Néstor Cruz

• Represent approximately 1,200 employees across more than 25 unionized retail locations, providing guidance on workplace concerns, disciplinary actions, employee rights, and collective bargaining agreement interpretation.
• Manage over 100 grievance cases annually while handling an average of 20 employee relations matters daily, addressing disciplinary actions, workplace conflicts, attendance issues, scheduling disputes, policy interpretation, and contract compliance.
• Conduct workplace investigations by interviewing employees, supervisors, and managers, gathering relevant facts, reviewing documentation, and evaluating compliance with collective bargaining agreements and organizational policies.
• Represent employees during disciplinary meetings, investigatory interviews, grievance hearings, and meetings involving potential suspension or termination, ensuring contractual compliance and fair workplace practices.
• Collaborate daily with Human Resources, store leadership, and union leadership to resolve complex employee relations issues, facilitate communication, and support equitable workplace outcomes.
• Prepare comprehensive case documentation, grievance files, meeting summaries, written correspondence, and follow-up communications while maintaining strict confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
• Interpret and apply five collective bargaining agreements to advise employees, managers, and union leadership on contract provisions, workplace policies, employee rights, and dispute resolution.
• Develop case strategies, negotiate resolutions, and advocate for equitable outcomes while balancing contractual obligations, organizational objectives, and employee rights.
• Build productive labor-management relationships by fostering trust, resolving workplace conflicts, and promoting collaborative problem-solving across multiple locations.

• Supervised and supported a team of 4 employees in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Coordinated daily department operations including scheduling, training, inventory management, and customer service support.
• Conducted monthly inventory audits and managed product ordering, merchandising, and quality assurance to support efficient department operations.
• Maintained compliance with company policies, food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and operational procedures.
• Resolved employee and customer concerns while promoting effective communication and problem-solving.
• Assisted with employee coaching, training, and performance support to improve operational efficiency and team productivity.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational skills, and operational coordination while managing high-volume daily activities.
• Supported a positive and productive work environment through teamwork, communication, and conflict-resolution support.

• Managed department operations including employee supervision, ordering, inventory management, and merchandising.
• Maintained compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Trained and mentored staff members while ensuring efficient daily operations.
• Developed strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills in a high-volume retail environment.
• Developed strong relationships with key customers to better understand their requirements and tailor services accordingly.
• Participated in weekly operational meetings to discuss department performance, staffing need, inventory management, safety compliance, and operational improvement.
• Supported department performance and operational efficiency, contributing to weekly sales increases of approximately 2% to 5% through inventory control, merchandising strategies, and customer-focused service.

* Business Management

* Organizational Leadership

* Accounting & Finance

* Communication & Problem Solving