Aderet (Addie) Polanco
Redlands,CA
Summary
- Experienced HR leader with 15+ years of expertise in employee relations, compliance, and workforce development, recognized for driving strategic HR initiatives that enhance retention, engagement, and organizational performance. Core competencies include:
- HR leadership experience driving improvements in staff recruitment, retention, employee engagement, and succession planning.
- Proven record of streamlining HR processes, enhancing workforce safety, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.
- Skilled in resolving complex employee disputes, arbitrations, and claims while fostering a positive, inclusive workplace culture.
- Strong communicator with experience coaching managers, developing high-performance teams, and leading large-scale HR initiatives that improve morale, satisfaction, and productivity.
- Adept at aligning HR strategies with business objectives to support growth and operational success.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Business Partner
TriMark USA LLC
Irvine, CA
10.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented employee engagement initiatives to enhance workforce morale.
- Collaborated with management to align HR strategies with business objectives.
- Facilitated talent acquisition processes, ensuring alignment with organizational culture and needs.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in employee development programs.
- Provided coaching and support to leadership on effective people management practices.
- Managed complex employee relations issues to promote a healthy workplace culture.
- Identified HR training needs and conducted training for employees and leadership while recommending approaches to effect continual improvements in business objectives, productivity, and within company to reach business goals.
West Coast HR Business Partner, Operations & Retail
GOAT GROUP
Los Angeles, CA
01.2022 - 09.2025
- Partner with legal counsel to design and implement ADA accommodation policies, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Led transition to a new leave of absence platform, overseeing testing, rollout, and HR team adoption.
- Streamlined reporting and case tracking processes within the new system, reducing administrative errors and increasing HR team efficiency.
- Advise managers and employees on employee relations, conflict resolution, and performance management.
- Facilitated workshops for managers on coaching techniques, improving engagement and reducing repeated ER escalations.
- Conducted market analysis and collaborated with leadership to increase hourly wages for Asset Protection, improving retention and competitiveness.
- Presented compensation findings to senior leadership, directly influencing budget allocation and long-term pay strategy.
HR Business Partner
VELOCITY VEHICLE GROUP
Fontana, CA
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Designed and implemented HR programs aligned with business goals, culture, and workforce needs.
- Collaborated with leadership on strategies to improve operations and talent acquisition.
- Built new interview and evaluation frameworks, accelerating time-to-fill and improving hiring quality.
- Analyzed HR trends and metrics to recommend proactive solutions, leading to increased staff satisfaction.
- Conducted employee surveys, interviews, and policy reviews to resolve discrepancies and improve compliance.
- Drafted revised HR policies that aligned with evolving state employment laws, ensuring consistent compliance and reduced risk exposure.
Regional Employee Relations Manager
GOODWILL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles, CA
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Provided resources, coaching, and training to managers on employee relations and grievance management.
- Managed succession planning, salary reviews, job descriptions, and talent development initiatives.
- Spearheaded recruitment, training, and process improvements that enhanced candidate quality and retention.
- Conducted performance evaluations, supported disciplinary actions, and drove employee engagement strategies.
- Ensured compliance with employment policies, training standards, and Goodwill regulations.
Store Manager
H&M
Los Angeles
01.2008 - 01.2017
- Directed daily operations and development of 60–105 employees, including recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance management.
- Designed and delivered training programs to ensure staff alignment with company policies, customer service standards, and sales objectives.
- Developed and executed merchandising and floor plans that increased customer engagement, improved product visibility, and drove sales growth.
- Served as a district management trainer, mentoring new store managers and developing high-potential leaders across multiple locations.
- Partnered with HR and district leadership on recruitment strategies, talent pipelines, and employee retention initiatives.
- Monitored labor costs and maintained strict budgetary controls, consistently meeting financial targets while supporting workforce needs.
- Led disciplinary processes and conflict resolution with fairness and consistency, ensuring compliance with company policies and employment regulations.
- Promoted a culture of accountability and recognition, driving improved team morale and long-term retention.
Education
Human Resource Management Certificate -
Cornell University
Associates - Merchandising & Marketing
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) - undefined
HR Certification Institute
Skills
- Policy implementation
- Employee retention
- Employee relations
- Retention strategies
- Legal compliance
- Talent management
- Succession planning
- Talent recruitment
Languages
Fluent in English and Spanish
Timeline
Human Resources Business Partner
TriMark USA LLC
10.2025 - Current
West Coast HR Business Partner, Operations & Retail
GOAT GROUP
01.2022 - 09.2025
HR Business Partner
VELOCITY VEHICLE GROUP
01.2021 - 01.2022
Regional Employee Relations Manager
GOODWILL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
01.2017 - 01.2021
Store Manager
H&M
01.2008 - 01.2017
Associates - Merchandising & Marketing
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) - undefined
HR Certification Institute
Human Resource Management Certificate -
Cornell University