Kristopher Forest
LAS VEGAS
Summary
Results-driven and highly organized retired Navy recruiter with 24 years of expertise in talent acquisition, management, policy development, and strategic planning. Demonstrated success in crafting and implementing effective HR policies, managing departmental budgets, and enhancing employee morale while fostering team motivation. Proven ability to lead diverse teams, streamline recruitment processes, and significantly improve workforce retention. Eager to leverage extensive military experience in a dynamic HR leadership or consulting role that drives organizational success.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Navy Recruiter | HR Manager
U.S. Navy
01.2019 - 05.2024
- Led and managed a team of 45 recruiters, overseeing full-cycle recruitment for military roles across diverse specialties.
- Developed and implemented recruitment strategies that increased enlistment rates by 70% while maintaining high standards for qualifications and talent.
- Created and executed policies for recruitment, onboarding, and personnel management, ensuring compliance with Navy guidelines and improving efficiency.
- Managed department budgets, optimizing resource allocation and cutting unnecessary costs by 45% through process improvements and vendor negotiations.
- Played a key role in improving employee engagement by developing morale-boosting programs and recognition initiatives, resulting in a 50% increase in retention.
- Conducted training sessions on leadership, ethics, and Navy recruitment policies, improving team performance and accountability.
- Analyzed recruitment and retention metrics to adjust strategies, achieving recruitment goals and reducing turnover by 30%.
- [24 Years of Service]
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with hiring managers to understand staffing requirements.
- Led recruitment initiatives for diverse roles, aligning candidate profiles with operational needs.
- Streamlined candidate screening process using applicant tracking systems to enhance efficiency.
- Conducted comprehensive interviews, assessing qualifications and cultural fit of candidates.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to refine job descriptions and optimize recruitment strategies.
- Trained junior recruiters on effective sourcing techniques and best practices in talent acquisition.
- Analyzed recruitment metrics to identify trends and improve overall hiring processes.
- Conducted phone interviews to assess applicants relevant knowledge, skills, experience and aptitudes.
- Conducted reference checks, background screening and other pre-employment checks to verify information on applicant's resume.
- Managed high-volume requisitions in a timely manner to meet client staffing needs efficiently.
- Enhanced recruitment process for faster hiring by utilizing various sourcing tools such as job boards, social media, and networking events.
- Studied job descriptions and qualifications to determine applicant requirements.
- Created engaging job postings that accurately reflected position requirements while showcasing company culture.
- Provided exceptional customer service to both candidates and clients, fostering long-term partnerships.
- Operated and maintained applicant tracking and candidate management systems.
- Trained junior recruiters on best practices, contributing to overall team success and improved efficiency.
- Partnered with HR teams to determine workforce planning needs, aligning recruitment efforts with business objectives.
Recruitment Specialist
US Navy
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Developed comprehensive recruitment strategies to attract top talent for operational and strategic roles.
- Collaborated with hiring managers to define job requirements and create effective job postings.
- Conducted thorough candidate screening and assessments to ensure alignment with organizational needs.
- Streamlined onboarding processes, enhancing new hire integration and retention rates.
- Analyzed recruitment metrics to identify trends and optimize sourcing strategies for efficiency.
- Trained and mentored junior recruiters, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in recruitment practices.
- Engaged with diverse candidate pools through targeted outreach initiatives and community partnerships.
- Led recruitment campaigns for specialized positions, aligning talent acquisition efforts with organizational goals.
- Provided exceptional candidate experience throughout the recruitment process, maintaining consistent communication and transparency.
- Promptly corresponded with applicants and coordinated and conducted interviews.
- Analyzed recruitment metrics regularly to identify trends and areas for improvement in sourcing strategies or processes.
- Placed advertisements, evaluated applicant credentials, conducted initial interviews and pre-screening assessments.
Logistics Manager
US Navy
02.2012 - 01.2015
- Managed logistics operations, ensuring timely delivery of supplies and equipment to support mission readiness.
- Coordinated inventory management processes to optimize stock levels and reduce waste across multiple departments.
- Developed and implemented strategic logistics plans, enhancing operational efficiency and resource allocation.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing supply chain initiatives, improving workflow and communication among stakeholders.
- Analyzed logistical data to identify trends and implement corrective actions for process improvement.
- Trained personnel on best practices in logistics management, fostering a culture of safety and compliance.
- Oversaw transportation operations, ensuring adherence to military protocols and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborated with external vendors to negotiate contracts, achieving favorable terms for logistical services and supplies.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by closely monitoring order fulfillment and addressing issues promptly.
- Ensured regulatory compliance in all aspects of logistics operations, including transportation safety standards and customs requirements.
- Directed shipping and receiving of wide range of products daily.
- Managed a team of logistics professionals, providing coaching and guidance for career development and skill enhancement.
- Conducted regular audits of logistics practices to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions accordingly.
- Meticulously tracked shipments from origin to destination, proactively addressing any delays or issues that arose during transit.
- Resolved shipping discrepancies by coordinating customer and courier communications.
- Monitored logistics performance and identified improvement opportunities.
Education
No Degree - Business Administration And Management
El Camino College
Torrance, CA05-2026
Skills
- HRIS Systems (eg, ADP, Workday)
- Applicant Tracking Systems (Sales Force)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Budget Management Software
- Performance Management Tools
- Full-cycle recruitment
- Recruitment strategy
- Personnel management
- Budget management
- Training and development
- Team leadership
- Talent acquisition
Accomplishments
- Managed up to 250 human resource professionals located in Southern California.
Certification
Leadership Development Certification
MILITARY AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Navy Achievement Medal – 8 2007-2024, Navy Commendation Medal – 2024, Recruiting Excellence Award – 2007, 2008, 2015, 2019, Meritorious Service Medal – 2014
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Full-Cycle Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
- HR Policy Creation & Implementation
- Leadership & Department Management
- Employee Engagement & Morale
- Budgeting & Financial Management
- Training & Development
- Strategic Workforce Planning
- Performance Management
- Team Building & Motivation
- Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Senior Navy Recruiter | HR Manager
U.S. Navy
01.2019 - 05.2024
Recruitment Specialist
US Navy
01.2015 - 01.2019
Logistics Manager
US Navy
02.2012 - 01.2015
No Degree - Business Administration And Management
El Camino College