Melissa Hughes
Summary
Goal-oriented manager with 20 years of leadership experience, including 8 years experience as the Human Resources Coordinator for a group of 6 hotels. Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Experience managing recruiting, onboarding, training & development and performance management.
Responsive Human Resources Business Partner with well-rounded experience in all functional areas of HR, including labor law compliance, employee relations and performance management, leave of absence and ADA accommodations. Supports clients and effectively balances role of consultant and mentor with gatekeeper to control employer-related risks and grow client's management skills. Thrives on mentoring business owners and managers from small to mid-size employers with proven success at understanding unique business needs to establish genuine relationships as indispensable partner.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
HR Business Partner
Bluefors Cryocooler Technologies, Inc.
Syracuse, NY
10.2023 - Current
- Managed conflict resolution processes to maintain a positive work environment and resolve employee disputes effectively.
- Partnered with legal counsel to ensure compliance with employment regulations, reducing potential liability risks for the organization.
- Investigated and liaised with legal department to respond to complaints of harassment, discrimination, employee grievances, and other sensitive issues and prepared position statements for EEOC.
- Facilitated communication between employees and management by conducting regular feedback sessions and addressing concerns proactively.
- Managed full cycle of recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new employees.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing innovative HR strategies and policies.
- Administered benefits programs, optimizing cost-effectiveness while providing valuable offerings to employees.
- Conducted exit interviews with employees leaving company to gauge areas of success and opportunities for improvement.
- Advised senior management on organizational development and change management initiatives.
- Conducted employee surveys and interviews to evaluate employee engagement and job satisfaction levels.
- Developed and delivered special events for company employees.
- Maintained confidential nature of employee and company proprietary and privileged information used or observed in course of performing job duties.
- Collaborated closely with internal teams to develop and implement successful human resources systems and processes.
- Maintained current knowledge of industry regulations and legislation to amend policies and promote compliance.
- Instructed senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.
- Facilitated successful policy implementation and enforcement to maintain legal and operational compliance.
- Collaborated with HR team members to streamline benefits administration and improve employee satisfaction.
Director of People Management
E&M Hospitality Group
Liverpool, NY
03.2023 - 10.2023
- Enhanced employee engagement by implementing innovative HR programs and initiatives.
- Ensured company compliance with labor laws and regulations through diligent monitoring and proactive policy updates.
- Spearheaded onboarding initiatives that helped new hires acclimate quickly to the company culture and expectations.
- Facilitated conflict resolution sessions between employees when necessary, resulting in improved workplace harmony.
- Fostered a culture of continuous learning with comprehensive training and development programs.
- Collaborated closely with department managers to address employee relations issues effectively and fairly.
- Collaborated with department heads to create job descriptions and performance expectations that aligned with company objectives and industry standards.
- Conducted regular compensation benchmarking analyses to ensure competitive pay practices were maintained within the industry market standards.
- Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
- Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback.
- Implemented performance reviews and motivational strategies to elevate HR team results.
- Evaluated employee onboarding programs and presented strategic improvement recommendations to upper management.
- Monitored and handled employee claims involving performance-based and harassment incidents.
- Motivated employees through special events and incentive programs.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency and cost savings.
General Manager
Homewood Suites By Hilton Syracuse- Liverpool
Liverpool, NY
11.2009 - 03.2023
- Managed daily operations for smooth functioning of the hotel, ensuring high-quality standards in all departments.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations as well as health and safety guidelines within all aspects of hotel operations.
- Improved overall guest satisfaction by implementing well-coordinated staff training programs and exceptional customer service initiatives.
- Maximized revenue generation through strategic room pricing, inventory management, and upselling techniques at the front desk.
- Hired and trained new employees, demonstrating best methods for serving clients and guests.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members to encourage professional growth and identify areas for improvement.
- Streamlined front office procedures to enhance efficiency and improve check-in/check-out experiences for guests.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting teamwork, open communication, and continuous employee development opportunities.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Established comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
Assistant General Manager, Operations Manager, Guest Services Agent
01.2000 - 01.2009
Education
Bachelor's Degree: Human Resources Management - Current Student -
SUNY Empire State University
Saratoga Springs, NYCertificate: Human Resources Management -
Villanova University
Villanova, PA01.2016
Skills
- Employee relations
- Staff management
- Training and development
- Problem solving
- Organization
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, Kronos/UKG, Delphi/Salesforce, Success Factors
- Employee Relations
- Retention Strategies
- HRIS Systems
- Onboarding Processes
- Benefits Administration
- Employee Wellness
- Internal Communications
- Workforce Planning
- Recruitment Strategies
- Compliance Management
- Performance Appraisals
- Employee Surveys
- Exit Interviews
- Managing employee relations
- Coaching leadership
- Optimizing performance
- Conducting employee surveys
- Onboarding, Training, and Development
- Recruitment and hiring
- Management Support
- Human Resources Operations
- Conflict Resolution
- Problem-Solving
- Relationship Building
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Operations Management
- Leadership Development
- Benefits and compensation management
Timeline
HR Business Partner
Bluefors Cryocooler Technologies, Inc.
10.2023 - Current
Director of People Management
E&M Hospitality Group
03.2023 - 10.2023
General Manager
Homewood Suites By Hilton Syracuse- Liverpool
11.2009 - 03.2023
Assistant General Manager, Operations Manager, Guest Services Agent
01.2000 - 01.2009
Bachelor's Degree: Human Resources Management - Current Student -
SUNY Empire State University
Certificate: Human Resources Management -
Villanova University