Heather McKinnon
Murrieta,CA
Summary
Results-driven HR professional with experience in benefits administration, payroll processing, and employee support across manufacturing operations. Skilled in handling confidential records, leave administration, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. Focused on improving HR efficiency and delivering accurate, dependable service.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Manager
Star Milling Co.
Perris, CA
07.2009 - 08.2026
- Directed hiring, onboarding, and employee record management for manufacturing teams at Star Milling Co..
- Oversaw benefits enrollment, leave administration, and payroll support for Star Milling Co. staff.
- Advised supervisors on employee relations, conflict resolution, and discipline actions.
- Managed compliance efforts for labor laws, safety rules, and company personnel policies.
- Maintained confidential HR files, reports, and employee communications for Star Milling Co.
- Identified, screened and interviewed potential employees.
- Directed HR programs, policies and processes to improve operational efficiency.
- Encouraged open communications, promoting positive and a pro-employee work environment.
- Held exit interviews and documented information discussed with employees.
- Facilitated communication between management and staff by conducting regular meetings to discuss concerns or suggestions.
- Resolved conflicts between different departments or personnel using sound judgment to maintain a harmonious work environment.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state and local employment laws.
- Investigated employee relations matters through interviews with involved parties to ensure a fair resolution.
- Coordinated various benefits programs such as medical insurance, retirement plans and vacation policies.
- Managed employee discipline processes to address policy violations and termination to address policy infractions.
- Suggested promotions and wage increases according to employee performance.
Customer Service Representative
TRI-AD
Escondido, California
03.2009 - 06.2009
- Responded to TRI-AD member calls regarding benefits, eligibility, and account questions.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Resolved customer issues using TRI-AD service policies and documented case notes.
- Explained plan details and TRI-AD procedures to members in clear language.
- Reviewed enrollment updates and corrected customer records for accuracy.
- Tracked customer interactions in TRI-AD systems and maintained organized records.
- Processed correspondence, forms, and account requests within TRI-AD service standards.
Administrative Assistant
Wier Construction
Escondido, California
06.2007 - 03.2008
- Answered phones, greeted visitors, and routed messages across departments.
- Answered phone calls and emails to provide information, resulting in effective business correspondence.
- Coordinated communication between vendors, clients, and jobsite supervisors.
- Tracked correspondence and updated administrative records for Wier Construction operations.
- Entered timecards, payroll data, and employee information into office systems.
Payroll Manager
Pinnacle
Santa Ana, California
09.2006 - 05.2007
- Calculated and processed payroll for over 450 employees on a semi-monthly basis.
- Managed Pinnacle payroll processing for hourly, salaried, and bonus pay cycles.
- Reviewed timekeeping data for Pinnacle employees and corrected payroll discrepancies.
- Coordinated tax filings, garnishments, and deductions within Pinnacle payroll records.
- Maintained payroll compliance with federal, state, and local requirements at Pinnacle.
- Reconciled payroll reports, general ledger entries, and benefit deductions for Pinnacle.
- Responded to Pinnacle employee payroll questions and resolved payment issues.
- Partnered with HR and Finance teams to support Pinnacle payroll administration.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management
Florida Southern College
Lakeland, FL12-1996
Some College (No Degree) - Interior Design
Kean University
Union, NJSkills
- Benefits management
- Payroll administration
- Human resources compliance
- Employment law
- Candidate evaluation
- Employee engagement
Timeline
Human Resources Manager
Star Milling Co.
07.2009 - 08.2026
Customer Service Representative
TRI-AD
03.2009 - 06.2009
Administrative Assistant
Wier Construction
06.2007 - 03.2008
Payroll Manager
Pinnacle
09.2006 - 05.2007
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management
Florida Southern College
Some College (No Degree) - Interior Design
Kean University