career objective                                           

results-driven human resources manager and mba candidate eager to contribute superior leadership, team building, and communication skills toward supporting the employer in optimizing operational and financial performance

profile                                                              

ø  offer 12 years of progressive human resources management experience in unionized manufacturing plant environments, with expertise in policy and procedure development and administration, recruitment and staff development, employee and labor relations, salary and benefits administration, performance and safety management, regulatory compliance, and grievances / claims management

ø  thorough understand of complex employment laws and regulations, including those under aap, ada, cobra, eeo, erisa, flsa, and fmla; extensive experience successfully representing the employer in  unemployment hearings, workers compensation trials, and discrimination/harassment cases

ø  author corporate policies, prepare job descriptions, implement new procedures, and lead strategic change initiatives

ø  demonstrated ability to recruit, hire, train, and retain top-performing employees at all levels; strategically plan and coordinate workflow and human resources for optimal coverage while containing labor costs

ø  dynamic communication, presentation,  and relationship management skills; facilitate internal communications regarding career opportunities, benefits, employee relations issues, and corporate culture

ø  strong technical proficiencies including ms office (word, excel, powerpoint, outlook), ultipro, peoplesoft, metlink, and sap (talent management)

 

~ key achievements ~

• in recognition of outstanding performance, steadily progressed within leading manufacturer of folding cartons and consumer packaging to attain position entrusted with full responsibility for all human resources functions for more than 250 unionized employees
• cut workers compensation costs by 35% in 2009 by aggressively enforcing corporate policies, implementing safety incentive program, and conducting extensive training activities
• developed and led the union/management team, negotiated union labor contracts, and administrated the grievance process for afl-cio unions; reduced 2008 grievances by 48% to ly through partnership with union committee     
• investigated and drafted responses to eeoc, osha complaints, human rights, and harassment charges leading to no-fault judgment or dismissals for all 10 filed charges throughout tenure with graphic packaging; additionally researched and provided testimony in 6 arbitrations, 5 of which were awarded to the company
• earned a score of 92% on the corporate gpi hr audit for graphic packaging s carol stream facility
• reduced probationary period turnover rate by 30% by implementing behavior based interviewing approach to improve candidate selection
• as a member of the kaizen continuous improvement team, coordinated multiple 5s kaizen events and developed lean manufacturing-based standard operating procedures
• played integral role in attaining iso-9001 certification through ensuring compliance of documentation and training
• successfully implemented 3 distinct benefits models in 4-year timeframe; administered all employee benefits and welfare programs
• improved workforce cost efficiencies and location profitability by implementing job classification changes, ada-compliant job descriptions, new personnel policies, and staff training programs
• reduced 2002-2003 osha recordables by 75% to ly with the establishment of a highly effective safety committee; additionally implemented the company s first safety handbook and served on central region safety action team

 

continued                            

steven laing                                                                                                                                                                                           page 2

 

professional experience                            

graphic packaging international inc. (formerly altivity packaging), carol stream, il                        2001 c present

human resources manager (2004 c present)

human resources generalist / safety coordinator (2001 c 2004)                                                                                                

 

ach foods (formerly unilever bestfoods), summit, il                                                                      1998 c 2001

human resources assistant / safety coordinator

education                                                          

north central college, naperville, il                                                                   anticipated graduation insert date

studies towards master of business administration c 3.58 gpa

western illinois university, macomb, il                                                                                                        1995
bachelor of science in insert major

 

~ professional development & certifications ~

certified hr and safety auditor ~ standard first aid, aed, and cpr certification ~ 

osha 15/30 hour safety certification ~ osha 300 log recordkeeping ~

ssscc sponsored safe leadership training ~ safety facilitation / coordination ~ accident investigation ~ workman s compensation administration ~ eeo / aap program compliance ~

hr compliance auditor (gpi-2008) ~ customerone train the trainer ~ effective technical writing

 

~ professional affiliations ~

member, human resources management association of chicago (hrmac)                                  1999 c present

member, national safety council (nsc)                                                                                       2001 c present

 

 

 

 

 

                                                               

 

 

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hiring agent name

title

company name

address

city/state/zip code

 

dear__________________:

 

i am currently seeking a challenging career opportunity in a human resources management capacity and am submitting my resume for your review.  in advance, thank you for your time and consideration.

 

as demonstrated in the accompanying resume, my professional qualifications include extensive hr and safety management experience, with a solid record of effectively managing hiring and staff performance, labor and union relations, legal issues, and salary and benefits package design and administration.  i excel at analyzing operational performance to identify areas for improvement, and am adept at performing in multiple capacities to attain across-the-board results.  my depth of knowledge regarding employment law and strong communication skills have consistently proven instrumental in my ability to represent corporate interests while maintaining a highly efficient and stable workforce.  to complement this background, i am currently working towards my mba and have completed substantive professional development.

 

as an employee, you will find me to be a devoted team player committed to supporting you in achieving your objectives through superior performance.  i am confident that i could be a valuable asset to your organization, and look forward to interviewing with you in the near future.

 

sincerely,

 

 

 

 

steve laing