Elizabeth Perez
Union,NJ
Summary
Results-driven Senior HR Business Partner with over 14 years of experience in developing and implementing strategic HR initiatives. Proven track record of driving organizational growth through effective talent acquisition, employee development, and performance management. Skilled in building and leading high-performing HR teams, fostering a positive work culture, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations. Strong expertise in employee relations, compensation and benefits, and HR technology. Adept at collaborating with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business objectives. Committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that attracts and retains top talent.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
FAIR360
08.2023 - Current
- Oversee the Human Resources function for the organization
- Provide comprehensive reports on HR, Payroll, and Learning and Development
- Apply Employment Law, HR policy, best practices, and workforce development strategies
- Advise and strategize on the development of effective employment policies
- Provide professional leadership, support, and development to all staff
- Collaborate with the management team to craft the company's vision and mission and enhance the success of the organization
- Develop strategic HR plans and policies that align with our company vision
- Hire, guide, and evaluate the work of HR executives.
DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE & CULTURE
MC HOTEL
12.2022 - 08.2023
- Acted as guardian of the culture pillars of People, Place, and Character, promoting an engaging, positive, and safe work environment for all employees
- Implemented proven practices and programs in which employees felt recognized, valued, and supported
- Responsible for addressing individuals who negatively impacted the aspiring culture
- Knew the pulse of the local talent pool and connected with potentials around town
- Created a seamless interviewing process, efficient background check methodology, and productive onboarding process for new associates
- Demonstrated subject matter expertise for their respective field by ensuring compliance to mandatory labor laws, acts, and fair practices
- Stayed abreast and proactive to upcoming changes for city, state, and federal labor statutes or by-laws
- Responsible for all benefit enrollment, personal leaves, and health related matters
- Owned the corrective action process, conducted meaningful performance discussions, and provided impactful training solutions
- Guided career development progression that drove the company's people and business strategy
- Collaborated and served as a strategic partner to the General Manager and the Executive Committee for planning the hotel's goals
- Practiced sound financial decisions to ensure appropriate budgets were in place and adhere
- Demonstrated a passion for 'being in the know' by spending time in departments and attending shift briefings or department meetings
- Facilitated focus groups and identified methods for employees to voice ideas or recommendations
- Coached peers and managers to address performance concerns with their associates
- Ensured inclusivity by utilizing translation resources to relay information to other represented languages when applicable and feasible.
SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PARTNER
KUSHNER
04.2019 - 01.2021
- Opening SHRBP of Jersey Shores 2019 prime location The Wave Resort located right on the beach of Long Branch NJ
- Responsible for hiring over +250 roles for our pre-opening of all hotel operations and five food and beverage outlets
- Oversee HR operations for all three hotels managed by Kushner within their Westminster Portfolio
- This included The Wave Resort, Bungalow Hotel, and Westminster Hotel
- Assist with Maryland and Virginia Residential properties with a strong focus of leave of absence, payroll, and employee relations
- Utilize business goals and objectives to provide client-centric HR consulting on people related strategies to ensure alignment with Kushner’s mission and goals
- Lead in the development, implementation, and refinement of a support structure for management on the property level and Kushner goals
- Lead and participate in project teams formed to research, develop, and implement HR systems, tools, and policies
- Conducted weekly meetings with respective business units
- Analyzed trends and metrics in partnership with the HR group to develop solutions, programs, and policies
- Managed and resolved complex employee relations issues
- Conducted effective, thorough, and objective investigations
- Maintained in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance
- Partnered with the legal department as needed/required
- Provided day-to-day performance management guidance to line management (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions)
- Worked closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention
- Assisted international J1 Visa employees with expatriate assignments and related HR matters
- Provided guidance and input on business unit restructures, workforce planning, and succession planning.
COMPLEX DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
CRESCENT HOTELS & RESORTS
12.2017 - 05.2019
- Assisted and supported management staff with effective recruiting and interviewing techniques to ensure the hiring and retention of qualified associates
- Ensured compliance with Crescent hiring practices
- Confirmed and verified that new and existing associates possessed proper employment eligibility documents
- Conducted annual wage comparative survey within competitive set
- Ensured compliance with federal, state wage and hour laws and the Fair Labor Standard Act
- Conducted all mandatory Crescent training programs and DoubleTree standard requirements
- Ensured brand training was completed for brand Quality Assurance audit, if applicable
- Assisted department managers to ensure on-the-job training was completed in a timely manner
- Coordinated and monitored hourly and management performance evaluation process
- Assisted department managers in writing annual performance reviews and developing achievable goals
- Ensured merit increases were equitable and processed in a timely manner
- Supported and coordinated all Crescent human resource initiatives and business practices
- Created an atmosphere of being the employer of choice
- Ensured compliance with OSHA regulations and Crescent safety training program
- Managed all worker compensation and guest liability claims
- Responsible for the coordination of benefits with Crescent's benefit administrator for new hires, current terminated associates
- Assisted associates with requests for FMLA and personal LOA paperwork and coordinated the collection of insurance premium payments
- Ensured hotel departments entered weekly schedules into web-based timekeeping software
- Provided weekly payroll reports to the General Manager and department managers
- Supported with the processing of weekly and bi-weekly payroll by reviewing department time edits and pay code updates
- Reviewed and signed off on the final pre-transmission report to ensure accuracy of payment for weekly and bi-weekly payroll.
COMPLEX DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL GROUP
12.2017 - 05.2019
- Developed awareness and reputation of the hotel and the brand in the local community and promoted team member involvement in the local community
- Ensured compliance with relevant employment laws and hotel or company policies and procedures
- Researched and investigated all workplace issues to discover facts, identify potential risks to the hotel or company, and facilitated resolution through employee relations programs
- Collected and maintained data from exit interviews, turnover statistics, and absenteeism reports to identify trends, training needs, and supervisory issues
- Created programs to foster teamwork and a positive work environment for all team members, such as all team meetings, team member recognition and celebration events, social committees, and health fairs
- Educated and trained leaders and employees on various topics, including performance management processes, progressive disciplinary processes, and related programs, to foster productivity and enhance performance
- Conducted new team member orientation by providing information on hotel or company standards, policies, procedures, and team member benefit programs
- Ensured that hotel or company hiring standards and governmental regulations were followed in a timely manner for recruiting and selection processes
- Recommended and/or initiated salary, disciplinary, or other staffing/human resources-related actions in accordance with hotel or company rules and policies
- Recommended and implemented guest service strategies that engaged colleagues to respond to changing guest needs
- Stayed current on market trends and local changes that impacted employee satisfaction
- Worked with department managers to develop initiatives to achieve service standards and drive continuous improvement in the guest experience.
COMPLEX ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
HIGHGATE HOTELS
08.2015 - 04.2016
- Communicated new policies, information, and directives to all employees
- Instructed staff in the interpretation of HR policies and procedures
- Coordinated and monitored the recruitment, screening, and reference checking of all non-exempt personnel
- Maintained all standards for both hotels' collective bargaining contracts
- Conducted delegate union meetings monthly and provide consistent follow up to our Business Agent and Department Delegates
- Participated in all grievance meetings with Local 6 and Hotels
- Recruited, interviewed, and recommended all exempt and non-exempt personnel
- Maintained employee benefits programs
- Oversaw union hiring for all collective bargaining units
- Ensured managers used coaching, counseling, and discipline to address issues/concerns
- Responsible for the full process and completion of the Associate Opinion Survey by all employees.
COMPLEX HUMAN RESOURCES & PAYROLL MANAGER
WYNDHAM HOTELS AND RESORTS
04.2012 - 08.2015
- Organized and facilitated various associate functions and programs, such as monthly meetings, new hire orientation, and seasonal events, to promote engagement and teamwork
- Managed daily and monthly benefit processing, including enrollment, eligibility, and open enrollment, to ensure accurate and timely administration of employee benefits
- Processed bimonthly payroll, including paid time off, sick time, leaves of absence, and other payments, to ensure accurate and timely compensation for employees
- Updated job requirements and job descriptions for all positions to maintain an up-to-date and accurate work structure
- Conducted new hire orientation and other training programs to ensure a smooth onboarding process for new employees
- Administered safety and workers compensation program, including conducting monthly safety meetings and monitoring ongoing treatment, to ensure a safe and healthy work environment
- Trained managers on coaching and disciplining employees, scheduled work based on seniority, and resolved employee concerns to ensure effective performance management.
COMPLEX HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST
LIBERTY HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
07.2008 - 04.2012
- Responsible for all new hire paperwork, background screenings, pre-employment testing, employee health physicals, and explaining all benefits package information for all departments within the hospital
- Provide support with Union issues with UNO (Union Nurses Organization) and all Union delegates
- Assist in negotiating salary rates for new hires
- Responsible for enrolling employees when applying for Dental, Vision, Medical plans, etc
- Assist the HRIS manager with Turnover Reports
- Provide and give an overview of Policies and Procedures for Liberty Health to all employees
- Utilize the STAR & KRONOS to provide any database updates
- Assist with Training Courses for employees offered through grants
- Provide and explain information packages to all exciting employees
- Promote various departments through media outlets.
Education
MASTER OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCE: HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT -
Fairleigh Dickinson University
01.2017
BACHELOR OF ARTS: HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT -
Fairleigh Dickinson University
01.2013
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE: HOTEL AND RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT -
Culinary Arts Institute
01.2007
Skills
- Compensation & Employee Benefits
- Strong Labor Relations background in Union and Non-Union environments
- Service for over 4,000 employee’s in multi-units
- Excellent time management skills
- Conflict management
- HRIS Programs: STAR, Ceridian, ADP, KRONOS, Dayfoce, HR Smart, & TimeSaver
- Recruiting & Hiring Talent Management
- Implementation of new HRIS systems
- Payroll Management
- Labor Relations
- Leadership Development
- Grievance handling
Teaching
- Adjunct Instructor for Human Resources and Hospitality Courses, Hudson County Community College, Jersey City Campus in NJ, 06/01/21, Present
- Adjunct Instructor for Introduction to Human Resources, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison and Teaneck Campuses in NJ, 06/01/21, Present
Timeline
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
FAIR360
08.2023 - Current
DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE & CULTURE
MC HOTEL
12.2022 - 08.2023
SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PARTNER
KUSHNER
04.2019 - 01.2021
COMPLEX DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
CRESCENT HOTELS & RESORTS
12.2017 - 05.2019
COMPLEX DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL GROUP
12.2017 - 05.2019
COMPLEX ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
HIGHGATE HOTELS
08.2015 - 04.2016
COMPLEX HUMAN RESOURCES & PAYROLL MANAGER
WYNDHAM HOTELS AND RESORTS
04.2012 - 08.2015
COMPLEX HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST
LIBERTY HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
07.2008 - 04.2012
MASTER OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCE: HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT -
Fairleigh Dickinson University
BACHELOR OF ARTS: HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT -
Fairleigh Dickinson University
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE: HOTEL AND RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT -
Culinary Arts Institute
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