Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
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CHRISTOPHER GOOSTREY

Spring Lake,MI

Summary

Human Resources executive with over 25 years of strategic leadership experience driving organizational success through building HR departments from the ground up, talent management, workforce planning, and cultural transformation across organizations of up to 1,000 employees. Proven ability to align HR practices with business objectives, enhance employee engagement, and implement scalable programs supporting growth across diverse industries. Expert in building high-performing teams, leading enterprise-wide change initiatives, and strengthening leadership pipelines. Trusted partner to C-suite executives with deep expertise in labor relations, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies, and HR analytics. Committed to creating environments where people thrive and organizations excel.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Human Resources

Russ' Restaurants
01.2021 - 01.2025
    • Built Russ' Restaurants first centralized HR department from the ground up, designing policies, HRIS workflows, job architecture and compliance programs, in under six months, unifying 14 locations.
    • Strategically lead HR functions supporting 14 locations (~700 employees), aligning initiatives with organizational objectives to significantly increase compliance, employee retention, and morale.
    • Enhanced recruitment processes by implementing an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and digital onboarding modules, reducing average time-to-fill by 20%.
    • Reduced turnover from 85% to 55% through targeted engagement strategies.
    • Implemented an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), with current utilization at 25%, positively impacting employee satisfaction and well-being.
    • Conducted regular labor audits ensuring 100% compliance, mitigating legal risks and ensuring zero violations.

Director of Human Resources & Safety Manager

Pearson Foods Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2020
  • Decreased reliance on temporary staffing from 45% to 3%, resulting in annual savings of $250,000.
  • Developed comprehensive safety programs achieving A+ insurance ratings and a 40% reduction in workplace incidents, significantly enhancing workforce stability, operational efficiency, and compliance.
  • Managed successful HRIS transition to ADP WFN, improving data accuracy and operational decision-making capabilities.
  • Engineered a custom generative-AI workflow (Power Automate + OpenAI) that auto-drafts offer packets, I-9s, and role-specific training plans, cutting HR admin time 40 % and accelerating new-hire readiness by two days across all 14 locations.

Human Resources Manager

Plumb's Valu-Rite Supermarkets
01.2008 - 01.2016
    • Streamlined HR processes across multiple retail locations, significantly improving workforce quality, engagement, and retention.
    • Improved hiring quality through optimized recruitment strategies, achieving an 89% employee retention rate.
    • Negotiated strategic benefit packages, reducing healthcare costs by 15% annually.
    • Implemented conflict resolution programs reducing workplace disputes by 25%, enhancing team cohesion and productivity.

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Human Resource Management

Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resource Management

Southern New Hampshire University
Online
01.2026

Skills

  • Talent Acquisition & Retention
  • People Analytics & Data-Driven Decision-Making
  • Succession & Leadership Development
  • Conflict Resolution & Employee Relations
  • Performance Management Systems
  • Compensation Strategy Development
  • HR Compliance & Employment Law
  • Change Management & Change Leadership
  • Learning & Development
  • HR Technology & Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration
  • Coaching, Mentoring & Talent Development
  • Payroll & Benefits Administration
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)
  • HR Risk Management & Mitigation

Affiliations

  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
  • Human Resources Group of West Michigan (HRG)
  • American Bar Association (ABA) – Labor & Employment Law Section

Certification

  • SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) – In Process
  • Advanced SHRM Competencies – Board Infinity
  • HRCI Human Resource Associate – HRCI
  • Generative AI: Overview and Impact – University of Michigan
  • Prompt Engineering – Vanderbilt University
  • Human Resource Analytics – University of California, Irvine
  • Workplace Mental Health Ally – Psych Hub
  • Risk Management for Leaders – ICW Group

Timeline

Director of Human Resources

Russ' Restaurants
01.2021 - 01.2025

Director of Human Resources & Safety Manager

Pearson Foods Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2020

Human Resources Manager

Plumb's Valu-Rite Supermarkets
01.2008 - 01.2016

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Human Resource Management

Ferris State University

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resource Management

Southern New Hampshire University

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