Denise Williams
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Senior Human Resources executive with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience, adept at navigating complex organizational challenges such as workforce restructuring, reductions in force, and executive terminations. Recognized as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives and legal counsel on high-risk employee relations, regulatory compliance, and HRIS implementation. Proven track record in multi-site environments and professional services, with a strong focus on driving organizational change and enhancing employee engagement. Expertise in talent acquisition and conflict resolution strengthens the ability to foster a positive workplace culture while achieving business objectives.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Human Resources
Bristol Management Services
Newport Beach, CA
06.2022 - 02.2026
- Achieved enhanced operational effectiveness by directing human resources and organizational development across 20 locations with 900 employees. Contributed to corporate compliance and organizational growth as a strategic advisor to CEO and executive team. Enabled general managers to implement effective strategies for operational success.
- Oversaw development of comprehensive HR initiatives to ensure alignment with both immediate and future business priorities.
- Executed detailed evaluations of organizational frameworks, restructuring roles, workflows, and reporting lines to boost efficiency and accountability.
- Managed HR functions to ensure compliance and enhance employee relations, compensation, benefits, performance management, and talent acquisition.
- Oversaw adherence to federal and state employment regulations. Partnered with legal experts to conduct investigations, manage terminations, and mitigate risks.
- Established and refined job descriptions, salary administration frameworks, and performance review protocols to ensure fairness and uniformity across the organization.
- Designed and executed leadership development training programs to enhance organizational talent and ensure effective succession planning.
- Engaged with cross-departmental leaders and layered management across 20 sites in California and Nevada to facilitate effective HR policy execution.
- Analyzed employee engagement and performance metrics to implement strategic interventions aimed at reducing attrition rates.
Principal | Human Resource Consultant
DBEWorldWide
Long Beach, CA
01.2011 - 01.2022
- Established a professional service firm focusing on outsourced Human Resources and Supplier Diversity Compliance services. Awarded $1 Billion Gerald Desmond Bridge Project.
- Collaborated with executives to address HR compliance gaps and provide tailored solutions in workforce planning, recruitment, training and development, compensation, and inclusion.
- Developed strategic external corporate partnerships to enhance collaboration, improve client engagement, and drive revenue growth.
- Delivered customized workforce strategies to meet clients'' unique business needs, resulting in increased satisfaction and retention rates.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and address client needs, improving service delivery.
- Streamlined reporting processes, ensuring accurate data collection and timely delivery of insights to stakeholders.
- Implemented feedback loops with clients to refine service offerings and enhance satisfaction levels.
- Provided expert advice on navigating employment laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, ensuring client organizations remained up-to-date on best practices.
- Negotiated contracts with external vendors to secure favorable terms for both parties while maintaining high-quality service offerings.
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
Steinberg Hart (Architecture Firm)
Los Angeles, CA
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Facilitated the breakdown of organizational silos and clarified job titles, resulting in improved hierarchy and responsibility alignment across locations in California and China.
- Developed and implemented retention strategies based on exit interview insights, effectively reducing employee attrition and enhancing job satisfaction.
- Evaluated and updated recruitment, hiring strategies, and job descriptions to ensure compliance with ADA, federal, and state nondiscrimination laws, enhancing overall recruitment efficiency.
Operations Manager/Community Relations
Dickerson Employee Benefits
Los Angeles, CA
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Served as licensed Life, Health, and Disability Insurance Agent responsible for advising clients on employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefits.
- Developed and managed strategic alliances and business opportunities, liaising with high-profile clients including City of Inglewood, California Charter School Association, and Los Angeles Urban League.
- Directed a 12-member team, including sales executives and account managers, to achieve key business metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Created and implemented new operations management systems, policies, and procedures to optimize day-to-day operations and project management processes.
Human Resource Manager – Benefits Coordinator
Los Angeles Urban League
Los Angeles, CA
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Managed the administration of group health, dental, and life insurance programs, ensuring accurate processing of enrollments and terminations.
- Facilitated C.O.B.R.A transactions to support compliance with regulatory requirements.
Education
MBA - Organizational Development
Cal State Dominguez Hills
Carson, CABachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of California
Los Angeles, CASkills
- ADP Workforce Now (HRIS, Payroll, Time & Attendance)
- HR analytics
- Records management
- Compliance management
- Benefits administration
- Talent acquisition
- Performance evaluation
- Employee relations
- Human resources administration
- Organizational development
Certification
- SHRM-CP-Certified HR Professional
- Licensed Broker for Life, Health and Disability, California Department of Insurance
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Multi-Site Operations
- Organizational Development
- Workforce Planning
- Employee Relations
- HR Compliance (Federal/State)
- Compensation & Salary Administration
- Performance Management
- Benefits Administration
- Succession Planning
- Leadership Development
- Policy Development
- Executive Coaching
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Bristol Management Services
06.2022 - 02.2026
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
Steinberg Hart (Architecture Firm)
01.2015 - 01.2016
Principal | Human Resource Consultant
DBEWorldWide
01.2011 - 01.2022
Operations Manager/Community Relations
Dickerson Employee Benefits
01.2005 - 01.2009
Human Resource Manager – Benefits Coordinator
Los Angeles Urban League
01.2003 - 01.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of California
MBA - Organizational Development
Cal State Dominguez Hills