Colleen Hughes
Orlando,FL
Summary
Human Resources and Talent Acquisition leader recognized for developing strong workplace cultures, enhancing employee experience, and designing strategic talent programs that support organizational growth. Skilled in succession planning, talent development, employee engagement, employee relations, compliance, and leading results-driven teams across multi-state, multi-unit organizations.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Talent Acquisition and Human Resources
Miller’s Ale House
Orlando, FL
01.2015 - 01.2025
- Directed Talent Acquisition for 8,000 employees across 115 restaurant locations in 10 states, driving strategic initiatives and supporting company growth.
- Oversaw recruitment for corporate office and restaurant operations, including hiring for new restaurants and supporting organizational growth.
- Designed and executed Succession Plans, building talent pipelines and accelerating internal promotions.
- Developed and analyzed Pulse and Engagement Surveys, delivering and deploying results that increased employee engagement and retention.
- Directed Employee Relations and Compliance teams including certification tracking, wage and hour, minimum wage, E-Verify, background checks, drug screening, facilitating Human Resources compliance workshops, and managing progressive discipline and corrective action processes.
- Collaborated with Business Intelligence to generate data-driven insights supporting Talent Acquisition strategy, workforce planning, and talent decisions.
- Implemented and oversaw new iCims ATS and UKG HRIS systems to streamline Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.
- Managed Talent Acquisition and Human Resources budgets, improving efficiency and ensuring strategic allocation of resources.
- Directed employee relocation programs, streamlining processes and enhancing overall experience.
- Implemented Hospitality-Focused Interview Tools for all team members, standardizing selection processes and improving retention.
- Developed and implemented an employee tenure program, reinforcing company culture and enhancing engagement.
Director of People Selection and Talent
California Pizza Kitchen
Los Angeles, CA
01.2006 - 01.2015
- Led recruitment for all levels of corporate and restaurant operations positions – Executive, IT, Marketing, Purchasing, Human Resources, Accounting, Real Estate/Facilities and Operations.
- Partnered with Chief People Officer and Senior Executive team to better understand business needs, employment branding, determine staffing requirements, compensation and bonus programs.
- Developed strategic staffing plans, department budget, structure and workflow process, outline and implement staffing policies, procedures, generating forms and reports to support the hiring for growth to over 200 restaurant locations nationwide.
- Responsible for developing and maintaining a Succession Planning Program to include Performance Management & Development.
- Administered and managed the process for hiring assessment tool Predictive Index to hire, train and develop the best talent for building dynamic teams.
- Managed and supported recruiting team of up to 5 Recruiters and an Administrator.
Director of Recruiting
Champps Entertainment Restaurants
Littleton, CO
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Worked directly with Vice President of Human Resources, Chief Operations Officer and Directors of Operations to ensure that recruiting and operations identify similar qualities of success.
- Managed the company’s succession planning for development and future operations staffing needs to help maintain the company’s development and growth.
- Supervised a recruiting team consisting of three field-based recruiters.
- Held training sessions with field locations on interviewing, hiring, and legal compliance.
- Managed recruitment budget and recruiting expenses.
- Successfully staffed 28 new store openings across the country with eight to ten manager teams.
Manager of Recruiting
Rio Bravo/Chevys Fresh Mex
Emeryville, CA
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Responsible for filling 20 entry- to senior-level management positions per month throughout the Midwest to East Coast regions.
- Territory consisted of over 60 locations supporting 2 Vice Presidents of Operations and 7 Regional Managers.
- Managed and supported a Senior Regional Recruiter through training and performance management.
- Worked with upper management on manpower planning, budgeting, and cost-per-hire goals and objectives on a weekly basis.
- Conducted exit interviews to identify inefficiencies and propose retention efforts.
- Developed creative sourcing techniques such as referral programs, career fairs, open houses, and college recruiting.
Education
B.S. - Human Resource Management and Psychology
Upsala College
East Orange, NJTimeline
Talent Acquisition and Human Resources
Miller’s Ale House
01.2015 - 01.2025
Director of People Selection and Talent
California Pizza Kitchen
01.2006 - 01.2015
Director of Recruiting
Champps Entertainment Restaurants
01.2001 - 01.2006
Manager of Recruiting
Rio Bravo/Chevys Fresh Mex
01.1999 - 01.2001
B.S. - Human Resource Management and Psychology
Upsala College