Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Michelle Cate

Saint Johnsbury,VT

Summary

Dynamic Human Resources Generalist with a proven track record at excelling in employee relations and talent acquisition. Expert in benefits administration and performance management, I fostered a positive workplace culture and enhanced onboarding processes, significantly improving employee engagement and retention. Strong communicator and strategic partner committed to organizational success.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Human Resources Generalist

Weidmann
02.2025 - 07.2025


  • Served as a strategic and operational partner to site leadership and employees, supporting full spectrum of Human Resources functions.
  • Managed complex employee relations matters, including investigations and conflict resolution, while ensuring fairness, consistency and compliance with employment laws.
  • Advised managers and leadership on performance management, coaching, disciplinary actions, and workplace conflict.
  • Initiated employee engagement initiatives and supported a positive workplace culture that aligned with company values and strategic goals.
  • Interpreted and enforced HR policies and procedures in accordance with federal and state employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, OSHA, Workers Compensation); contribute to ongoing policy development and compliance.
  • Over saw leave of absence(FMLA, ADA, STD /LTD, WC) and assisted with benefit communications. Processed FMLA claims with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Negotiated return-to-work plans between employees and their managers, ensuring proper accommodations were made for any ongoing medical needs.
  • Supported Talent management efforts including secession planning, performance reviews, development planning,and targeted training programs.
  • Facilitate recruiting and onboarding processes , ensuring a seamless experience for candidates and New Hires.

Human Resources Generalist

Aris Solutions
08.2024 - 02.2025
  • Conducted full-cycle recruitment, sourcing candidates through various platforms and networking events.
  • Evaluated candidate qualifications through interviews and assessments, ensuring alignment with company needs.
  • Managed candidate relationships, providing timely updates throughout the recruitment process to enhance engagement.
  • Collaborated with hiring managers to understand job requirements and develop effective recruiting strategies.
  • Assisted in developing job descriptions, ensuring clarity and attractiveness to potential applicants.
  • Developed & coordinated onboarding processes, facilitating smooth transitions for new hires into the organization.
  • Researched market trends to identify talent acquisition strategies that align with industry standards and needs.
  • Leveraged social media platforms and professional networks to expand candidate pool and increase brand visibility within target markets.
  • Increased candidate retention rates by providing ongoing support and follow-up throughout the placement process.
  • Collaborated with hiring managers to gain a comprehensive understanding of job requirements and ideal candidate profiles.
  • Partnered with departmental managers to ascertain hiring needs and subsequently provide candidate recommendations.
  • Administered employee benefits programs and assisted with open enrollment.
  • Developed and monitored employee recognition programs.
  • Created and delivered HR training sessions to staff, managers and executives.

Human Resources Generalist / Area Manager

WESTAFF
01.2020 - 08.2024
  • Responsible for day to day operations, coordination, planning and implementation of HR and Recruitment Services for a temp-to-perm staffing agency.
  • Managed a team with an "open door policy". Utilizing opportunities for coaching and counseling to help ensure a productive and positive workplace environment.
  • Managed Recruitment processes, including job postings, candidate screening, interviews, offers, background screenings and I-9 verifications, ensuring timely and efficient hiring.
  • Conducted new hire orientation sessions and onboarding activities to ensure successful transition into the organization.
  • Administered employee benefits programs, including health insurance and retirement plans, ensuring compliance with Federal and State regulations.
  • Developed and significantly grew assigned territory using strong engagement and marketing shills.
  • Cultivated strong professional relationships with suppliers and key clients to drive long-term business development.
  • Participated in career fairs and recruiting events.
  • Managed payroll processing functions including time keeping records, deductions and tax withholding calculations.


Human Resources Generalist & Culture Specialist

Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern MA, ME, RI
11.2017 - 12.2019
  • Facilitated recruitment processes, enhancing candidate experience through effective communication and support.
  • Developed onboarding programs, improving new hire integration and retention rates.
  • Facilitated new employee on-boarding and orientation to include scheduling, setting up desks, greeting new employees, policies & procedures, employee handbook and benefits, all while fostering BBB culture.
  • Maintained employee benefit programs and informed employees of benefits by studying and assessing benefits.
  • Payroll and timeclock management
  • Improved employee engagement & morale by developing health and wellness programs.
  • Streamlined employee performance evaluation processes, ensuring consistency and accuracy in assessments.
  • Managed employee relations issues, providing guidance to resolve conflicts and enhance workplace culture.

Education

High School Diploma -

Woodstock Union High School
Woodstock, VT
05-1990

Skills

  • Employee relations
  • Employee onboarding
  • Benefits administration
  • HRIS systems
  • Performance management
  • Internal investigations
  • Policy implementation
  • Workers compensation
  • Talent acquisition
  • New employee orientations
  • Onboarding processes

Timeline

Human Resources Generalist

Weidmann
02.2025 - 07.2025

Human Resources Generalist

Aris Solutions
08.2024 - 02.2025

Human Resources Generalist / Area Manager

WESTAFF
01.2020 - 08.2024

Human Resources Generalist & Culture Specialist

Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern MA, ME, RI
11.2017 - 12.2019

High School Diploma -

Woodstock Union High School
Michelle Cate