CANDACE RIVAS
Fontana,CA
Summary
Human Resources expert with extensive experience in strategic HR leadership and compliance. Skilled in fostering leadership capabilities, managing complex employee relations, and promoting consistent HR practices that enhance organizational effectiveness and workforce engagement.
Overview
1
1
Certification
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Human Resources Manager – LAX / PDX Regions
SAIA
01.2022 - Current
- Provide strategic and operational HR leadership across the assigned region, partnering with field operations and corporate Human Resources to support business and workforce objectives.
- Advised leadership on performance management and disciplinary actions, ensuring compliance with HR policies and supporting fair treatment.
- Coordinate sensitive employee relations matters and employment actions in partnership with regional and corporate leadership.
- Counsel managers and employees regarding HR policies, employee relations, benefits, performance, workplace concerns, and organizational practices.
- Acted as a trusted advisor and ombudsman for hourly and salaried employees and operational leadership, fostering open communication and trust.
- Promote consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and problem-resolution practices across regional facilities.
- Partner with leadership to maintain a positive, productive, respectful, and engaged workplace.
- Conducted facility visits and employee meetings to identify workforce issues and enhance communication, supporting operational leadership effectively.
- Assess leadership development needs and deliver training for managers and supervisors.
- Serve as a strategic link between field operations and corporate HR to ensure effective implementation of HR programs and initiatives.
Senior Human Resources Manager – FMCG, Industrial & Aerospace, U.S. Region
DB SCHENKER
Ontario, CA
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Partnered with senior leaders to develop and implement HR strategies aligned with organizational and operational objectives.
- Directed HR activities spanning employee relations, recruitment, compensation, benefits, organizational development, training, EEO, HR administration, and compliance.
- Provided strategic HR leadership supporting multiple business functions across the U.S. region.
- Developed and implemented HR policies, procedures, employee handbooks, and management guidelines, ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational goals.
- Monitored federal and state employment law developments and advised leadership regarding regulatory changes and HR compliance requirements.
- Led recruitment, screening, interviewing, selection, and placement for exempt and non-exempt positions.
- Coached and mentored HR professionals and management on employee relations and performance management, fostering a culture of effective policy application and workplace practices.
- Investigated and mediated complex employee relations matters and disputes involving employees, supervisors, and managers.
- Advised leadership regarding disciplinary actions and promoted consistent and equitable application of company policies.
- Identified HR process improvement opportunities and implemented strategies, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Managed DOT-related HR and compliance responsibilities.
Human Resources Business Partner
NEWEGG INC.
City of Industry, CA
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Led recruiting efforts, managing candidate sourcing, screening, interviewing, and selection processes for entry-level, professional, and technical positions to build a strong talent pipeline.
- Acted as HR business partner for employees, managers, and operational leadership across recruiting, employee relations, training, labor relations, and employment practices.
- Advised management and employees on HR policies, employment laws, government regulations, and workplace standards to ensure compliance and promote a fair work environment.
- Partnered with business leaders to resolve workplace issues through coaching, conflict resolution, and proactive HR intervention.
- Led employee relations investigations involving complaints, harassment allegations, civil rights concerns, and workplace conflicts.
- Facilitated grievance meetings between employees and supervisors and supported management during investigations and resolution processes.
- Conducted exit interviews, analyzed employee feedback, and provided recommendations for corrective action and continuous improvement.
- Facilitated new-hire orientation and onboarding process, ensuring smooth integration and understanding of employment documentation.
- Represented the company in unemployment claims and related matters.
Human Resources Manager
DHL SUPPLY CHAIN
Ontario, CA
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Managed full-scope HR operations for a major distribution site, including recruitment, employee relations, training, benefits, compensation, records management, safety, succession planning, and retention.
- Managed staffing and talent acquisition activities, including pre-employment processes and workforce planning.
- Partnered with site leadership to enhance workforce engagement, morale, performance, and retention through effective employee relations strategies.
- Coordinated employee engagement initiatives, including opinion surveys, open enrollment, wage progression programs, recruiting events, and activities to foster a positive workplace culture.
- Developed HR solutions by analyzing workforce needs and organizational issues, recommending targeted actions that address specific challenges.
- Advised and coached managers on performance management, disciplinary actions, investigations, and termination procedures.
- Investigated employee complaints and coordinated appropriate corrective action, including investigations, coaching, training, and discipline.
- Coached employees and leaders at all levels on performance and workplace concerns.
- Managed special HR projects from planning through implementation.
- Maintained current knowledge of applicable employment regulations and advised management regarding compliance requirements.
Office & Programs Supervisor / Human Resources / Regional Safety & Security Advocate
KENCO GROUP
Chino, CA
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Supervised human resources for 55 employees, enhancing team cohesion and operational effectiveness.
- Developed employee engagement and culture initiatives focused on collaboration, diversity, recognition, and teamwork.
- Led five-person customer support team for the largest client, ensuring high-quality service across multiple accounts.
- Managed Quality, Safety, Health, Security, and Environmental program to ensure compliance and best practices.
- Implemented an employee-driven safety incentive program contributing to a zero DART rating in 2015 and 670 days without a lost-time injury.
- Maintained quality programs and standard operating procedures, ensuring compliance and operational consistency.
- Developed and delivered regional training programs supporting quality, consistency, and employee development.
- Served as Certified PIT Instructor responsible for training and certifying material-handling equipment operators.
- Ensured compliance with Hazmat and OSHA regulations through regular audits and training.
Office Manager / Environmental Manager / Customer Service Manager
KUEHNE + NAGEL INC.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Served as Site Human Resources Manager, supporting 100 direct and non-direct employees.
- Oversaw HR, quality, safety, environmental, administrative, and customer service programs for a 467,000-square-foot distribution center.
- Executed weekly payroll and managed employee benefits administration.
- Supported annual financial audits and monthly closing procedures, achieving 99% audit accuracy.
- Managed accounts receivable and accounts payable activities for multiple vendors and site-specific customers.
- Supported P&L management and financial administration.
- Provided direct reports to the General Manager to ensure alignment on objectives.
Human Resources / Operations & Administrative Leadership
XPEDX / INTERNATIONAL PAPER
City of Industry & Downey, CA
01.2002 - 01.2008
- Supported Human Resources, employee relations, payroll, benefits, safety, and administrative operations for a 500,000-square-foot distribution center.
- Processed weekly payroll and benefits for union employees, enhancing timely compensation and benefits delivery.
- Facilitated employee benefits administration and HR programs, fostering employee engagement and satisfaction.
- Assisted in contractual union negotiations, ensuring accurate administrative and documentation support.
- Implemented site-wide safety initiatives emphasizing employee collaboration and recognition.
- Ensured compliance with Department of Transportation regulations for safety and operations.
- Managed accounts receivable and accounts payable activities for multiple vendors and customers.
- Audited general ledger activities and supported P&L management.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services / Business
University of Phoenix
Diamond Bar, CA01-2020
Medical & Dental Billing -
American Career College
High School Diploma -
La Puente High School
Skills
- HR Business Partnership
- Strategic HR Leadership
- Workforce Planning & Talent Acquisition
- Performance Management
- Employee Onboarding
- Training & Leadership Development
- Employee & Labor Relations
- Disciplinary procedures
- Workplace investigations
- Policy development
- Employment law
- Employment Law Compliance
- California Employment Compliance
- EEO / Affirmative Action
- Safety compliance
- OSHA & DOT Compliance
- Change & Process Improvement
- Project Management
- HR Operations
- Organizational Development
- Quality Management
- Employee retention
- Conflict resolution
- Executive partnerships
- Benefits & Payroll Administration
- Lean / Kaizen / Six Sigma
Personal Information
Title: REGIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES | SENIOR HR LEADER | HR BUSINESS PARTNER
Certification
Six Sigma Green Belt, DOT Management & Compliance, JCTP Trainer, GEMBA, 6B, OSHA Certified, Hazmat / Hazard Communication, BBP — Bloodborne Pathogens, Kaizen, Safety, Health & Environmental Compliance, Certified PIT Instructor, Diversity Trainer, TIER II Reporting, KOS / Lean
Timeline
Regional Human Resources Manager – LAX / PDX Regions
SAIA
01.2022 - Current
Senior Human Resources Manager – FMCG, Industrial & Aerospace, U.S. Region
DB SCHENKER
01.2019 - 01.2022
Human Resources Business Partner
NEWEGG INC.
01.2018 - 01.2019
Human Resources Manager
DHL SUPPLY CHAIN
01.2016 - 01.2018
Office & Programs Supervisor / Human Resources / Regional Safety & Security Advocate
KENCO GROUP
01.2013 - 01.2016
Office Manager / Environmental Manager / Customer Service Manager
KUEHNE + NAGEL INC.
01.2008 - 01.2012
Human Resources / Operations & Administrative Leadership
XPEDX / INTERNATIONAL PAPER
01.2002 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services / Business
University of Phoenix
Medical & Dental Billing -
American Career College
High School Diploma -
La Puente High School