CHRISTIAN OSTER
East Walpole,MA
Summary
Dynamic human resources leader and veteran, recognized for launching a talent rotational program that improved workforce engagement. Expertise in managing HRIS systems and developing policies that align with organizational goals, fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing operational efficiency.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Manager
AMGEN
Cambridge, MA
10.2021 - Current
- Successfully launched and currently oversees emerging talent rotational program at Cambridge site.
- Orchestrated participant experience from onboarding through mentorship, ensuring engagement and development throughout program.
- Directs the onboarding process for all new hires to enhance organizational entry experiences.
- Managed employee relations, enhancing workplace culture and addressing concerns to support a positive environment across multiple sites, for over 3,000 staff members.
- Directed HR programs, policies, and processes, streamlining operations and aligning with organizational goals.
- Collaborated with leadership on strategic workforce planning initiatives.
- Analyzed HR metrics to inform decision-making and improve processes.
- Oversaw multiple HRIS systems including Workday, Vizier, and Glint.
- Assessed HR processes and proposed changes to enhance efficiency.
- Facilitated communication between management and staff by conducting regular meetings to discuss concerns or suggestions.
- Contributes to vital HR programs including talent management and bi-annual promotion processes.
- Engages as a member of senior the senior leadership team while participating in outreach and scientific committees.
- Chairs Amgen Veteran Employee Network and leads Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging council meetings.
- Developed and implemented HR policies aligning with organizational goals.
Executive Team Leader – HR
TARGET
Leominster, Massachusetts
01.2020 - 08.2021
- Successfully initiated program for completion of over 600 overdue digital trainings within two months of assuming role
- Recruited, interviewed, hired, and retained candidates using Workday HRIS, enhancing talent acquisition efforts
- Coordinated high volume of pandemic-related leaves of absence, ensuring compliance and support for affected employees
- Regularly used conflict resolution skills to defuse disputes between team members
- Consistently and confidentially handled numerous sensitive HR issues
- Developed and implemented HR policies aligning with organizational goals.
- Managed employee relations to foster a positive workplace culture.
- Conducted training sessions to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
- Oversaw performance management processes to ensure compliance and fairness.
- Analyzed HR metrics to guide decision-making, optimizing processes and aligning with organizational goals.
- Resolved conflicts between different departments or personnel using sound judgment to maintain a harmonious work environment.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state and local employment laws.
- Investigated employee relations matters through interviews with involved parties to ensure a fair resolution.
Store Manager
CLARKS USA
Boston, Massachusetts
11.2017 - 05.2019
- Successfully coached, trained, and managed HR needs of store team
- Managed local store payroll through ADP HRIS, ensuring accurate and timely compensation for all team members.
- Spearheaded administration of training curriculum for new team members and store leadership for other locations
- Led recruitment efforts to attract top talent for critical positions.
- Managed employee relations to foster a positive workplace culture.
- Oversaw performance management processes, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.
- Developed and implemented HR policies aligning with organizational goals.
- Handled sensitive employee and company information with utmost confidentiality, safeguarding trust and integrity.
- Resolved conflicts between different departments or personnel using sound judgment to maintain a harmonious work environment.
General Manager
SAKS OFF
Braintree, Massachusetts
09.2016 - 11.2017
- Oversaw the hiring and training for over 80 new team members within a two-month period
- Resolved staffing challenges, ensuring optimal team coverage and operational functionality.
- Managed employee relations, enhancing workplace culture and team cohesion.
- Resolved conflicts between different departments or personnel using sound judgment to maintain a harmonious work environment.
- Assessed HR processes, proposing enhancements that streamlined operations and improved service delivery.
- Worked with offsite HR partners to deliver accountability documentation
- Safeguarded sensitive information to protect employee privacy and maintain company integrity.
- Organized orientation sessions for new hires and provided them with onboarding information.
Store Manager/Coordinator of US
WELLENSTEYN USA INC
Wrentham, Massachusetts
09.2015 - 09.2016
- Oversaw the ground-up build, staffing, and opening of two retail locations
- Ensured compliance with US practices and laws for international partnerships.
- Designed benefits packages and managed staffing, training, and HR needs for all US Employees
- Developed and implemented HR policies aligning with organizational goals.
- Managed employee relations to cultivate a positive workplace culture, enhancing team morale and collaboration.
- Oversaw performance management processes to ensure compliance and fairness.
- Handled sensitive employee and company information with highest level of confidentiality and discretion.
- Facilitated communication between management and staff through regular meetings to address concerns and gather suggestions for improvement.
- Investigated employee relations matters through interviews with involved parties to ensure a fair resolution.
Assistant General manager
TORY BURCH
09.2014 - 09.2015
- Led training for rollout of new tablet-based sales program, increasing sales proficiency among staff
- Coached salespeople to consistently reach monthly sales goals in a commission environment
- Improved communication between multiple teams, streamlining operations and enhancing collaboration
- Recruited and trained staff for $10m location using Workday HRIS, enhancing team capability
Retail Store Manager
LIFE IS GOOD
Boston/Foxboro, Massachusetts
08.2011 - 09.2014
- Achieved the highest and longest period of year-over-year sales increases in five years
- Led two challenging store openings under tight deadlines
- Managed the development and eventual promotion of multiple team members
- Managed payroll processes through ADP HRIS to ensure accurate and timely employee compensation.
- Developed and implemented HR policies that supported organizational goals and enhanced employee engagement.
- Managed employee relations to foster a positive workplace culture.
- Conducted training sessions to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
- Oversaw performance management processes to maintain compliance and promote equitable evaluations.
SERGEANT / E-5
MASSACHUSETTS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
Ware, MA
10.2006 - 10.2013
- Authored critical reports for multiple government agencies during Iraq deployment, facilitating informed decision-making
- Effectively introduced internationally recognized standards to Iraqi counterparts despite cultural and language barriers
- Developed training and development plan for new soldiers, aligning with promotion goals
- Adapted to diverse mission responsibilities with minimal notice, ensuring operational readiness
- Received multiple military awards including Good Conduct Medal and Army Achievement Medals for exemplary service.
Education
Master of Science - Organizational Leadership
Northeastern University
Boston, MA03-2024
Bachelor of Science - Management
Northeastern University
Boston, MA05-2020
Skills
- HRIS management (Workday, ADP, Vizier, Glint)
- Recruiting
- Interviewing
- Onboarding and orientation
- Performance management
- Succession Planning
- Strategic Planning
- Diversity and inclusion
- Employee relations
- Benefits Administration
- Payroll
- Compliance knowledge
- Data analysis
- Strategic thinking
- Career development
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- AI Tools (Copilot, ChatGPT)
Affiliations
Veteran Service Committee Member - Town of Walpole
Timeline
Human Resources Manager
AMGEN
10.2021 - Current
Executive Team Leader – HR
TARGET
01.2020 - 08.2021
Store Manager
CLARKS USA
11.2017 - 05.2019
General Manager
SAKS OFF
09.2016 - 11.2017
Store Manager/Coordinator of US
WELLENSTEYN USA INC
09.2015 - 09.2016
Assistant General manager
TORY BURCH
09.2014 - 09.2015
Retail Store Manager
LIFE IS GOOD
08.2011 - 09.2014
SERGEANT / E-5
MASSACHUSETTS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
10.2006 - 10.2013
Master of Science - Organizational Leadership
Northeastern University
Bachelor of Science - Management
Northeastern University