Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Affiliations
Systems Skills
Timeline
Receptionist
Nicole Ansell

Nicole Ansell

Trevor,WI

Summary

A strategic, results-driven Human Resources and Technology leader with deep expertise in HRIS management, M&A integrations, global system implementations, and data analytics. Proven success delivering $1M+ in cost savings, leading large-scale transformation initiatives, and driving efficiency through data analytics and process optimization. Adept at aligning HR technology with business strategy, enhancing employee experience, and ensuring compliance across diverse, multi-state and international workforces. Excels in vendor management, SOP development, and governance, with experience supporting 30,000+ global employees. Recognized as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Certified Global Business Professional, with strong leadership in change management, team development, and cross-functional collaboration.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

HRIS Manager

AEBI SCHMIDT GROUP
Remote, WI
05.2024 - Current
  • Manage and develop a team of 3 HRIS Analysts, including delegating tasks, monitoring quality, providing coaching, and fostering collaboration.
  • Deliver day-to-day HRIS support, guidance, and recommendations, including evaluation of upcoming releases for enhancements and new functionality.
  • Ensure security configurations and change requests align with governance models and internal controls.
  • Develop clear, concise user documentation and implement training plans for HR and Payroll SMEs.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot inbound and outbound interfaces to ensure seamless integrations to vendors.
  • Configure system changes related to time management (pay rules, accruals, attendance) in compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Lead system implementations across multiple modules, including ATS, Payroll/GL, Benefits, Timekeeping, Attendance, LOA, Analytics, Integrations, and User Acceptance Testing.
  • Build and refine reports, extracts, and imports to support HR and business operations.
  • Cultivate strong cross-functional relationships with HR and business leaders to align strategic needs.
  • Deliver accurate KPI reports, dashboards, and analytics to inform data-driven decision-making.
  • Manage concurrent projects to consolidate payrolls, standardize timekeeping, optimize overtime, and update accrual policies in line with state compliance.
  • Create 100+ SOPs on UKG processes across Absence, Attendance, Benefits, HR Actions, Integrations, Payroll, Compensation, Security, and Timekeeping.
  • Lead end-to-end RFP processes to evaluate, compare, and select scalable HR technology solutions, ensuring long-term alignment with organizational growth and cost efficiency.

HR Technology Manager

FORTUNE BRANDS INNOVATIONS GROUP
Remote, WI
07.2021 - 05.2024
  • Led multiple Workday implementation workstreams for spinoffs and acquisitions across Absence, Advanced Compensation, Benefits, Business Processes, HCM, Payroll, Reporting, Talent, and Time Tracking.
  • Directed US Production harmonization efforts by driving Workday Time Tracking implementation.
  • Championed HR technology initiatives, translating opportunities into actionable, measurable deliverables.
  • Partnered with HR functional teams to analyze processes, measure effectiveness, and implement sustainable, repeatable improvements.
  • Directed HRIS Analysts to deliver global reporting and compliance solutions, while streamlining operations.
  • Developed 100+ SOPs across Workday modules to support training, audits, job aids.
  • Managed the design, implementation, and support of HR systems, ensuring successful adoption and effective change management.
  • Applied Agile methodologies and lean process design principles to optimize HR Shared Services operations.
  • Configured Workday modules as the system administrator for Absence, Benefits, Compensation, HCM, Payroll, Talent, and Timekeeping.
  • Acted as the SME for HR systems maintenance, system changes, testing execution, and Workday releases.
  • Served as project manager for major HR initiatives including Benefits Optimization, Digital Transformation, and Workday implementation workstreams (Health & Welfare, Retirement, Talent).
  • Built strong partnerships with HR COE leaders, HR teams, and business leaders to align on global strategic and tactical data needs.
  • Delivered end-user training, troubleshooting, and escalation support while proactively identifying recurring issues, process gaps, and efficiency opportunities.
  • Created 300+ analytical reports and implemented methodologies to interpret results, driving global business decisions.

HRIS & Payroll Manager

VANTAGE SPECIALTY CHEMICALS
Gurnee, IL
11.2017 - 07.2021
  • Supervised 2 Payroll Specialists to deliver 100% accurate weekly and bi-weekly payroll cycles and led a team of 2 HR Technology Analysts to continuously optimize Workday functionality.
  • Managed HR technology systems across Benefits, Compensation, Compliance, Performance & Development, Recruiting, Learning, Third Party Payroll, and Payroll, ensuring seamless integration and operational excellence.
  • Led end-to-end RFP processes to evaluate and implement scalable HR technology solutions aligned with organizational growth and cost efficiency.
  • Directed the global implementation of Workday (Absence, Benefits, Compensation, Payroll, Performance, Recruiting, Time Tracking, HCM, Integrations, LMS, Reporting, and Talent) from ADP WFN within 6 months, completing the project $40K under budget.
  • Oversaw domestic and international payrolls for 900+ union and non-union employees, while implementing Global Payroll for Latin America by transitioning from manual processes to SafeGuard Global.
  • Designed, tested, and supported all HRIS data feeds between internal and external platforms to ensure accuracy and compliance, including alignment with CBAs and global regulations.
  • Built and maintained advanced reporting and analytics tools in partnership with leadership, enabling data-driven decision-making and execution of key business initiatives.
  • Guided multiple M&As activities as the HR and Payroll liaison, managing system integrations and ensuring successful transitions for newly acquired businesses.
  • Negotiated vendor contracts and managed ongoing relationships to maintain service quality and cost efficiency.
  • Authored 400+ SOPs to standardize HR processes across HR, managers, and employees, improving consistency and compliance.
  • Partnered with global HR business partners to configure systems for international requirements and deliver scalable solutions that support short- and long-term HR goals.

HR Transactional Lean Leader

TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY, INC.
Lake Forest, IL
10.2015 - 09.2017
  • Acted as a strategic Change Agent and Project Manager, partnering with HR Leaders to challenge conventional thinking, eliminate waste and process variation, and deliver process improvements and cost reductions across the broader HR function.
  • Achieved over $1M in cost savings and avoidance, including $280K in expat vendor contracts, $155K in Learning & Development platforms, $500K in Global Interview & Selection Process, and $75K in W-2 processing.
  • Improved efficiency by reducing Payroll Timesheet processing by 528 hours and 401k Reconciliation by 104 hours.
  • Integrated Lean Six Sigma methodologies into daily operations and extended strategies to suppliers and customers to increase business value.
  • Leveraged Minitab and Power BI to identify patterns, close performance gaps, and support data-driven decision-making for leadership.
  • Facilitated Change Acceleration Methodology and Lean Leadership Thinking sessions to embed sustainable change practices across the organization.
  • Managed and developed Corporate Payroll team members through performance-based objectives and succession planning, applying behavioral science insights.
  • Directed North America payroll operations for 10,000+ employees across multiple states, frequencies, and entities using SAP; partnered with HRIS, IT, and 3rd-party payroll/garnishment providers to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Supported Payroll Transformation initiatives by calculating Total Cost of Payroll Ownership, issuing vendor RFPs, and benchmarking payroll systems and tools to deliver final recommendations for US Payroll.
  • Oversaw 3rd-party payroll providers to ensure timely, accurate payroll and garnishment processing, while holding vendors accountable to service-level expectations.
  • Reviewed, negotiated, and optimized payroll vendor contracts to align services with organizational needs, reduce costs, and mitigate risks.

Payroll & HR Benefits Analyst

MODINE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Racine, WI
10.2012 - 03.2015
  • Administered payroll for 500+ salaried employees across multiple states, ensuring accurate processing of timecards, retroactive payments, bonuses, deductions, garnishments, benefits, and taxes.
  • Provided payroll, benefits, and SAP support to 10 US plant locations covering both union and non-union employees.
  • Conducted a US Payroll “Go & See” assessment to identify best practices and implement standardized processes across sites.
  • Reconciled the general ledger and produced monthly payroll reports by interfacing with Payroll, Finance, and Treasury using Kronos Workforce Central and SAP.
  • Reviewed and analyzed payroll, benefits, and tax procedures to recommend and implement improvements that aligned with best-practice operations.
  • Partnered with HR to manage onboarding, offboarding, and full-cycle employee records for 300+ employees, including benefits, compensation, and compliance documentation.
  • Assisted in full hiring process of employees; included recruitment, interviews, verifying work history and references, and tracking candidates in HRIS system.
  • Supported the recruiting process by coordinating interviews, verifying work history and references, and maintaining applicant tracking in the HRIS system.
  • Developed and promoted employee safety, wellness, and health initiatives for 300+ employees.

Adjunct Professor

MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
Remote, WI
01.2012 - Current
  • Instruct graduate and undergraduate courses to 1,000+ traditional and non-traditional students in Global Leadership, Human Resource Management, International Business, International HRM, International Management, Organizational Behavior, and Management Information Systems.
  • Design and deliver dynamic curricula that connected theory to practice, equipping students with practical skills in leadership, decision-making, conflict resolution, and group dynamics.
  • Guide students in critically evaluating the principles and practices of international management through analysis of global environments, strategies, and organizational structures.
  • Enhance global business understanding and student engagement by integrating diverse teaching methods—case studies, real-world analyses, press releases, journal articles, and multimedia resources—while fostering discussion on current and emerging theories in motivation, leadership, decision-making, group dynamics, and conflict resolution to prepare students for cross-cultural leadership.

Education

PhD - Management

SWISS MANAGEMENT CENTER UNIVERSITY

MBA - Business Administration

NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

BSBA - International Business, Marketing

MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt - undefined

IMEC/FKI QUALITY

Certified Global Business Professional - undefined

NASBITE

Skills

  • Workday
  • UKG Dimensions
  • UKG WFM
  • Kronos WFC
  • ADP WFN
  • SAP
  • Success Factors
  • Red Carpet
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • ServiceNow
  • Asana
  • Jira
  • Miro
  • Smartsheet
  • Tableau
  • Power BI
  • SharePoint
  • Lotus Notes
  • Minitab

Websites

Certification

  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, IMEC/FKI QUALITY
  • Certified Global Business Professional, NASBITE

Affiliations

  • FBIN Parents & Caregivers Together ERG – Marketing Co-Chair
  • FBIN Pride Alliance ERG – Advocacy Channel Chair
  • Shyft Women Inspiring Success and Empowerment ERG – Member
  • Workday Chicago User Group – Member
  • Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center – Peer Group Volunteer Facilitator

Systems Skills

  • HRIS: Workday, UKG Dimensions, UKG WFM, Kronos WFC, ADP WFN, SAP, Success Factors, Red Carpet
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • ServiceNow
  • Asana
  • Jira
  • Miro
  • Smartsheet
  • Tableau
  • Power BI
  • SharePoint
  • Lotus Notes
  • Minitab

Timeline

HRIS Manager

AEBI SCHMIDT GROUP
05.2024 - Current

HR Technology Manager

FORTUNE BRANDS INNOVATIONS GROUP
07.2021 - 05.2024

HRIS & Payroll Manager

VANTAGE SPECIALTY CHEMICALS
11.2017 - 07.2021

HR Transactional Lean Leader

TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY, INC.
10.2015 - 09.2017

Payroll & HR Benefits Analyst

MODINE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
10.2012 - 03.2015

Adjunct Professor

MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
01.2012 - Current

PhD - Management

SWISS MANAGEMENT CENTER UNIVERSITY

MBA - Business Administration

NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

BSBA - International Business, Marketing

MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt - undefined

IMEC/FKI QUALITY

Certified Global Business Professional - undefined

NASBITE

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