting, hiring, evaluating and setting salaries for all exempt and non-exempt positions; conducted competitive salary surveys for the Midwest and Southeast Regions.* Supervised clerical staff and evaluated field managers’ adherence to H.R. policies and procedures.