Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
MariCarmen Soto

MariCarmen Soto

Human Resources Manager
Chicago,IL

Summary

Results-driven Human Resource Manager recognized for improving HR Metrics, and increasing strategic efficiency. Specialized in labor law compliance and collective bargaining to support strategic organizational objectives.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Human Resource Manager

OSI Industries
Chicago, IL
04.2023 - 05.2025
  • Under the direction of the Plant Manager and HR Director, managed the HR programs for up to 630 employees in a collective bargaining environment.
  • Provided data-driven HR guidance to department heads and leaders on labor law compliance issues, such as FMLA, ADA, Title VII, and EEOC.
  • Provided strategic coaching and training to management and supervisors, enhancing business results and policy interpretation consistency.
  • Managed full-cycle Human Resources, policies, and programs to maximize operational efficiency.
  • Led HR strategy meetings to align human resources with operational needs.
  • Implemented organizational change initiatives effectively while minimizing disruption in operations.
  • Deployed and trained employees on HR policies to ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Analyzed data gathered from surveys, focus groups or other methods to identify areas of improvement within the organization's HR practices.
  • Analyzed employment trends to inform workforce planning, training, and development strategies.
  • Managed recruitment processes to attract diverse talent for various roles.
  • Managed employee engagement programs to enhance workplace culture.
  • Investigated employee relations matters through interviews with involved parties to ensure a fair resolution, in collaboration with legal counsel.
  • Negotiated collective bargaining agreements with labor unions by highlighting company profit and operational outcomes.
  • Worked with management to create performance measurement, employee development and employee compensation strategies.
  • Handled employee discipline and termination to address policy infractions.
  • Ensured accuracy of employee data within UKG HRIS, MS Programs and physical record-keeping systems.
  • Led and developed three direct reports, achieving efficiency in various HR KPI scores, such as turnover, recruitment, performance, absenteeism, and overall employee engagement.

Human Resource Generalist

OSI Industries
Chicago, IL
02.2021 - 04.2023
  • Interpreted policies, procedures, and union contracts to guide management and supervisors effectively.
  • Collaborated with HR leadership to implement best practices across all business areas.
  • Managed talent management and succession planning initiatives to ensure workforce stability.
  • Ensured departmental compliance with goals for staffing, turnover rates, and employee relations.

Human Resource Coordinator

OSI Industries
Chicago, IL
11.2019 - 02.2021
  • Coordinated hourly staffing and conducted orientations to ensure seamless onboarding.
  • Processed and maintained electronic and paper HR records using HRIS and Microsoft Office.
  • Managed FMLA and ADA compliance to uphold legal standards.
  • Educated employees and managers on company policies using bilingual fluency in a unionized environment.
  • Coordinated employee recognition programs to boost morale and engagement.
  • Resolved employee inquiries promptly to maintain high satisfaction levels.
  • Oversaw timekeeping for hourly employees on leave, ensuring accurate record-keeping.

Human Resource Generalist

J & J Snack Foods Corp. / Labriola Baking Co.
Alsip, IL
06.2016 - 10.2019
  • Secure manufacturing workforce, process pre-employment screenings, explain new hire benefits, manage enrollments, and maintain employment records using HRIS and Excel.
  • Track EEOC, I-9, and FMLA / ADAA to ensure compliance.
  • Utilize bilingual fluency and extensive industry knowledge to interpret and couch on company policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.

Recruiter (Temporary Assignment)

MERITO Group
Chicago, IL
01.2015 - 12.2015
  • Sourced and screened multifaceted resumes and applications supporting Gate Gourmet North America contract initiatives.
  • Utilized Taleo applicant tracking system (ATS) and informed interested applicants of job duties, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and promotion opportunities.
  • Thoughtfully selected qualified candidates, conducted phone/in-person interviews, completed screening protocols, and extended job offers.

Human Resources Generalist

Focal Point
Chicago, IL
01.2011 - 02.2013
  • Monitored Exact Hire ATS and led hiring process from interviews to selection.
  • Prepared and presented orientations, coordinated onboarding tasks including enrollment in benefit and pay systems, generated HRIS database and employee records, and provided support for payroll processing.
  • Enforced company policies per Employee Manual, while proactively addressing employee needs and provided creative solutions in difficult situations.

Human Resources Specialist / Safety Coordinator

Morse Automotive Corporation
Chicago, IL
09.2004 - 10.2011
  • Recruited large numbers of applicants, coordinated background and drug screen checks, and directed onboarding, trainings, benefits, and enrollment strategies.
  • Oversaw and processed workers' compensation claims in coordination with medical providers, insurance companies, and attorneys.
  • Established reputation for resourcefulness earning advanced promotion to dual role.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies, Emphasis in Human Resources

DePaul University
06.2016

Certified Professional - undefined

Society For Human Resources Management
08.2022

Skills

  • Labor Law Compliance
  • Consultation and HR Guidance
  • HR policies and procedures
  • Data Analytics (HRIS, Power BI)
  • Conflict and Grievance Resolutions
  • Collective Bargaining Negotiations
  • Employee relations
  • Culture, Engagement & Retention
  • Recruitment & Talent Management
  • Performance Management
  • Compensation & Benefits
  • Workers' compensation
  • Salary administration

Timeline

Human Resource Manager - OSI Industries
04.2023 - 05.2025
Human Resource Generalist - OSI Industries
02.2021 - 04.2023
Human Resource Coordinator - OSI Industries
11.2019 - 02.2021
Human Resource Generalist - J & J Snack Foods Corp. / Labriola Baking Co.
06.2016 - 10.2019
Recruiter (Temporary Assignment) - MERITO Group
01.2015 - 12.2015
Human Resources Generalist - Focal Point
01.2011 - 02.2013
Human Resources Specialist / Safety Coordinator - Morse Automotive Corporation
09.2004 - 10.2011
DePaul University - Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies, Emphasis in Human Resources
Society For Human Resources Management - Certified Professional,