RACHEL ARAGON

Experienced HR Professional skilled in policy enforcement and compensation analysis for 250+ employees. Adept at coaching leadership, championing company culture, and implementing HR metrics for accountability. Known for streamlining communication and driving DEIB initiatives while achieving cost savings through innovative recruitment strategies and leadership development programs.

Compensation Management:

• Develop and Implement market-based compensation philosophies to ensure competitive salary and benefits packages.
• Market analysis and benchmarking studies to evaluate salary levels and benefits offerings. Designing compensation structures that align with organizational goals while attracting and retaining top talent.
• Communicate and educate stakeholders on compensation strategies and philosophies to ensure buy-in and understanding across the organization.
• Develop and enforce HR policies, ensure legal compliance and organizational awareness.
• Manage, coach, and train leadership and staff, enhance operational efficiency and excellence.
• Create and oversee performance appraisal process, align workforce competencies and enhance team member performance.
• Champion company-wide culture, sustainability, and service standards: Promote Traditional Medicinals values.
• Streamline HR communication: Serve as editor of the Sebastopol monthly newsletter in Spanish and English.
• Conduct bi-weekly HR and Leadership team training sessions, promoting supervisor autonomy and accountability.
• Establish and maintain comprehensive library of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Ensure consistency across departments.
• Develop and deliver training programs: Educate employees and leaders on newly created SOPs.
• Collaborate with department heads and subject matter experts: Ensure SOP accuracy and alignment with evolving business needs.
• Spearhead DEIB initiatives: Emphasize diverse hiring and launch ERGs to foster inclusion and belonging.
• Achieve internal cost savings: Transition from vendor-based to internal recruiting, increasing headcount from 240+ employees.
• Design and implement leadership development program: Address implicit bias, cultural sensitivity, employee engagement, and managing Production employees.
• Conduct organization-wide compensation analyses: Implement banded pay scales and introduce bi-annual cost of living wage increases.
• Redesign bonus structures tied to KPIs: Incentivize team and individual performance and enhance PTO policy based on years of service.

Passionate HR professional who rapidly progressed from Recruiter to Generalist in just four years. Passionate about employee development and safety, with a focus on building diverse, community-representative teams. Expertise in HR initiatives, employee relations, budget management, and recruitment. Proven ability to customize onboarding, drive engagement, and establish strong relationships across the organization.

• Oversaw comprehensive HR initiatives including employee engagement, performance management, compliance training, and retention.
• Provided expert guidance to managers and supervisors on employment practices and laws, ensuring staff perspectives were valued.
• Led the "Spirit Committee" to promote company values and increase employee engagement.
• Managed complex employee relations issues and collaborated with finance on HR budget management.
• Administered leaves of absences, processed payroll for 150+ employees, and supported executive functions.
• Customized onboarding experiences, built retention programs, and managed recruitment processes.
• Developed recruiting plans, defined job expectations, conducted exit interviews, and managed personnel documents.
• Fostered positive relationships across teams and leadership to facilitate HR service delivery.

Dedicated Accounting Specialist with a proven track record in optimizing financial processes. Reviewed vendor invoices for compliance, implemented streamlined automation, and promptly addressed inquiries. Resolved discrepancies, managed electronic records, and ensured timely compensation for a diverse workforce. Proficient in maintaining compliance, reconciling accounts, and improving workflow efficiency. Adept at resolving inquiries and processing payments with meticulous attention to detail.

• Reviewed vendor invoices for compliance, resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Implemented automated processes, enhancing daily task efficiency.
• Managed electronic records for vendor invoices and payments.
• Prepared ACH payments and checks for over 150 employees and contractors.
• Compiled quarterly reports on accounts payable activity for review.
• Communicated with vendors to resolve billing issues and ensure compliance.
• Reconciled bank and credit card accounts monthly for accuracy.
• Tracked employee time and attendance for payroll processing.
• Processed customer payments and established payment plans, maintaining ledger accuracy.

Experienced logistics professional with expertise in troubleshooting and devising effective strategies to address challenges. Proficient in optimizing system utilization, managing shipping operations, and achieving cost savings. Knowledgeable in supply chain processes, committed to process optimization, data accuracy, and building strong client relationships.

• Problem Solving: Strategized solutions for various logistics challenges, both expected and unexpected.
• System Utilization: Managed ordering, tracking, and billing systems to optimize communication between drivers and recipients, ensuring efficient delivery processes.
• Shipping Oversight: Directed day-to-day shipping and receiving operations, handling over 50 containers, LCL, and full freight packages daily.
• Customs Coordination: Cleared US Customs for inbound shipments and expedited international shipments through freight forwarders.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintained accurate reporting to US customs, adhering to tariff numbers and ensuring compliance.
• Security Management: Collaborated on information and physical security requirements with company owner.
• Budget Analysis: Conducted budget management with the owner, analyzing past purchases and forecasting future needs.
• Cost Savings: Negotiated contracts with freight companies, resulting in significant cost savings.
• Process Optimization: Developed and maintained systems to optimize domestic and international freight movement efficiently.
• Data Reconciliation: Ensured alignment and accuracy by reconciling shipment data across multiple systems.
• Inventory Oversight: Managed inventory portfolio exceeding $20 million.
• Vendor Transition: Facilitated annual savings by transitioning to new freight vendors when appropriate.
• Objective Achievement: Consistently met company and department objectives within budget and time constraints.
• Client Relations: Built strong client relationships through effective needs assessment and dedication to satisfaction.