Carissa Nilsen
Millstone,NJ
Summary
Human resources director with broad experience across multi-site operations, employee relations, talent management, and HR compliance. Partners with executive and senior leaders on workforce planning, performance management, policy development, and employee development while supporting organizational change and hiring practices that help reduce turnover.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Director
MRM
New York, NY
07.2023 - Current
- Led human resources strategy for MRM NY, NJ, and SLC agencies.
- Developed and implemented HR policies and best practices to align with organizational goals.
- Supported top talent identification processes by performing annual 9-box and talent mapping exercises.
- Advised senior leadership on organizational structure changes affecting the workforce.
- Directed HR programs and processes that enhanced operational efficiency across multiple locations.
- Ensured HR compliance with employment laws and agency policies.
- Guided performance management, reviews, and employee development plans.
- Partnered with leadership on workforce planning and organization changes.
- Counseled managers on disciplinary actions when necessary.
- Investigated incidents of workplace harassment or discrimination complaints.
- Identified ways to reduce turnover through improved hiring practices.
- Directed talent acquisition, onboarding, and new hire integration.
- Developed training programs to improve staff development opportunities.
- Analyzed employee data to identify trends and potential areas of improvement.
- Collaborated with HR department to devise and update policies for corporate accountability and workplace health.
- Collaborated with department heads to create strategies that increased employee engagement and retention.
Advisor, Employee Relations
Altice USA
Piscataway, NJ
09.2015 - 07.2018
- Advised and supported managers on employee relations matters, including performance management, placement, and resolution of union grievances.
- Investigated employee relations cases for Altice USA managers and associates.
- Advised leaders on policy interpretation and disciplinary actions.
- Coached supervisors on effective performance management and conflict resolution strategies.
- Reviewed and addressed complaints, leave concerns, and accommodation requests to ensure compliance with company policy.
- Prepared case notes, letters, and corrective action documents for employee files.
- Supported workforce practices across Altice USA business units.
- Authored, updated and monitored compliance with standard operating procedures.
- Attended meetings with union representatives regarding collective bargaining agreements.
- Participated in exit interviews with departing employees to identify underlying causes of separation from employment.
- Partnered with leadership team to facilitate strategic planning.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant labor laws, court decisions and regulatory changes.
- Collaborated with Human Resources team members to ensure successful implementation of HR initiatives.
Human Resources Administrator
Aerosoles
Edison, NJ
11.2013 - 09.2015
- Served as first point of contact for HR inquiries and administrative tasks, facilitating staffing and placement for new retail locations.
- Coordinated onboarding paperwork and background checks, streamlining new hire orientation process.
- Processed new hire paperwork and conducted onboarding orientations.
- Managed employee records and HRIS data for Aerosoles retail associates.
- Maintained employee records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of all documents.
- Administered benefits enrollment, eligibility updates, and employee changes.
- Managed benefits programs such as health insurance plans, retirement accounts.
- Supported compliance tracking for labor laws, policies, and personnel files.
- Prepared HR reports, correspondence, and confidential personnel documents.
- Assisted employees with policy questions, leave requests, and HR support.
- Managed human resource documentation, ensuring accuracy of new hire letters, employee contracts, and compliance with corporate policies and procedures.
Human Resources Assistant
The Millennium Group
Tinton Falls, NJ
09.2012 - 10.2013
- Handle all new hire paperwork, terminations, worker compensation claims, verifications and background checks.
- Conducted employment verification and background investigation to facilitate hiring process.
- Processed benefits forms and enrollment paperwork.
- Maintained confidential personnel files and HR records.
- Created, organized, and maintained employee personnel files to keep sensitive data secure.
- Updated HRIS entries and employee status changes.
- Updated employee database with changes in job title, salary information or contact details.
- Assisted payroll review and timekeeping adjustments.
- Responded to employee questions about policies and procedures.
- Prepared compliance documents and HR correspondence.
- Assisted with planning, organizing and coordinating company events.
Co-Store Manager
Guess?
Elizabeth, NJ
11.2010 - 08.2012
- Led daily store operations for GUESS retail sales floor.
- Managed scheduling, coverage, and payroll accuracy for store teams.
- Perform staffing implementation, manage payroll and ensure all monthly goals were met.
- Create development plans, and disciplinary actions for 60 employees.
- Conduct audits and supervise organization of all daily and monthly reporting.
- Implemented loss prevention strategies to safeguard store assets. and store security routines.
- Partnered with district leadership on sales goals and performance.
- Performed daily opening and closing procedures according to company guidelines.
- Developed and implemented store policies and procedures to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Maintained accurate records of employee attendance and performance reviews.
- Determined staffing needs based on seasonal demand and budget constraints.
- Implemented strategies to reduce costs associated with labor hours, utilities usage.
Operations and Staffing Coordinator
Victorias Secret
Eatontown, NJ
05.2008 - 11.2010
- Handle all phases of staffing process; including screening, hiring, HR approval, and training.
- Managed staffing requests for store operations and seasonal coverage to meet operational needs.
- Coordinated associate schedules at Victoria's Secret using workforce planning systems to ensure optimal staff coverage.
- Supported onboarding tasks for new Victoria's Secret team members.
- Assisted managers by scheduling interviews and coordinating candidate communications to streamline hiring process.
- Facilitated orientation sessions for new hires.
- Coordinated and planned work shift schedules according to availability.
- Processed payroll for 40 employees on a bi-weekly basis.
- Assisted payroll teams by reporting employee hours and calculating correct compensation.
- Updated staffing files and HR records with accurate associate information.
- Participated in career events such as college fairs or industry conferences to generate interest in available jobs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Labor and Employment Relations
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
01-2014
Skills
- HR strategy
- Talent acquisition
- Workforce planning
- Organizational development
- Employee relations
- Policy development
- HR compliance
Timeline
Human Resources Director
MRM
07.2023 - Current
Advisor, Employee Relations
Altice USA
09.2015 - 07.2018
Human Resources Administrator
Aerosoles
11.2013 - 09.2015
Human Resources Assistant
The Millennium Group
09.2012 - 10.2013
Co-Store Manager
Guess?
11.2010 - 08.2012
Operations and Staffing Coordinator
Victorias Secret
05.2008 - 11.2010
Bachelor of Science - Labor and Employment Relations
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey