Charlena Watson
St. Louis,Missouri
Summary
Dynamic HR leader with a proven history in staffing optimization and leadership development, driving employee retention and engagement through strategic HR initiatives. Expertise in HRIS management and employee relations has led to significant organizational enhancements. Renowned for strong communication and problem-solving abilities, fostering relationships that align with business goals. A forward-thinking professional skilled in benefits administration, legal compliance, and conflict management.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Human Resources Manager
Quiet Platforms
08.2021 - Current
- Multi-site Human Resources (HR) department leader who oversaw the execution of all human resources functions, including hiring and interviewing staff, administering pay, benefits, and leave, and enforcing company policies and practices.
- Partnered with senior leaders as a trusted business partner in understanding, planning, and executing the organization's operational and human resource labor and talent strategy, particularly as it relates to current and future talent needs, recruiting, retention, succession planning, and profit goals.
- Reviewed, tracked, and documented compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training, continuing education, and work assessments.
- Developed hiring and recruitment policies to drive a transparent and fair hiring process for selecting candidates on the basis of merit and relevance to the job. Recruited, interviewed, and facilitated the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborated with departmental managers to understand the skills and competencies required for openings. Implemented new hire orientation and employee recognition programs.
- Managed vendor relations, ensuring staffing goals were met, tracked, and maintained to align with the constant changes in business needs.
- Managed three direct reports and oversaw the tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs, including but not limited to compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity; recognition; morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
- Spearheaded, participated, and led in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
- Worked with management to create performance measurement, employee development and employee compensation strategies.
- Advised on promotions and wage increases according to employee performance and budgetary constraints.
- Resolved conflicts between different departments or personnel using sound judgment to maintain a harmonious work environment.
- Conducted employee performance reviews and implemented corrective actions to increase productivity.
- Provided HR consultation services to leadership and department heads.
- Evaluated current HR processes and recommended changes when necessary to improve efficiency.
Human Resources Specialist
Blue Sage Dental Group
02.2020 - 08.2021
- Created new programs, procedures, and policies, and oversaw the day-to-day human resource projects and tasks.
- As a department of one, built and structured a non-existent human resources department.
- Provided a proactive and responsive 'single point of contact' business partner interface, ensuring successful and continuous delivery of HR-related services to the business segments.
- Oversaw all human resources functions at both the routine and strategic levels, as well as all recruiting efforts for a rapidly growing organization.
- Managed and served as a consultant to upper management on developing organizational structures, roles, and responsibilities.
- Demonstrated success in establishing business relationships as an advisor and consultant, with strong HR expertise and judgment.
- Planned new programs and strategies as those items impacted the attraction, motivation, development, and retention of employees
- Worked with the business segment leaders and managers to develop and deliver a people strategy and plan that closely aligned with the wider business strategy.
- Implemented and introduced ADP Workforce Now throughout the organization.
- Researched and selected healthcare coverage, and introduced and implemented a company-wide benefit program.
- Introduced employee engagement and retention strategies, and focused efforts on changing organizational culture.
- Established and maintained trusted relationships around organization to optimize business and employee experience.
- Provided advice and counsel on employee relations issues ranging from attendance problems to harassment claims.
- Led diversity and inclusion initiatives, promoting an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity.
Homemaker
02.2017 - 02.2020
- Worked to build family business-Watson's Locksmithing Service
- Prepared and obtained for the PHR certification
Customer Service Account Representative
Property Damage Appraisers
04.2015 - 02.2017
- Determined, advised, addressed, and corrected client account issues
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure customer needs were met in a timely manner.
- Developed and maintained strong customer relationships through effective communication.
- Coordinated with internal teams to ensure timely and successful delivery of solutions according to client needs.
- Enhanced productivity and customer service levels by anticipating needs and delivering outstanding support.
Operations Manager
Avis Budget Group
07.2011 - 04.2015
- Led a staff of 150 employees and created solutions and improvements that assured operational success and financial profitability.
- Developed action plans, managed reports and records, led committees, created operational processes, and exhibited strong expertise in developing solutions based on facts and data analytics.
- Performed performance reviews, created schedules, conducted coaching sessions, and maintained payroll.
- Advised and guided management and employee actions based on HR policy, procedures, and guidelines, and displayed leadership among peers.
- Implemented the execution of discipline, performance improvement plans, and notices of termination.
- Assisted in the staffing and selection of qualified candidates.
- Created an environment that promoted employee empowerment and involvement through employee engagement, and demonstrated a strong commitment to improving employee and labor relations.
- Provided high-quality customer service, drove sales, and built loyalty with both internal and external customers.
- Perfected the ability to make tough decisions and deliver difficult messages with professionalism and poise.
- Supervised day-to-day workflow of employees in order to maximize productivity and maintain quality standards.
- Measured and reviewed performance via KPIs and metrics.
- Guided employees on understanding and meeting changing customer needs and expectations.
- Analyzed and controlled materials, supplies and equipment operational expenses.
Human Resources Assistant
Kelly Services/Christian Hospital
01.2011 - 07.2011
- Researched and prepared EEOC claims
- Responded to unemployment claims and job verifications
- Generated job postings and aided job applicants
- Set appointments, typed correspondence, and coordinated meetings
- Provided administrative support to HR Manager and HR recruiters
Associate Coordinator
The Home Depot
05.2003 - 04.2010
- Proactively recruited candidates through direct recruitment, performed applicant screening, interviewed, applicant assessment and presented candidates to hiring managers to finalize the recruitment process and assisted in hiring decisions
- Supported in effective management and execution of learning, career development, employment practices, recognition and reward, staffing, performance management systems, adherence to local, state, and federal compliance, investigated grievances and disputes, and created and maintained a positive associate relations environment
- Created whole store schedules and created and maintained employee files
- Administered employee benefit plans, coordinated open enrollment and promoted wellness program
- Prepared, presented, and distributed HR employee communications, publications, and announcements
- Onboarded new employees and facilitated new hire orientation classes
Education
Master of Arts - Human Resources
Webster University
Bachelor of Arts - History
Columbia College
Skills
- Unemployment claims management
- Recordkeeping
- Labor law and regulatory compliance
- Staffing optimization
- HR guidance and leadership
- Policy making and enforcement
- Leadership development
- Employee relations
- Employee retention and engagement
- HR analytics
- Workforce planning
- Recruitment and selection
- Performance appraisal
- Employee onboarding
- Employee handbook development
- Human resources operations
- HRIS management
Websites
Certification
PHR Professional in Human Resources Certificate, HRCI, 01/01/19 - Present
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Human Resources Manager
Quiet Platforms
08.2021 - Current
Human Resources Specialist
Blue Sage Dental Group
02.2020 - 08.2021
Homemaker
02.2017 - 02.2020
Customer Service Account Representative
Property Damage Appraisers
04.2015 - 02.2017
Operations Manager
Avis Budget Group
07.2011 - 04.2015
Human Resources Assistant
Kelly Services/Christian Hospital
01.2011 - 07.2011
Associate Coordinator
The Home Depot
05.2003 - 04.2010
PHR Professional in Human Resources Certificate, HRCI, 01/01/19 - Present
Master of Arts - Human Resources
Webster University
Bachelor of Arts - History
Columbia College
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