Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
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LUPE ALMARAZ

Romeoville,IL

Summary

Strategic and forward-thinking management executive with 15+ years of progressive leadership in risk management, safety compliance, human resources, and operational strategy. Proven ability to develop and lead high-performing teams, build cross-functional partnerships, and drive risk mitigation and compliance excellence across multi-state operations. Adept in regulatory compliance, employee relations, and benefits administration, with a strong record of delivering impactful process improvements and organizational transformation. Meticulous and knowledgeable compliance manager with a several-year record of success in policy development, program management, risk mitigation and operational planning. Proficient in maintaining regulatory compliance and correcting systemic issues in collaboration with business managers. Team-focused, consistent and diplomatic with a focus on building strategic alliances and enhancing company standing.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Regional Safety & Compliance Manager

Onin Staffing
Chicago, IL
03.2016 - 03.2025
  • Company Overview: Privately held staffing firm ranked in the top 2% of U.S. staffing companies by revenue.
  • Directed regional compliance strategy across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, supporting $300M+ in annual sales.
  • Designed and implemented comprehensive safety and workers’ compensation programs that reduced claims and improved client regulatory alignment.
  • Collaborated with executive and sales teams to align compliance operations with business objectives, driving performance and profitability.
  • Led safety audits, facility inspections, and claims investigations; ensured full OSHA, EEO, and HIPAA compliance.
  • Managed litigation preparation and served as liaison with adjusters and legal counsel to drive favorable outcomes.
  • Supervised and mentored WC Administrators and Coordinators to ensure consistent program execution.
  • Reported key compliance metrics to leadership and evaluated program effectiveness through data-driven reviews.
  • Privately held staffing firm ranked in the top 2% of U.S. staffing companies by revenue.

HR & Risk Manager

Alternative Staffing
Chicago, IL
05.2011 - 03.2016
  • Company Overview: Full-service staffing agency providing premier workforce solutions.
  • Directed company-wide operational risk strategy, benefit programs, and claims administration.
  • Advised senior executives on legal exposure and developed proactive strategies to mitigate organizational risks.
  • Oversaw TPA performance and claims settlement processes for complex and litigated claims.
  • Managed HR and benefits administration, ensuring ACA, ERISA, and HIPAA compliance.
  • Developed and rolled out new benefit offerings and wellness programs, reducing turnover and boosting morale.
  • Represented the company in unemployment hearings and regulatory investigations.
  • Full-service staffing agency providing premier workforce solutions.

Workers’ Compensation & Benefits Specialist

KeHE Distributors
Romeoville, IL
06.2008 - 05.2011
  • Company Overview: Wholesale food distributor serving over 15,000 stores.
  • Managed open enrollment, plan development, and vendor relations for a 15,000+ store wholesale food distributor.
  • Created and delivered communication strategies for employee benefit education and engagement.
  • Maintained OSHA compliance and led system improvements that enhanced operational efficiency.
  • Wholesale food distributor serving over 15,000 stores.

Legal Assistant

Law Office of Bart Durham
Bolingbrook, IL
05.2005 - 06.2008
  • Supported litigation and claims management for workers’ compensation and personal injury cases.
  • Drafted legal correspondence, prepared trial materials, and served as Spanish-language liaison for clients.

Education

Business Management

Robert Morris College
Aurora, IL
01.2016

Skills

  • Strategic Operations Leadership
  • Organizational Development
  • Risk Mitigation & Compliance
  • Employee Benefits & Total Rewards
  • Safety Program Implementation
  • Workers’ Compensation & Litigation Strategy
  • Policy Design & Best Practices
  • Multi-State & Regional Team Management
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Change Management

Certification

OSHA Certification (Multi-industry / Health & Safety), 2019

Languages

Fluent in English and Spanish

Timeline

Regional Safety & Compliance Manager

Onin Staffing
03.2016 - 03.2025

HR & Risk Manager

Alternative Staffing
05.2011 - 03.2016

Workers’ Compensation & Benefits Specialist

KeHE Distributors
06.2008 - 05.2011

Legal Assistant

Law Office of Bart Durham
05.2005 - 06.2008

Business Management

Robert Morris College