Kelli Larkins
Berwyn,IL
Summary
Highly experienced and results-driven HR professional with over two decades of progressive experience in Human Resources leadership, including recent tenure as Director of Human Resources at GFL Environmental Inc. Proven ability to lead comprehensive HR departments, develop and execute strategic HR initiatives, and foster high-performing workforces within diverse organizational structures. Possesses a strong background in employee relations, policy development, benefits administration, recruitment, and change management, with a keen focus on optimizing processes and ensuring compliance in complex environments. Adept at partnering with executive leadership to align HR functions with business objectives and dedicated to creating a positive and productive workplace culture. Bringing valuable local market knowledge to the City of Joliet.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Human Resources
GFL Environmental Inc.
06.2025 - Current
- Leading strategic HR initiatives, focusing on talent development, employee engagement, and operational efficiency.
- Providing expert guidance and oversight in organizational development, policy administration, and employment law compliance.
- Directed each phase of hiring process, encompassing employment verification, employee relations investigations, criminal background checks and onboarding, while devising each phase of recruitment process and policy administration for the 1500 US employees
- Led the strategic onboarding initiative for 250 acquired employees in three months, developing tailored communication plans and integration strategies to foster cultural alignment and minimize disruption.
- Identified HR training needs and conducted training for employees and leadership while recommending approaches to effect continual improvements in business objectives, productivity, and within company to reach business goals.
- Collaborated with leadership to assess and improve policies across board.
Regional Human Resources Business Partner
GFL Environmental Inc.
09.2023 - 06.2025
- Provided strategic HR partnership to regional leadership, driving key talent management and employee relations initiatives across multiple locations.
- Guided leaders on complex employee relations matters, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies and procedures, resulting in retention of multiple employees based on conflict resolution training
- Collaborated on performance improvement strategies and code of conduct enforcement to foster a high-performance and ethical work environment while conducting 9-box exercises across 5 operational departments to promote succession planning and career pathing.
- Contributed to regional HR strategy development and implementation, supporting business growth and operational goals.
- Developed comprehensive process for new hires and reviewed new hire productivity, optimizing onboarding effectiveness while decreasing turnover by 10% for fiscal year 2024
Human Resources Business Partner
Ferguson Enterprises
Addison, IL
08.2022 - 09.2023
- Successfully implemented HR strategy within the district, driving talent management and employee engagement initiatives.
- Executed a labor reduction strategy to increase profitability by 1 million for the fiscal year, demonstrating strong business acumen and strategic impact.
- Actively involved in performance improvement initiatives and code of conduct adherence.
- Maintained confidential nature of employee and company proprietary and privileged information used or observed in course of performing job duties.
- Conducted 50 exit interviews with employees leaving company to gauge areas of success and opportunities for improvement.
Manager, Human Resource Business Partner
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
12.2021 - 07.2022
- Developed relationships with five new client groups across the enterprise, collaborating on career path and succession planning initiatives.
- Collaborated with leadership to ensure consistent application of policy and procedures, contributing to a fair and equitable workplace.
- Provided coaching to up to six direct reports, increasing crew efficiency by 70%.
- Partnered with Centers of Excellence (COE) groups to drive people support initiatives, product development, and service improvements.
- Facilitated executive meetings, leading to the adoption of an action plan focused on enhancing retention efforts by prioritizing total rewards.
Regional Human Resources Business Partner
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
, Midwest
05.2019 - 03.2022
- Maintained consistency in the application of policies and procedures, resulting in a 30% reduction in employee relations complaints.
- Standardized onboarding structure to align corporate and field employees, leading to increased employee engagement.
- Facilitated quarterly business updates, presenting key HR metrics and insights to regional leadership.
- Partnered with the Talent Acquisition team to source qualified talent regionally, contributing to successful recruitment efforts.
Chicago Terminal HR Business Partner
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
Chicago, IL
04.2018 - 05.2019
- Served as the primary HR point of contact for the terminal, providing comprehensive services including benefits administration, onboarding and training, employee relations investigations, and talent initiatives.
- Increased 401k enrollment in the region-based business segment by 10% through effective communication and promotion of benefit programs.
- Resolved understaffing issues, disputes, employee terminations, and disciplinary procedures.
- Investigated and liaised with legal department to respond to complaints of harassment, discrimination, employee grievances, and other sensitive issues and prepared position statements for EEOC.
- Developed and delivered special events for company employees.
Assistant Store Manager
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc.
06.2015 - 08.2017
- Served as primary HR point of contact for store employees, handling onboarding, training, and initial employee relations issues.
- Interviewed, hired, and trained staff of 50 + associates and equipped to comply with company policies and procedures.
- Provided 2 weekly work schedules to employees to accommodate business demands and vacation requests for sales floor and production staff.
- Maintained positive customer relationships by responding quickly to customer service inquiries.
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
Retail Coordinator
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc.
05.2012 - 06.2015
- Coordinated retail operations, focusing on inventory management, merchandising, and customer service standards.
- Assisted in training new hires and ensured adherence to operational procedures and company policies.
- Reduced expenses by renegotiating vendor contracts to eliminate waste and boost cost savings
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
- Researched issues to obtain appropriate answers to customer inquiries.
- Educated staff on strategies for handling difficult customers and challenging situations.
Assistant Store Manager
Walgreens
Joliet, IL
02.2000 - 05.2012
- Provided strong customer service leadership, resulting in an average annual sales increase of 5%.
- Developed relationships with numerous new staff members and provided career development coaching to existing team members.
- Gained valuable experience in the Joliet market, understanding local community needs and dynamics.
- Applied presentation and communication training skills in various aspects of store operations and team engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business
University of Phoenix
Online 11.2016
Associate of Arts - Business Administration And Management
University of Phoenix
Online12.2014
Skills
- Compliance management
- Performance management
- Employee engagement
- Labor relations
- Workforce planning
- Organizational development
- Strategy development
- Internal communications
- Regulatory compliance
- HR policy development
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
GFL Environmental Inc.
06.2025 - Current
Regional Human Resources Business Partner
GFL Environmental Inc.
09.2023 - 06.2025
Human Resources Business Partner
Ferguson Enterprises
08.2022 - 09.2023
Manager, Human Resource Business Partner
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
12.2021 - 07.2022
Regional Human Resources Business Partner
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
05.2019 - 03.2022
Chicago Terminal HR Business Partner
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
04.2018 - 05.2019
Assistant Store Manager
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc.
06.2015 - 08.2017
Retail Coordinator
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc.
05.2012 - 06.2015
Assistant Store Manager
Walgreens
02.2000 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Science - Business
University of Phoenix
Associate of Arts - Business Administration And Management
University of Phoenix
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