Michelle Handler
Sylvania,OH
Summary
Strategic and results-oriented HR executive with 15+ years of progressive leadership experience, including 10+ years in management roles across global organizations. Proven track record in driving organizational transformation, fostering engaged and inclusive cultures, and aligning HR strategies with business objectives. Expertise in organizational design, employee relations, talent management, compliance, and operational excellence, particularly in manufacturing and industrial environments. Adept at building high-performing teams and delivering HR solutions that drive business success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Human Resources Leader
Owens Illinois, O-I
Perrysburg, OH
07.2019 - Current
- Partnered with the Americas North Operational Leadership Team to drive a performance-based and agile organization energized by engaged employees.
- Led the restructuring of the North American manufacturing footprint, addressing customer demand shifts, asset lifecycle, repair costs, and talent pipeline development.
- Executed turnaround initiatives, including revenue optimization, factory performance improvement, and cost transformation through team capacity planning, and automation.
- Redesigned short-term incentive programs to align quarterly payouts with plant and enterprise performance, boosting employee engagement, and operational results.
- Championed organizational capability building by addressing skill gaps through technical and behavioral training, mentorship, executive coaching, and career development initiatives.
- Spearheaded engagement strategies as America's North Engagement Champion, launching programs like the "My Workplace Matters" award to recognize operational excellence.
- Conducted high-visibility investigations into HR and Employee Relations issues, delivering actionable outcomes, and maintaining compliance with professional standards.
Executive Director of Human Resources
The Toledo Clinic
Toledo, OH
07.2016 - 08.2019
- Oversaw strategic HR management, including compensation, recruitment, HRIS, and university relations, as a member of the Executive Management Team.
- Led the implementation of ADP web-based payroll and HR information systems across the organization.
- Designed and executed a pay-for-performance compensation model to align merit awards with organizational and departmental contributions.
- Delivered executive coaching and policy compliance training to senior leaders, mitigating adverse claims, and strengthening organizational governance.
- Directed HR integration during medical practice group acquisitions, aligning best practices, and eliminating redundancies to enhance organizational efficiency.
HR Director
Honeywell, Defense & Space
Virtual, OH
01.2014 - 07.2016
- Served as the global strategic HR partner for the VP of Logistics and Healthcare segment, managing staffing, compensation, performance management, disciplinary actions, and retention issues.
- Delivered talent management assessments through the Management Resource Review (MRR), establishing learning strategies, and leadership development to ensure organizational capability through a robust talent pipeline.
- Provided HR business development support for numerous capture teams pursuing new government contract awards and re-compete efforts, mapping incumbent employees, and internal labor categories in response to pricing requests.
- Researched international labor laws and developed a framework for pricing international business pursuits.
- Calibrated annual compensation plan inputs based on employee performance and budgetary requirements, ensuring compliance with wage determination rates on new and existing contracts, as required by the Service Contract Act (SCA).
- Assessed work culture through employee surveys and focus groups, using feedback to develop actions for improving areas of low employee engagement.
- Partnered with leadership to ensure a clear understanding of business objectives, focusing the team on priorities to deliver results.
HR Manager Integrity & Compliance
Honeywell, Defense & Space
Virtual, OH
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Conducted sensitive investigations into policy violations and employee issues, partnering with Compliance and Legal to ensure resolution, and mitigate risks.
- Developed tools and resources to enhance the quality and consistency of HR investigations, including interview question repositories, and reporting templates.
- Advised leadership and employees on regulatory compliance, policies, and equitable treatment to foster a transparent and ethical workplace.
Sr. HR Generalist
Honeywell, Defense & Space
Sterling Heights , MI
06.2008 - 12.2012
- Partnered with leadership to provide a full scope of HR functions, including employee relations, compensation, recruitment, and employee engagement.
- Served as a key member in the pursuit and capture of new and follow-on government contracts by identifying HR-related risks, staffing requirements, salary recommendations, and labor mapping.
- Administered the preparation and approval of documentation regarding Reduction in Force (RIF) and employee notifications.
- Partnered with JJ Keller to ensure regulatory compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT)-mandated Drug and Alcohol Program for all CDL drivers.
- Conducted monthly supervisor training sessions, providing a comprehensive benefits and HR policy overview for ten domestic locations.
- Partnered with business leadership in organization design and restructuring, resulting in a reduction in the overall span of control.
- Collaborated with Legal to establish a Customer-Required Drug and Alcohol Testing policy, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements, and alignment with existing corporate policies.
HR Generalist
General Electric, Aerospace
McAllen, TX
02.2006 - 01.2009
- Directed HR initiatives, including recruitment, performance management, employee engagement, and compliance audits, in a high-performing manufacturing environment.
- Investigated and resolved employee workplace concerns, including harassment and discrimination claims, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and legal standards.
- Developed and distributed HR resources, including employee handbooks and affirmative action plans, to support organizational development.
Employee Benefits Manager
Delphi Automotive
Troy, MI
01.2001 - 02.2006
- Oversaw and provided day-to-day management of 401(k) plans, profit sharing, and supplemental unemployment benefits for 41,000 hourly and salaried employees.
- Served on the bargaining team during national negotiations with the UAW, IUE-CWA, and USWA.
- Routinely advised management, human resources, and union benefit representatives on contract language interpretation, as well as other union policies, practices, and procedures.
- Partnered with fund managers at Fidelity Investments, Putnam Investments, and General Motors Asset Management to ensure 401(k) plan compliance.
- Served as Project Manager for updating and distributing Benefit Summary Plan Descriptions and the annual 401(k) Prospectus.
- Developed annual benefit plan training materials for Union Benefit Representatives to enhance their understanding of benefit plans.
Manufacturing Team Lead
Delphi Automotive
Flint, MI
01.1999 - 12.2000
- Managed the staffing and job assignments of 50 UAW employees to enhance efficiency and increase productivity.
- Maximized team efficiency by scheduling daily production runs for three shifts.
- Launched Quality Network Planned Maintenance and implemented new process improvements, training over 200 salaried and hourly employees to improve organizational efficiency.
- Managed department timekeeping for UAW employees.
Education
Master of Science - Human Resources Management
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MIBachelor of Science -
University of Michigan, Flint
Flint, MISkills
- HR Strategy and Execution
- Organizational Design & Development
- Talent Management and Succession Planning
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Employee Relations and Investigations
- Labor Relations and Compliance
- Global HR Leadership
- Engagement and Culture Building
- HRIS Implementation
- Change Management
Accomplishments
- Women MAKE America, 2023
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Timeline
Human Resources Leader
Owens Illinois, O-I
07.2019 - Current
Executive Director of Human Resources
The Toledo Clinic
07.2016 - 08.2019
HR Director
Honeywell, Defense & Space
01.2014 - 07.2016
HR Manager Integrity & Compliance
Honeywell, Defense & Space
01.2013 - 12.2014
Sr. HR Generalist
Honeywell, Defense & Space
06.2008 - 12.2012
HR Generalist
General Electric, Aerospace
02.2006 - 01.2009
Employee Benefits Manager
Delphi Automotive
01.2001 - 02.2006
Manufacturing Team Lead
Delphi Automotive
01.1999 - 12.2000
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Master of Science - Human Resources Management
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Science -
University of Michigan, Flint