Katrina Underwood
Cincinnati
Summary
Human Resources professional with experience in employee relations, talent acquisition, systems administration, and vendor management. Known for supporting HR compliance, process improvement, and issue resolution to enhance the employee lifecycle. Proven ability to partner with internal teams and external providers to improve HR services, reduce risk, and ensure adherence to policies and employment regulations. Committed to fostering positive workplace environments and promoting fair and consistent practices.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Talent and Operations Specialist
Kroger Co.
Cincinnati
09.2025 - Current
- Maintain accurate employee and candidate records across HR systems (ATS, HRIS), ensuring data integrity and compliance.
- Support HR business processes including background checks, employment verification, and contingent labor coordination.
- Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve consistency and efficiency across talent operations.
- Monitor operational workflows and identify process gaps, risks, or opportunities for improvement.
Talent Acquisition Vendor Management Lead
Kroger Co
Cincinnati
05.2022 - 09.2025
- Partner with internal HR and technology teams to resolve vendor-related issues, improving overall candidate and employee experience.
- Supported regulatory compliance and risk mitigation efforts through documentation management and reporting enhancements.
- Designed and executed streamlined background and drug screening processes, reducing delays and improving time-to-hire metrics by 25%.
- Collaborated across COEs to implement standardized procedures and promote consistent policy application in vendor-supported areas.
- Developed data-driven reports to support compliance tracking and service-level monitoring with external HR providers.
Candidate Experience Lead
Kroger Co.
Cincinnati
04.2021 - 04.2023
- Acted as the subject matter expert for background screening (HireRight), ensuring hiring processes adhered to federal and state employment laws.
- Provided guidance to HR teams and hiring managers on sensitive hiring issues and resolved applicant concerns in line with internal policies.
- Maintained data integrity within HR systems and ensured accurate recordkeeping and confidentiality.
- Supported internal audits and risk assessments related to talent acquisition compliance.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
COE Tech Catalog Management Analyst
Kroger
Cincinnati
12.2018 - 05.2021
- Collaborated with Talent Acquisition and HR Operations to ensure timely processing of vendor invoices and offer letters.
- Partnered with internal stakeholders to improve system workflows and enhance communication between departments.
- Conducted data analysis to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements in HR-related purchasing and onboarding processes.
- Facilitated adoption of new tools and trained stakeholders during business system transitions.
Buyer
Mercy Health
Cincinnati
02.2018 - 12.2018
- Maintained vendor accountability and resolved discrepancies in procurement documentation.
- Collaborated with departments to ensure timely delivery of resources and address service-level issues.
- Documented savings and ensured alignment with internal financial controls.
Consultant Project Manager
Williams Lea
Cincinnati
07.2015 - 12.2018
- Led client-facing projects and mediated between teams to resolve roadblocks and competing priorities.
- Maintained ongoing communication with stakeholders and adjusted project plans to meet evolving client needs.
- Identified areas of risk and provided timely issue resolution to maintain service delivery standards.
Education
Master's Degree - Business Management
Chicago Concordia University
River Forest, ILBachelor's Degree - Human Resource Management
Tiffin University
Tiffin, OHSkills
- Employee Relations & Issue Resolution
- HR Compliance & Regulatory Adherence
- Stakeholder & Employee Engagement
- HR Systems (SAP, Coupa, HRIS)
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Policy Interpretation & Application
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Vendor & Contract Management
- Process Improvement & Change Management
Timeline
Talent and Operations Specialist
Kroger Co.
09.2025 - Current
Talent Acquisition Vendor Management Lead
Kroger Co
05.2022 - 09.2025
Candidate Experience Lead
Kroger Co.
04.2021 - 04.2023
COE Tech Catalog Management Analyst
Kroger
12.2018 - 05.2021
Buyer
Mercy Health
02.2018 - 12.2018
Consultant Project Manager
Williams Lea
07.2015 - 12.2018
Master's Degree - Business Management
Chicago Concordia University
Bachelor's Degree - Human Resource Management
Tiffin University