Janell I. Jacobs
Charleston,SC
Summary
Strategic Human Resources leader with 17 years of experience in workforce strategy and organizational effectiveness within high-compliance environments. Graduate of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Leadership Discovery Program. Proven expertise in aligning people strategy with business performance, building HR functions, and reducing turnover. Trusted advisor to executive teams, utilizing a data-driven and people-centered approach to facilitate business transformation.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Manager
Adapt Forward
Charleston, SC
09.2023 - Current
- Partner with executive leadership to align HR strategy with business objectives, advancing workforce engagement and readiness in support of DoD missions.
- Reviewed and recommended improvements to organization's policies, procedures, and practices on personnel matters to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Develop and administer personnel policies, procedures, and training programs in accordance with federal and state guidelines, including but not limited to employee handbook, performance improvement plans, and progressive discipline programs.
- Maintain knowledge of industry trends and employment legislation and ensures organization's compliance.
- Conducts management and non-management training such as manager training, harassment and discrimination, conflict resolution, and/or other topics approved by leadership.
- Collaborated with managers and leadership to resolve employee relations issues, ensuring fair representation of all interests.
- Develops and implements initiatives to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
- Manages the performance management process including performance reviews, disciplinary documentation and performance improvement plans.
- Conducts workplace investigations pertaining to performance, conduct, and attendance.
- Analyzed engagement surveys, exit interviews, and turnover/absenteeism data to provide leadership with insights on culture and work environment, facilitating necessary adjustments.
- Supported Department of Defense initiatives
- Transitioned HR operations off a PEO, establishing a fully self-sufficient internal HR department.
- Developed and implemented SOPs for 10 new HR workflow processes, enhancing consistency and compliance.
- Redesigned and launched onboarding/offboarding programs, streamlining the employee lifecycle experience.
- Established and currently oversees the Benefits Department, ensuring competitive offerings and efficient administration.
- Conducted a comprehensive audit of 6000 employee records within two weeks, identifying compliance gaps and implementing corrective actions.
HR Business Partner
Levelwing
Charleston, SC
01.2022 - 02.2023
- Led HR department of 3 direct and 2 indirect staff members, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
- Collaborates with senior leadership to understand the organization's goals and strategy related to staffing, recruiting and retention.
- Plans, leads, develops, coordinates, and implements policies, processes, training, initiatives, and surveys to support the organizations human resource compliance and strategy needs.
- Administered human resource programs including compensation, benefits, leave, and performance management, ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational goals.
- Identifies staffing and recruiting needs; develops and executes best practices for hiring and talent management.
- Conducts research and analysis of organizational trends including review of reports and metrics from the organization's human resource information system (HRIS) or talent management system.
- Monitors and ensures the organization compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommends best practices; reviews and modifies policies and practices to maintain compliance.
- Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law; applies this knowledge to communicate changes in policy, practice, and resources to upper management.
- Develops and implements department budget.
- Facilitated professional development and training initiatives to enhance employee skills and engagement across the organization.
- Implemented strategies to reduce employee turnover by 11% through improved engagement practices.
- Expanded workforce by 8% by implementing effective recruiting strategies and processes.
- Implemented new recruiting process with a 25-day or less backfill turnaround time.
- Implemented a Performance Management process.
- Implemented a new Referral Bonus Process and 6 new policies.
- Planned and organized the company Summit Annual Retreat of 60+ employees.
- Created an annual Merit/HiPo compensation budget process.
Senior HR Generalist/HRBP
Scientific Research Corporation
N. Charleston, SC
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Managed and resolved complex employee relations issues. Conducted effective, thorough and objective investigations.
- Handled employee relations counseling and exit interviewing; analyzed data and trends to provide actionable recommendations to management and executive leadership.
- Guided managers on employment matters, including coaching, counseling, career development, and disciplinary actions.
- Works closely with management and employees to improve working relations, build morale, increase productivity and retention.
- Responds to employee questions regarding company policies, procedures, benefits, compensation, payroll and work-related problems.
- Provides HR Policy guidance and interpretation to employees.
- Supported 500+ exempt and non-exempt international and domestic employees.
- Conducted research into human resources practices, policies, and procedures; analyzed competitive trends to inform strategic HR initiatives.
- Facilitated leadership training sessions to enhance organizational effectiveness and employee engagement.
- Conducts new employee orientation and exit interviews.
- Prepares and organizes all communication in response to workers compensation and unemployment claims.
- Partners with the Charleston Chamber of Commerce as an Academy Coordinator which includes organizing an annual deep dive for high school students interested in S.T.E.M. along with quarterly job shadowing events.
- Supported Department of Defense operations
- Recipient of three SPOT awards for my hard work, dedication, and overall willingness to go above and beyond outside my regular duties.
Senior HR Coordinator
Walmart Home Office, Global Shared Services
01.2015 - 12.2015
HR Generalist
BaseLoad Inc.
01.2013 - 12.2015
Student Director
Winthrop University
01.2011 - 12.2013
HR Assistant
Sprint Wireless
01.2007 - 12.2010
Education
SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Professional Certificate -
Trident Technical College
Charleston, South Carolina, SC04.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Social Science, and Women & Gender Studies
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC12-2013
Skills
- Executive Coaching
- Global HR Experience
- Employee handbook development
- Policy making and enforcement
- System development
- Performance Management
- Compensation & Benefits Administration
- HR policies
- HR Strategy & Compliance
- Federal/State Employment Law
- Workforce & Risk Management
- HR Consulting/Advising
- HR Department Startup
- Talent Management
- Training & Leadership Development
- Organizational Development
- Culture & Inclusion
- Conflict Resolution
- Operations & Systems
- HRIS Administration
- Process Improvement
- Project Management
- Department of Defense HR Experience
- Industry & International Expertise
- Navigating diverse labor regulations
- Secure workforce
- Domestic and international operations
- Employee relations
- Strategic thinking
- Regulatory compliance
References
Available Upon Request
Community Service
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Active Member, 04/01/17, Present
- SHRM Palmetto Chapter, Active Member, 01/01/14, Present
- The Helm, Active Member, 08/01/24, Present
Highlights
Federal/State Employment Law, Workforce & Risk Management, HR Consulting/Advising, HR Department Startup, Talent Acquisition, Employee Onboarding, Training & Development, Leadership Development, Performance Management, Compensation Design, Benefits Administration, Contract Negotiation, Organizational Development, DEI & Multicultural Diversity, Conflict Resolution, Process Improvement, Project Management, HRIS Administration, Extensive Department of Defense HR Experience, Skilled in navigating diverse labor regulations and employee relations across multiple countries
Timeline
Human Resources Manager
Adapt Forward
09.2023 - Current
HR Business Partner
Levelwing
01.2022 - 02.2023
Senior HR Generalist/HRBP
Scientific Research Corporation
01.2016 - 01.2022
Senior HR Coordinator
Walmart Home Office, Global Shared Services
01.2015 - 12.2015
HR Generalist
BaseLoad Inc.
01.2013 - 12.2015
Student Director
Winthrop University
01.2011 - 12.2013
HR Assistant
Sprint Wireless
01.2007 - 12.2010
SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Professional Certificate -
Trident Technical College
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Social Science, and Women & Gender Studies
Winthrop University