Katje Karas
Cohoes,NY
Summary
Results-driven Associate Relations Manager with expertise in employee onboarding, conflict resolution, and performance management. Proven ability to enhance employee engagement and retention through effective communication and targeted training programs.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Relations Manager
Hannaford
06.2011 - Current
- Organized and executed open interview sessions to attract qualified candidates for new store in Brunswick, NY.
- Conducted Mass hire events for stores in our district.
- Worked with a store manger to recruit meat cutter trainees for our apprentice program in district 09.
- Collaborated with leadership to align HR initiatives with business objectives and drive growth strategies.
- Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Maintained accurate HR records in compliance with applicable laws, ensuring efficient data retrieval when required.
- Conducted thorough internal investigations, addressing employee concerns with fairness and transparency.
- Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations.
- Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
- Managed benefits enrollment and manged Workers' Comp Claims, ensuring accurate enrollment and timely processing of claims.
- Organized and led staff orientation programs and training to promote collaboration.
- Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires bolstering position knowledge and skillset.
- Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs.
- Proactively addressed potential skill gaps or staffing needs.
- Processed employee claims involving performance issues and harassment.
- Facilitated open communication channels between employees and management attending town hall meetings or roundtable discussions.
- Reduced employee turnover by utilizing exit interview data and implementing targeted retention strategies.
- Enhanced employee career paths through development of clear progression plans and continuous learning opportunities.
- Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
Assistant Associate Relations Manager
Hannaford
09.2009 - 06.2011
- Completed weekly payroll
- Conducted exit interviews to gather valuable feedback from departing employees, identifying areas for improvement in retention efforts.
- Organized employee engagement events to foster team-building and strengthen relationships among staff members.
- Collaborated with department managers to identify staffing needs and develop strategies for filling open positions.
- Assisted with benefits administration, ensuring accurate enrollment information and timely processing of changes.
- Maintained up-to-date personnel records, safeguarding confidential information and ensuring compliance with employment laws.
- Filed employee paperwork in compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Supported HR initiatives by creating informative materials such as newsletters, policy updates, and company announcements.
- Held orientation for up to [Number] new personnel to give information on [Topic] and [Topic] each [Timespan].
- Monitored compliance with federal and state employment regulations, ensuring the organization remained up-to-date on necessary policy changes.
- Identified and implemented appropriate strategies to increase employee satisfaction and retention.
- Updated training processes by reviewing existing documentation, leveraging feedback from associates and working with legal and compliance teams.
- Distributed employee engagement surveys to identify areas of improvement.
- Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
Assistant Manager of Customer Service
Hannaford
07.2004 - 09.2009
- Led customer service team to enhance client satisfaction and retention strategies.
- Mentored new staff, fostering a collaborative team environment and elevating service standards.
- Resolved complex customer issues, ensuring timely and effective solutions for positive outcomes.
- Promoted a positive and inclusive working culture that emphasized collaboration, teamwork, and mutual respect among all employees.
- Oversaw scheduling and shift assignments, optimizing staff coverage during peak times for optimal customer support.
- Collaborated with management to develop strategies for enhancing the overall customer experience.
- Implemented staff training programs to improve both technical knowledge and soft skills, raising overall performance levels.
- Worked closely with other departments within the organization to ensure seamless coordination when addressing complex customer issues or escalating concerns as needed.
- Established clear communication channels between staff members, fostering a cohesive work environment conducive to collaboration.
- Conducted regular team meetings to discuss progress, address concerns, and celebrate achievements.
- Monitored employee performance, providing constructive feedback and coaching for continuous improvement.
- Developed strong relationships with customers, providing personalized assistance and support.
- Kept accurate records to document customer service actions and discussions.
- Trained and regularly mentored associates on performance-oriented strategies and customer service techniques.
- Supervised employees and assessed performances to determine training needs and define accurate plans for decreasing process lags.
- Researched and corrected customer concerns to promote company loyalty.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
Payroll Administrator
Hannaford
01.2000 - 09.2009
- Reviewed and reconciled payroll discrepancies to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Trained junior staff on payroll systems and best practices to improve service delivery.
- Collaborated with HR to maintain accurate employee records and benefits administration.
- Advised management on payroll policies and compliance issues to mitigate risks.
- Handled complex payroll situations such as back-pay calculations, garnishments, and overtime payments with accuracy and professionalism.
- Reduced errors in payroll calculations with meticulous attention to detail and thorough data verification.
- Verified and submitted timekeeping information for accurate and efficient payroll processing.
- Responded to employee inquiries to provide information regarding payroll deductions and related issues.
- Managed accurate records of employee time off, leave balances, and attendance for precise pay calculation.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing employee inquiries about their paychecks promptly and accurately.
- Submitted reports on payroll activities.
- Coordinated with HR personnel to verify accuracy and completeness of employee information.
- Assisted in the successful migration of payroll systems during a company-wide software upgrade without disruption to operations.
- Fostered collaborative work environment, resolving payroll issues through effective communication and teamwork.
- Updated employee files with new details such as changes in address or salary levels.
- Assisted with recruitment and onboarding of new employees.
- Maintained employee confidence and protected payroll operations by keeping information confidential.
Customer Service Leader
Hannaford
01.2000 - 07.2004
- Led team to enhance customer satisfaction through effective communication and problem resolution strategies.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the team.
- Trained, oversaw, and mentored new team members to strengthen performance and job expertise.
- Resolved customer service issues using company processes and policies and provided updates to customers.
- Coached new team members on service techniques and provided scoring through quality assurance program.
- Greeted customers and listened closely to problems described to determine solutions.
- Reviewed associate performance to identify training needs.
- Took cash and credit card payments via phone, in person, and through email.
- Balanced multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, consistently meeting deadlines while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Increased customer retention with personalized service, building long-term relationships based on trust and loyalty.
- Exhibited high energy and professionalism when dealing with clients and staff.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of product and service changes.
- Recommended, selected and helped locate and obtain out-of-stock product based on customer requests.
- Collected and returned unpurchased or returned items to correct shelf locations and arranged displays to promote sales.
Cashier
Hannaford
07.1997 - 01.2000
- Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Managed cash drawer, balancing funds and ensuring accuracy in daily reconciliations.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries, enhancing overall shopping experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of checkout areas to promote safety and efficiency.
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Assisted customers with inquiries and provided exceptional service, resulting in positive feedback from shoppers.
- Adapted quickly to new technologies implemented at POS systems, ensuring seamless transition periods for both staff and customers.
Education
Associate's Degree - Early Childhood Education
HVCC
Troy, NY05-2002
Skills
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Verbal and written communication
- Documentation and reporting
- Performance management
- Policy implementation
- Conflict resolution
- Expectation setting
- Clear communication
- Employee onboarding
- Coaching and mentoring
- Work prioritization
- Recruiting and interviewing
- Partnership development
- Computer skills
- Effective communication
- Positive attitude
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Training and development
- Employee coaching and mentoring
Timeline
Associate Relations Manager
Hannaford
06.2011 - Current
Assistant Associate Relations Manager
Hannaford
09.2009 - 06.2011
Assistant Manager of Customer Service
Hannaford
07.2004 - 09.2009
Payroll Administrator
Hannaford
01.2000 - 09.2009
Customer Service Leader
Hannaford
01.2000 - 07.2004
Cashier
Hannaford
07.1997 - 01.2000
Associate's Degree - Early Childhood Education
HVCC