Matthew Brabeau
Macomb
Summary
Experienced HR Professional with a robust 20+ year career in the automotive industry, blending deep expertise in human resources with strong management acumen. Recognized for consistently exceeding challenging FORD+ stretch goals and championing desired behaviors, contributing significantly to organizational growth, talent development, and a positive workplace environment.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
HR Director
Ford Motor Company
06.2024 - 07.2025
- Began my Ford journey from the bottom as frontline Process Coach then holding positions as Sr. Process Coach, Shift Lead Supervisor, Quality Lead, HR Supervisor, HR Manager working my way into HR Director.
- As HR Director I led all HR Functions in an Unionized environment for 1280 UAW members and 230 Salaried professionals.
- Collaborated closely with Leadership and Union representatives to ensure correct implementation and accurate interpretation of the contract terms, addressing inquiries, grievances, and other Union related issues for consistent application. Leading resolution of employee union issues such as conflicts, disputes, and disciplinary matters, ensuring fairness, consistency, and timeliness.
- Implemented plant metrics while monitoring and collaborating with Regional Sr. Director and plant leadership to identify and address gaps.
- Oversaw and conducted investigations within the plant to ensure all disciplinary issues, grievances and arbitration matters are handled in a timely and effective manner.
- Fostered a positive and inclusive hourly and salary employee experience through surveys, suggestions, and open door policies to boost engagement and address areas for overall improvement.
- Built strong relationships with key stakeholders including Plant Manager (one of my key references), Plant Leadership that drove Servant Leadership principles that drove a deep understanding of plant goals and objectives.
- Lead on all Salary people development and calibration of plant PDC's driving optimal performance down to the floor level of Process coaches.
- Worked closely with safety and occupational health leads to address employee health and wellness concerns.
- Developed a deep understanding of all plant operations and made informed decisions consulting plant leadership and provided guidance for HR matters that aligned with company objectives.
- Led performance management initiatives to align individual goals with organizational objectives.
- Streamlined recruitment processes, reducing time-to-fill positions by optimizing candidate sourcing strategies.
HR Manager
Ford Motor Company
05.2023 - 06.2024
- Drive Daily development of the very lean but effective VEPC Human Resources team.
- Coaching and Counseling of OCM and all salaried employees.
- Lead Union (Local 2280) daily discussions with UAW Leadership, labor relations and hourly personnel administration.
- Foster an effective, inclusive work environment / culture and relationships, all while balancing employee advocacy with stewardship of company goals and values.
- Built very strong relationships with operation partners, union representatives, HR colleagues, and other business partners to jointly deliver business objectives and resolve issues collectively.
- Plant Lead / Liaison at Romeo Engine plant closure where 380 Hourly UAW members and 62 Salaried members were properly placed in other facilities with 100% success.
- Coordinate and assist in UAW contract negotiations, implementation, and ongoing administration of the Master and Local Collective Bargaining Agreements.
- Lead HR efforts for investigations, governmental inquiries / charges, grievance resolution, performance and absence management, complaints of unfair employment practices / discrimination, and disciplinary action.
- Investigating and preparing responses to grievances presented by UAW.
- Lead Case Management for all medical placement and manpower planning process.
- Lead all Salary (PDC) Salary and hourly personnel recruiting and hiring.
HR Supervisor
Ford Motor Company
04.2022 - 05.2023
- Supervised recruitment processes, enhancing candidate sourcing and selection efficiency.
- Streamlined HR policies, ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations across departments.
- Facilitated conflict resolution sessions, promoting a positive workplace culture and collaboration.
- Mentored junior HR staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team productivity.
- Conducted thorough investigations into employee grievances, ensuring fair resolution of conflicts or concerns.
- Managed employee relations issues, resulting in improved workplace morale and minimized turnover rates.
- Provided ongoing training opportunities for staff members, fostering professional development and career advancement.
- Successfully mediated workplace disputes; preserving strong working relationships among team members.
- Reduced company''s legal risks by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal labor laws.
- Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires bolstering position knowledge and skillset.
- Oversaw payroll processing tasks while maintaining accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
- Assisted in creating a diversity-focused hiring strategy to promote an inclusive workplace culture.
- Facilitated open communication channels between employees and management, promoting a positive work environment.
- Instructed senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.
- Developed training plans for HR Team to improve employee onboarding experience and retention.
Quality Lead
Ford Motor Company
12.2020 - 04.2022
Afternoon Shift Lead Machining
Ford Motor Company
05.2018 - 12.2020
PC / SPC Machining & Assembly
Ford Motor Company
03.2015 - 05.2018
Operations Manager
Detroit Chassis LLC
12.2013 - 04.2015
Quality Business Unit Leader
FCA Chrysler
10.2011 - 12.2013
International Materials Control
L&L Products
06.1995 - 10.2011
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Business Management
Baker College of Business
Clinton Twp, MI05.2017
Skills
- HR policies development
- Servant Leadership
- Employee wellness
- HR analytics
- Diversity and inclusion
- Compliance management
- Talent management
- Workforce planning
- Salary benchmarking
- Succession planning
- Union negotiations
- Dispute mediation
Hobbies and Interests
Camping, Classic Cars, Vintage Audio, and collecting Vinyl Records with family. Happy Spinning!
Links
- Https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-brabeau-a6625011/
- Please check my Life@Ford/HCM EE Profile
Timeline
HR Director
Ford Motor Company
06.2024 - 07.2025
HR Manager
Ford Motor Company
05.2023 - 06.2024
HR Supervisor
Ford Motor Company
04.2022 - 05.2023
Quality Lead
Ford Motor Company
12.2020 - 04.2022
Afternoon Shift Lead Machining
Ford Motor Company
05.2018 - 12.2020
PC / SPC Machining & Assembly
Ford Motor Company
03.2015 - 05.2018
Operations Manager
Detroit Chassis LLC
12.2013 - 04.2015
Quality Business Unit Leader
FCA Chrysler
10.2011 - 12.2013
International Materials Control
L&L Products
06.1995 - 10.2011
Bachelor's Degree - Business Management
Baker College of Business
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