Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Liz Merwin

Summary

Versatile Human Resources Manager with 13 plus years of experience overseeing all functions within the HR department. Effectively leading recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration and all other human resources functions in both union and non-union organizations. Strong knowledge of employment laws and outstanding conflict resolution skills.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Human Resources Manager

Milwaukee Repertory Theater
10.2022 - Current
  • Developed a comprehensive onboarding program to ensure a smooth integration of new employees into the organization.
  • Conduct all exit interviews and work with executive leadership to analyze trends to identify areas of improvement.
  • Review all job postings and work with hiring managers to ensure they are inclusive and accessible to all applicants.
  • Work with managers to create and deliver constructive performance feedback as needed.
  • Participate in weekly Department Head meetings to update Executive Leadership on current employee matters.
  • Prepare & analyze reports related to our recruiting efforts to maximize budget and ensure our ED&I recruiting strategies are reflected in the results.
  • Conduct all employee
  • Managed conflict resolution processes, ensuring timely intervention and mediation between employees when necessary.
  • Served as a mediator during disputes involving multiple departments; resolved conflicts professionally while minimizing disruptions.
  • Contributed to the creation of employee handbooks, outlining company policies and procedures in a clear, concise manner.
  • Established trusting relationships with employees by maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating empathy when addressing sensitive matters.
  • Promoted employee welfare by maintaining proper protocols throughout investigations and disciplinary procedures.
  • Improved organizational filing systems for confidential employee records, resulting in improved accessibility and efficiency.
  • Managed FMLA administration, coordinating leave requests and tracking time off for compliance purposes.
  • Coordinated disability claims management, working closely with insurance providers to facilitate prompt resolutions for affected employees.
  • Managed relationships with external vendors such as insurers and brokers, fostering strong partnerships in support of company objectives.
  • Oversaw open enrollment processes during [Number] quarter.

Human Resources Manager

Marquette University High School
01.2021 - 01.2022
    • Successfully managed the transition of all employees to a new benefit provider which included conducting several trainings and resulted in a significant savings to MUHS.
    • Responsible for managing 401(k) administration, FMLA and worker's compensation claims and benefits.
    • Provided guidance and training to all managers on how to address performance concerns with their employees.
    • Provided HR consultation services to leadership and department heads.
    • Supported top talent identification processes by interviewing candidates and executing onboarding, orientation and benefits processes.
    • Advised leadership on vacation and sick time, benefits, job services and employment discrepancies as it related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Managed full-cycle human resource operational activities to maximize HR employee performance.
    • Partnered with all managers to review all job descriptions to ensure they were accurate and all in a consistent format.
    • This resulted in a quicker turnaround time in posting jobs, resulting in a fill time reduction.
    • Encouraged open communications, promoting positive and pro-employee work environment.
    • Formulated corrective action plans through analysis of management feedback and consultation with employee.
    • ·Investigated workplace issues with professionalism and sensitivity and detailed incidents in reports to senior executives.

Human Resources Manager

Plunkett Raysich Architects
05.2008 - 04.2009
  • Consulted with Partners to manage team professional and educational development.
  • Created and led multiple trainings.
  • Officiated entire employee on-boarding process.
  • Conferred with Legal counsel as necessary to manage employee relations issues.

State Wide Human Resources Manager

Grant Thornton, LLP
05.2005 - 01.2008
  • Oversaw HR operations for four state wide locations, totaling 400 employees.
  • Worked with 18 statewide Partners to execute a one firm approach to all practices.
  • Managed two direct reports, one HR Administrative Assistant and one Campus Recruiter.
  • Composed and implemented all performance improvement plans.
  • Responsible for hiring and terminating all employees.
  • Directed all firm wide trainings.
  • Led all harassment investigations.
  • Evaluated staff performance at multiple facilities and introduced targeted trainings for the specific locations.
  • Responsible for state wide budget management for employee compensation increases.
  • Compiled reports to provide management with accurate information and comply with policies and procedures.
  • Anticipated and responded to emerging business needs by serving as change advocate.

Human Resources Generalist

Shur-Line - A Division Of Newell Rubbermaid
04.2003 - 05.2005
  • Developed formal college recruitment program
  • Created, implemented and managed four Developmental Leadership Programs for Finance, Supply Chain & Marketing.
  • Heard and rendered decisions in union disputes.
  • Main contact for all benefit and payroll questions.
  • Supervised one direct report.
  • Conducted background checks, reference checks and employment verification.
  • Researched employee relations issues and conducted meetings with employees and supervisors.
  • Facilitated talent acquisition, becoming instrumental in building and retaining high-caliber teams.

Sr. Hiring Logistics & Benefits Specialist

GE Medical Systems
11.2000 - 04.2003
  • Sourced and screened candidates to fill positions within six international client groups.
  • Administered all payroll for my client groups.
  • Guided new employees through the benefits process.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.

Benefits Assistant

William M. Mercer, Incorporated
04.1999 - 11.2000
  • Provided administrative support to actuarial teams.
  • Executed monthly billing projections for three client groups.
  • Managed teams billing systems.
  • Checked accuracy and completeness of benefits applications and documents.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI

Skills

    • New Employee Orientation
    • Labor Relations
    • Benefits and compensation management
    • Corrective Action Planning
    • Employee Handbook Development
      • Recruitment
      • Dispute Mediation/Conflict Resolution
      • Employee Relations
      • Legal Compliance
      • Diversity and Inclusion

Timeline

Human Resources Manager

Milwaukee Repertory Theater
10.2022 - Current

Human Resources Manager

Marquette University High School
01.2021 - 01.2022

Human Resources Manager

Plunkett Raysich Architects
05.2008 - 04.2009

State Wide Human Resources Manager

Grant Thornton, LLP
05.2005 - 01.2008

Human Resources Generalist

Shur-Line - A Division Of Newell Rubbermaid
04.2003 - 05.2005

Sr. Hiring Logistics & Benefits Specialist

GE Medical Systems
11.2000 - 04.2003

Benefits Assistant

William M. Mercer, Incorporated
04.1999 - 11.2000

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Marquette University
Liz Merwin