Heather Ritter
Elk Grove Village,IL
Summary
Human Resources Executive with over 20 years of progressive HR experience and advanced knowledge of employment law, employee benefits, compensation, payroll, recruitment and employee relations. Works with company executives to promote a high performing organization with efficient operating systems, professional and skilled staff and sound financial resources.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Human Resources
Daily Herald Media Group
06.2014 - Current
- Successfully led the HR team during numerous acquisitions and outsourcing
- Participated at strategic and operational levels to develop and strengthen human resources services, relationships and mission.
- Instructed senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.
- Reduced process gaps while supervising employees to achieve optimal productivity.
- In concert with the Chief Operating Officer to manage company operations in order to reduce expense and increase efficiency
- Led HR department restructuring, optimizing team resources for improved productivity and effectiveness.
- Mitigated risk exposure through diligent workplace safety practices and proactive policy enforcement.
- Oversaw benefits administration, ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness of offerings.
- Fostered strong relationships between human resources staff members, encouraging collaboration on projects.
Human Resources Manager
Daily Herald Media Group
05.2006 - 06.2014
- Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency, reducing paperwork and manual tasks through automation.
- Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
- Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations, minimizing financial discrepancies through detailed program management.
Sr. Benefits/Compensation Specialist
Daily Herald Media Group
01.1995 - 05.2014
- Worked with senior management team to develop benefit strategies
- Responsible for causing significant migration to a high-deductible PPO through excellent communication strategies
- Counseled employees about benefits programs
- Regularly interpreted and apply state and federal legislation
- Responsible for all FMLA/leave of absence/workers compensation administration
- Worked on team to revamp and institute the entire performance management/compensation system
- Developed comprehensive job descriptions to accurately reflect roles, responsibilities, and necessary skills for successful performance in each position.
- Provided expert guidance on compensation-related matters to managers during recruitment, promotion, or reassignment processes.
Education
B.S. - Human Resources Management
DePaul University
Chicago, IL06.1994
Skills
- Benefits Strategy & Administration
- Compliance Management
- HR analytics
- Talent Acquisition
- Employee Relations
- Organizational Development
- Payroll Management
- Workforce Planning
- Internal Communications
- Employment Law Expertise
- Recruitment strategy
- HR software proficiency
- HR policy development
- Workers' compensation oversight
- Payroll Administration
- Strategic Planning
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Operations Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Budget Administration
- Company Leadership
Leadership Experience
I am a member of the executive team and collaborate with all company officers on a regular basis. I work closely with our organization's President and Chief Operating Officer on acquisitions and strategic planning in order to strengthen business operations and workflow with the goals of increasing revenue and efficiencies, and decreasing expense.
Other
- Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and HRIS/Payroll systems
- Recipient of the Stuart R. Paddock Manager of the Year Award
- Recipient of Daily Herald Employee Excellence Award
- Previous Board Member - Northwest Human Resources Council
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Daily Herald Media Group
06.2014 - Current
Human Resources Manager
Daily Herald Media Group
05.2006 - 06.2014
Sr. Benefits/Compensation Specialist
Daily Herald Media Group
01.1995 - 05.2014
B.S. - Human Resources Management
DePaul University
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