Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Connie Brienza

Saint Augustine,IL

Summary

Dynamic Human Resources Executive with extensive expertise in strategic planning, talent acquisition, and employee development. Strengths include enhancing organizational culture and driving employee retention through effective conflict resolution and leadership training initiatives. Proficient in navigating labor laws to ensure compliance while fostering a strong workplace environment.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

AVP People Business Partners

Saks Fifth Avenue
New York, NY
04.2022 - Current
  • Reviewed HR practices to recognize potential development areas, and formulated and executed strategic initiatives to meet company goals.
  • Directed an adept team of Regional People Business Partners coordinating management across 40 stores.
  • Facilitated collaboration among cross-functional teams to meet organizational objectives. Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders to increase collaboration across departments.
  • Contributed to formulating long-term strategic people goals for the organization.
  • Optimized expenses through strategic planning in talent management, and identified opportunities for cost savings through process improvement initiatives.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Utilized expertise in conflict resolution to build strong client and team relationships.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors to ensure the company received competitive pricing and quality products and services.
  • Advised senior leadership on regulatory compliance matters related to business operations.
  • Collaborated with senior management teams to identify and address organizational challenges, utilizing data-driven insights.
  • Partnered with HR functions and team members to manage recruitment efforts in order to hire and retain qualified personnel.
  • Developed comprehensive training and onboarding programs for new employees, onboarding processes.
  • Recognized process gaps inherent in current systems and developed strategies to overcome current issues and prepare effectively for expected changes.
  • Connected with the team to develop and drive policy-based solutions.
  • Facilitated leadership training to develop new leaders from within.
  • Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance. Assessed risks associated with proposed projects or initiatives.
  • Structured HR consulting services to support clients during organizational developments and changes.

Regional Director-People Business Partner

Saks Fifth Avenue
New York , NY
10.2019 - 11.2021
  • Provided strategic HR support to multiple sites in the region.
  • Handled sensitive employee and company information with highest level of confidentiality and discretion.
  • Actively participated in regional meetings with senior management to discuss HR initiatives and goals.
  • Conducted investigations into complaints of harassment and discrimination within the region.
  • Maintained up-to-date records of personnel activities including hiring, promotions, transfers, terminations.
  • Advised managers on performance management issues, such as disciplinary action or conflict resolution, and managed employee relations incidents involving grievances.
  • Provided guidance on policy interpretation and implementation throughout the region.
  • Developed and implemented best practices for recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations across the region.
  • Drafted and benchmarked job descriptions for open positions according to company standards.
  • Supported employees through change management initiatives by providing coaching and feedback.
  • Collaborated with other departments to develop strategies that promote a positive culture within the organization.
  • Coordinated employee recognition programs at local sites.

HR Business Partner

MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS
01.2015 - 10.2019
  • Implemented comprehensive HR initiatives for over 500 employees and developed tailored training projects for Signature Stores.
  • Handled recruiting, hiring, and training for management and associate positions.
  • Delivered updated business strategies to executives.
  • Created comprehensive training programs for products and services.
  • Trained staff in recognizing and capitalizing on closing opportunities.
  • Managed onboarding processes and supervised annual performance reviews.
  • Ensured adherence to federal and state labor regulations, including I9 requirements.
  • Ensured consistent follow-up and follow-through with the corporate office and field organization.
  • Delivered strategic HR support aligned with business objectives.
  • Performed exit interviews for voluntary terminations to identify trends.
  • Guided teams for issue resolution and employee development.
  • Embedded core values and ethos in workplace activities.
  • Skilled in ADP, Jobscore, Applicant Pro, Workday, Oracle

District Manager: NY Metro

MITCHELL gOLD + BOB WILLIAMS
01.2013 - 01.2016
  • Provided leadership and direction for 5 signature stores totaling 32M in volume
  • Averaged 8% growth over LY
  • P&L, Operational, Marketing and HR responsibilities including insuring compliance with corporate policies and procedures
  • Reduced and controlled expenses through negotiation of lower cost home delivery, supplies and equipment
  • Developed a sales-driven and expense conscious Region through selection and development of key store personnel
  • 4GMs and 1 Inventory Control Manager
  • Increased EBITDA by 7%
  • Developed a centralized roll of Inventory Control Manager to streamline procedures at warehouse, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing shrinkage by 73%
  • Partnered with Regional Manager to develop methods and procedures to increase sales, expand markets, and promote business within each local market
  • Partner with GMs to provide thorough and thoughtful weekly recaps on sales analysis to Regional Manager

General Manager: Paramus

MITCHELL gOLD + BOB WILLIAMS
11.2011 - 01.2013
  • Exceed store PL by 12% and achieved an 8% EBIDTA first year
  • Hired, mentored and trained staff of 11
  • Direct and supervise employees engaged in sales and helped develop clientele books and CRM leads
  • Hire, train, and evaluate personnel in sales
  • Monitor associate progress and hold team accountable to goals thru one on one meetings, coaching in the moment and consistent communication
  • Plan and prepare work schedules and keep records of employees' work schedules and time cards
  • Expanded brand recognition by building relationships with local entities, such as landlords, local chambers of commerce, other retailers, and charities
  • Monitor sales plans and business trends and provided weekly recaps as well as competitor analysis to corporate
  • Recognized for consistently exceeding goals in Key Metrics: profit, sales, customer service, and operational measures

Education

BA - Communications

Fairleigh Dickinson university
Teaneck, New Jersey

Skills

  • Recruitment strategies
  • Global HR experience (US & CAN)
  • Retention strategies
  • Workforce planning
  • HR policies development
  • Career pathing
  • Organizational culture
  • Employee engagement
  • Employee relations
  • Talent management
  • Succession planning
  • Executive coaching
  • Labor law compliance
  • HR analytics
  • Onboarding programs

Timeline

AVP People Business Partners

Saks Fifth Avenue
04.2022 - Current

Regional Director-People Business Partner

Saks Fifth Avenue
10.2019 - 11.2021

HR Business Partner

MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS
01.2015 - 10.2019

District Manager: NY Metro

MITCHELL gOLD + BOB WILLIAMS
01.2013 - 01.2016

General Manager: Paramus

MITCHELL gOLD + BOB WILLIAMS
11.2011 - 01.2013

BA - Communications

Fairleigh Dickinson university
Connie Brienza