Cynthia Upshaw
Austell,GA
Summary
Accomplished results-oriented Human Resources leader with extensive experience managing and optimizing Human Capital strategies across Construction, Transportation, Service, and Retail industries, multi-state/multi-site. Expertise in aligning HR initiatives with organizational goals to drive operational excellence, employee engagement, and regulatory compliance. Skilled in workforce planning, talent acquisition, and HR technology implementation. Adept at fostering inclusive workplace cultures, driving strategic growth, and leading HR teams to deliver measurable outcomes. Recognized for implementing data-driven solutions to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and build scalable HR frameworks.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
PRINCIPAL/CONSULTANT
ALTERNATIVE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC
07.2024 - Current
- Provide Human Resource and operational consulting services tailored to client needs
- Deliver end-to-end solutions in compliance, talent optimization, and workforce restructuring
- Audit and revamp HR programs for compliance and efficiency, aligning processes with best practices
- Design on-boarding documents, employee handbooks, and compliance manuals for startup and established companies
- Provide workforce planning strategies, including competency-based job descriptions and career development frameworks
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
AMERICAN CRANE SERVICES, LLC
Rome, USA
11.2019 - 05.2024
- Company Overview: A crane rental and inspection company
- Oversaw all aspects of HR for a crane rental and inspection company
- Led initiatives to streamline operations and enhance the employee lifecycle
- Set up new business with complete Human Capital Management programs, applicant sourcing through termination
- Introduced HR metrics dashboards to support data-driven strategic decision-making
- Improved compliance and risk management through robust program audits and process enhancements
- Overhauled the Driver's Qualification File system and implemented cost-effective drug compliance programs, resulting in a 15% reduction in operating costs and consistent safety score improvements
- Developed comprehensive training systems, Safety Management Manuals, HR Guide, and HR Policies and Procedures
- Maintained and updated the Employee Handbook, New Hire Packages, and company-specific forms
- Collaborated with vendors to challenge existing norms and introduce value-added services
- A crane rental and inspection company
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
PHOENIX CRANE SERVICES INC.
Mableton, USA
06.2016 - 10.2019
- Managed HR operations across three divisions and five branches, supporting 300+ employees
- Revamped fragmented HR processes to ensure consistency, compliance, and operational excellence
- Implemented advanced safety and training programs, streamlining government program compliance directives and reducing administrative burden by 42%
- Pioneered the development of a web-based HR portal with defined security roles, improving employee access and task-based privileges
- Streamlined complete onboarding program including safety training, certification verifications and job specific testing
- Designed a matrix Program Management report to monitor government-required documents, training, and employee statistics
- Managed the resolution of employee relation matters professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while upholding confidentiality
- Reduced Worker's Comp premiums by $110k and maintained an EMR rating consistently below .80 through specialized training, monthly coding updates, and effective claims management, resulting in a $50k reimbursement for over-payment of claims
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
THE ATHLETE'S FOOT FRANCHISING, LLC
Atlanta, USA
07.2008 - 05.2016
- Company Overview: A global retail franchising company with 900+ locations
- Directed HR functions for a global retail franchising company with 900+ locations
- Developed and standardized HR policies and procedures to align with organizational goals
- Developed 'Train the Trainer' programs to boost employee engagement and performance
- Led the deployment of a web-based employee life cycle management system, enhancing recruitment and training efficiency
- Implemented a comprehensive Human Capital Management Guide for Store Management
- Achieved a 20% reduction in time-to-fill positions by optimizing recruiting and onboarding operations, streamlining staffing resources, and engaging exclusive agencies for high-volume initiatives
- Introduced progressive disciplinary procedures, provided mentorship and compliance training to divisional management, resulting in a 25% reduction in EEOC claims and a 38% decrease in legal fees
- A global retail franchising company with 900+ locations
Education
Professional Human Resources Certification - Human Resources Management
Kennesaw State University
Associate of Arts - Business Administration and Management
Massey Business College
Skills
- HR Strategy and Operations
- Workforce Planning
- HR Transformation
- Organizational Development
- Talent Management
- Full-Cycle Recruitment
- Succession Planning
- Performance Management
- Employee Relations and Engagement
- Retention Strategies
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
- Employee Experience
- HR Compliance
- EEO
- OSHA
- FMCSA
- MSHA
- FMLA
- DOL
- Worker's Compensation
- ADA
- Operational Excellence
- Process Optimization
- HR Technology Integration
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
- HR Analytics
- Metrics Dashboards
- Predictive Analytics
- Benchmarking for Continuous Improvement
- Learning & Development
- Training Design
- Leadership Development
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Benefits & Compensation
- Total Rewards
- Benefits Strategy
- Job Classification & Market Analysis
- Performance Management and Succession Planning
- Performance Measurements
- Policy Development and Maintenance
- Policies & Procedures
- SOP
- HR Program Consistency
- Risk Mitigation
- Employment Law
- Proactive HR Programs
- Department Practices
- Customer relationship management
- Processes and procedures
- Best practices implementation
Accomplishments
- HR Technology: Spearheaded the design and deployment of a web-based HR portal with role-based access, improving employee experience and operational efficiency.
- Cost Reduction: Automated benefits administration, reducing costs by 50% and decreasing operational expenses by 20%.
- Compliance Leadership: Established proactive compliance programs, achieving 100% adherence to OSHA, FMCSA, and MSHA regulations. Implemented compliance fields into payroll system for optimal real-time reporting.
- Talent Acquisition: Reduced time-to-fill by 20% by optimizing recruiting workflows and leveraging exclusive partnerships.
- Employee Engagement: Designed and implemented recognition and rewards programs, increasing retention and boosting morale.
- Workplace Safety: Integrated Drug-Free Workplace programs, leading to a 6% savings in Worker's Compensation premiums and improved safety metrics.
- Performance Management: Developed comprehensive systems to align individual performance with organizational goals, enhancing productivity and accountability.
- Mergers & Acquisitions: Led seamless HR integration during M&A, aligning benefits programs and harmonizing workplace cultures.
Technology Proficiencies
- HRIS/HRMS/Payroll: ADP, Paychex, Paylocity, Proliant, Lawson
- Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Safety Compliance/Training Systems: Site Docs, IS Networld, Avetta, Browz, ProcessMAP, NBIS, DISA Contractor Program
- Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace
- Advanced Excel & HR Analytics
- Monday
- Microsoft Office 2021 Professional
- Time Management: TimeCentre, Exactime, Go Canvas, Visual Dispatch
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
PRINCIPAL/CONSULTANT
ALTERNATIVE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC
07.2024 - Current
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
AMERICAN CRANE SERVICES, LLC
11.2019 - 05.2024
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
PHOENIX CRANE SERVICES INC.
06.2016 - 10.2019
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
THE ATHLETE'S FOOT FRANCHISING, LLC
07.2008 - 05.2016
Professional Human Resources Certification - Human Resources Management
Kennesaw State University
Associate of Arts - Business Administration and Management
Massey Business College
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