KATE N. IHETU
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Strategic, innovative HR professional with 14+ years’ multi-industry experiences providing guidance in all HR core functions. Highly skilled in regulatory compliance, talent acquisition, onboarding & orientation, employee relations, engagement & retention, total rewards, organizational policy & procedures, and process creation, improvement & implementation. An empathetic leader and creative problem-solver leveraging business acumen, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication to coach and influence key stakeholders.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Human Resources Manager
TriSpectra Solutions LLC
Austin, TX
04.2023 - Current
- Role facilitated confidential investigations while working with employees and leaders to work on concerns and issues to identify and address issues. Provided support, guidance, and assistance for over 5,000 Fulltime and Parttime Employees in various shifts and capabilities while ensuring relevant Employee Relations and Strategic growth of the Business.
- Analyzed internal employee relations and researched external practices to develop proactive strategies, solutions, and policies for continuous work improvement and procedures.
- Utilized critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze complex information and make recommendations aligned with policies and business needs.
- Conducted engagement surveys, exit interviews turnover/absenteeism data and reports to advise leaders.
- Responded accurately to leave and benefits escalations from HRBP’s, Employees and Administrators.
- Resolved complex issues as it relates to conflict resolution and handling employee behavior.
- Developed people strategies and designed approaches to diagnosing and enhancing organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction.
- Provided guidance in all aspects of HR as it related to the Organization as a Subject Matter Expert.
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
HOME DEPOT HEADQUARTERS
Atlanta, GA
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Collaborated with HR Team to ensure the Organizations Strategic Objectives that included Benefits (STD, LTD, FMLA), supporting over 10,000 employees in California, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. Trusted advisor to leadership and responsible for HR partnership and support from organizational design, workforce planning to employee relations.
- Partnered with Senior Leaders to ensure that HR strategy was aligned with Business strategy.
- Provided coaching and counseling to Managers on variety of topics including compensation, Leave, Workforce planning and employee relations.
- Provided guidance on effective performance management and maintained strong succession planning for key roles: develop retention strategy for potential talent.
- Lead annual key HR programs including talent reviews, compensation, and employee benefits.
- Managed all leave of absence functions including Human Capital Management (HCM) system administration, vendor communications, and informing employees of their rights, return to work, ADA extensions, and status of employment.
- Resolved employee relations issues by conducting effective, thorough, and objective investigations.
- Completed special projects within business and across the HR function as needed.
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
TK ELEVATOR HEADQUARTERS
Atlanta, GA
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Strategic Human Resources Business Partner. Provided leadership, training, and expertise on all HR and Talent Management functions. Partnered with Senior management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, increase retention, and drive policy compliance.
- Interpreted and articulated HR policy and procedures to employees and managers; fielded queries related to benefits and general employment, and training opportunities.
- Coached managers on performance management, improvement, and optimization, conflict resolution, and disciplinary proceedings.
- Investigated complex employee and manager complaints including EEOC and Title VII violations: counseled managers on effective disposition of employee relations cases after conducting investigations and presenting findings.
- Guided managers throughout the recruitment process to attract top candidates; aided in candidate selection, offer letter creation, and compensation and relocation negotiation.
- Partnered with core team to lead HR change management strategy to transition associates from one region to another.
- Managed all leave of absence functions including Human Capital Management (HCM) system administration, vendor communications, and informing employees of their rights, return to work, ADA extensions, and status of employment.
- Leveraged HR analytics to design and implement new employment policies, compensation & benefits structures, and employee recognition programs to foster a high-performing culture.
- Conducted job evaluations and determined appropriate compensation levels for different roles.
- Conducted and analyzed organizational pulse survey; recommended sign-on bonuses and monthly incentives to attract and retain employees during COVID-19 pandemic.
- Provided guidance and input on issues of restructuring, RIFs, workforce, and succession planning.
Human Resources Manager
RESOURCES CONSULTING INC.
Kennesaw, GA
01.2016 - 12.2020
- Strategic Manager and liaison with emphasis on HR employee relations/engagement, and organizational development.
- Supported all HR functional areas including recruitment, screening, interviewing, pre-employment tests, onboarding, and new hire orientation. Recommended HRIS implementation to improve onboarding processes.
- Researched, analyzed, and applied HR systems knowledge to maintain and support onboarding functions including I-9 verification management & quarterly points of contact IST, E-Verify, and employment verification process queries. Recommended and implemented E-Verify system changes; introduced a link to rush processing from 5 days to 1 day with minimal errors and waiting time.
- Coordinated development and implementation of HR policies and procedures to meet individual client needs in compliance with state and federal laws. Revised company handbooks, revamped processes, and initiated required training acknowledgment.
- Identified and forecasted future staffing needs based on need analysis and organizational strategy.
- Designed and executed strategy to meet organizational workforce planning demands. Promoted consistency among managers to meet demand.
- Assessed current state and forecasted future skill and competency needs per individual business goals and strategy.
- Identified and implemented action plans to address employee deficiencies. Initiated creation of affinity groups to enhance employee engagement. Developed cost-efficient tools to increase employee retention by 80%.
- Liaised with employees, supervisors, and managers while consulting on internal and external investigations and responding to charges and claims. Conducted complex, Title VII investigations including claims of harassment. Coached management on employee and inter-departmental disputes.
- Consulted on communications and records maintenance strategies for FMLA, STD, and worker’s compensation (WC). Recommended shared services assistance for employee claims completion.
- Performed and maintained records regarding HR/Compliance Audits, including HIPAA, AAP, EEOC, FMLA, OSHA, DOL, unemployment claims, wages, and unfair labor practices.
Human Resources Business Partner – Total Rewards
UPS WORLD HEADQUARTERS (Manpower Group)
Sandy Springs, GA
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Collaborated with Total Rewards Team - COE (Compensation, Benefits, Executive Rewards, Global Mobility, Retirement Departments) to elicit, analyze, communicate, and validate requirements for changes to business processes and policies.
- Partnered with employee recognition team to recommend transitioning from external vendor to using social media platform; realized ~$300k in annual savings.
- Provided compensation reporting for job evaluations, pricing, wage, and salary surveys. Updated Workday data and improved system storage via BOX system recommendation.
- Completed data integrity audits (i.e., salary exceptions); delivered analytics on merit increase, performance ratings, and managed merit process using external global compensation tools and surveys.
- Supported incentive plan administration; researched price adjustments and discounts and used matrix results to provide recommendations.
- Conducted research to identify cost deficiencies. Provided recommendations for alternative/comparable programs, services, and programs; saved 20% on vending costs.
- Compiled various bonus agreement details to track historical costs and forecast future obligations. Advised management on pay differences pertaining to job grades/functions.
- Reviewed and revised complex pay changes regarding merit increases, promotion, demotion, or transfer.
- Facilitated various global total rewards projects. Implemented administrative, tracking, and analytic process support via SharePoint; hosted daily zoom calls with key stakeholders to validate resources, deadlines, new/ongoing items, reports, and contractual KPIs. Assisted in preparation of communications and presentations.
HR & Compliance Analyst
Voya -ING Investment
Atlanta, GA
01.2015 - 11.2017
Human Resources Generalist
Focus Counseling & Training Inc.
Woodstock, GA
05.2013 - 12.2015
Immigration Program Analyst
US Dept. Of Labor ETA/OFLC/ANPC
Atlanta, GA
03.2011 - 03.2013
Education
Bachelor of Science - Public Administration
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GACertificate - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace
University of South Florida
Tampa, FLMasters In Science - Human Resources Development
Troy University
Troy, AL05.2020
Skills
- Employee Relations & Investigations
- Compensation & Benefits
- HR Policies & Procedures
- HR Compliance Audits
- Compensation Administration
- Talent Acquisition
- Global Mobility
- Workforce Planning
- Process Improvement
- Onboarding & Orientation
- Leaves Administration
- Employee Engagement
Certification
- SHRM – Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
- Member, Society for Human Resources Professional (SHRM)
- Member, Local SHRM Chapters (Atlanta & Allatoona)
- Former Board Member, Bullard Elementary School – Principal’s Advisory Board
- Former Board Member, aaca (Atlanta Area Compensation Association)
Accomplishments
Spearheaded HR programs that supported operational growth, leading to measurable improvements in employee engagement and retention.
• Drove HR compliance initiatives, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.
• Implemented new recruitment and onboarding processes, reducing processing time and improving new hire engagement.
• Led a comprehensive employee relations program, improving communication between staff and management and reducing conflict resolution time by 30%.
Affiliations
Member, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
• Member, Local SHRM Chapters (Atlanta & Allatoona)
• Former Board Member, Bullard Elementary School – Principal’s Advisory Board
• Former Board Member, Atlanta Area Compensation Association (AACA)
Languages
Swahili
Full Professional
Timeline
Human Resources Manager
TriSpectra Solutions LLC
04.2023 - Current
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
HOME DEPOT HEADQUARTERS
01.2022 - 05.2023
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
TK ELEVATOR HEADQUARTERS
01.2020 - 12.2021
Human Resources Business Partner – Total Rewards
UPS WORLD HEADQUARTERS (Manpower Group)
01.2018 - 12.2019
Human Resources Manager
RESOURCES CONSULTING INC.
01.2016 - 12.2020
HR & Compliance Analyst
Voya -ING Investment
01.2015 - 11.2017
Human Resources Generalist
Focus Counseling & Training Inc.
05.2013 - 12.2015
Immigration Program Analyst
US Dept. Of Labor ETA/OFLC/ANPC
03.2011 - 03.2013
Bachelor of Science - Public Administration
Kennesaw State University
Certificate - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace
University of South Florida
Masters In Science - Human Resources Development
Troy University