Rachel Graganella
Human Resources Specialist
Amityville,NY
Summary
Dedicated, detail-oriented Human Resources professional with extensive experience supporting HR operations, onboarding, employee relations, and data management. Known for clear communication, strong organizational skills, and a compassionate, people-first approach. Adept at managing HR systems, resolving technical and process-related issues, and ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations. Proven ability to streamline workflows, support team members across departments, and foster a positive and efficient workplace environment. Passionate about creating inclusive, supportive, and well-organized HR experiences that reflect Humane Capital’s values.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Support Specialist
NYC Department of Sanitation
Woodside, New York
12.2017 - Current
- Designed and implemented a database to enhance HR information tracking and streamline report generation.
- Translated technical information into simple terms to support staff across multiple platforms, including HRMS and NYCAPS.
- Composed internal memos and external correspondence for leadership, ensuring accuracy and tone alignment.
- Responded to employee questions with empathy and prompt, accurate information.
- Built and maintained charts, documents, and mail merges using HR systems and tools like SMART, ESS, and NYCAPS.
- Maintained employee evaluation protocols in accordance with HR policies, ensuring compliance with internal procedures and performance management standards.
- Developed corrective action plans by identifying patterns impacting compliance or performance.
- Managed payroll information, including calculations and data entry for accurate reporting.
- Efficiently processed new hire paperwork and system onboarding, ensuring timely integration into NYCAPS platforms.
- Handled employee relations matters, including investigating complaints, addressing policy violations, and administering appropriate disciplinary actions in compliance with company guidelines.
- Served as liaison with union locals, facilitating communication between management and union representatives to address workplace concerns, grievances, and contract compliance.
- Coordinated with the Drug and Alcohol Division to schedule and manage employee testing, ensuring compliance with workplace safety policies and regulatory requirements.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of paperless employee folders, supporting HR’s transition to a digital record-keeping system.
- Ensured compliance by monitoring and updating records of employee certifications and licenses in accordance with job-specific requirements.
Production Manager
Hanky Panky Ltd.
Hollis, New York
12.2011 - 12.2017
- Assessed production output, quality benchmarks, and maintenance activities to identify inefficiencies and ensure performance targets were consistently met.
- Applied industry knowledge to maintain product quality standards and streamline inventory processes, improving workflow and reducing downtime.
- Oversaw the recruitment and onboarding of permanent and seasonal staff, ensuring adequate coverage during peak production periods.
- Planned and coordinated production operations based on demand forecasts and customer orders to meet delivery timelines and minimize delays.
- Led integration and updates of software systems to enhance compatibility, efficiency, and production data accuracy.
- Designed and implemented a software modification program to evaluate system compatibility across multiple platforms.
- Managed and coordinated third-party contractors and factory operations in the Queens area, ensuring adherence to quality and scheduling requirements.
- Ensured product compliance with customer specifications and industry standards through continuous review and updates to quality protocols.
- Generated detailed inventory reports outlining costs, usage rates, delivery timelines, and supply levels to support purchasing and production planning decisions.
Production Manager
Steve Madden
New York, New York
10.2005 - 12.2011
- Planned, organized, and managed daily production operations, including materials procurement, workflow optimization, and on-time delivery of orders.
- Entered and maintained production and inventory data in AS400 and ADS systems with high accuracy.
- Coordinated successful system integration of AS400 with ADS, ensuring data integrity and seamless information transfer across platforms.
- Oversaw the installation and configuration of computer systems, providing user support across varying technical skill levels.
- Set up and maintained user accounts and access rights across multiple platforms, ensuring data security and operational continuity.
- Recommended hardware and software upgrades based on performance analysis and operational requirements.
- Supervised operations at over 15 leather and non-leather goods factories, ensuring production timelines and quality benchmarks were met.
- Resolved a wide range of technical issues across systems, applications, and user types, supporting internal teams and external partners.
- Monitored production orders across factory locations, managing shop floor capacity and load balancing to maintain production flow.
- Implemented quality assurance improvements, reducing defect rates and increasing customer satisfaction.
- Standardized operating procedures and job roles to improve consistency, training, and quality control.
- Analyzed inventory levels, delivery schedules, and customer requirements to optimize supply chain operations.
- Conducted profitability analyses by evaluating costs, gross margins, and sales data across product lines, with a focus on handbags.
- Managed factory costing, shipping logistics, invoicing, and debit notes to ensure accurate financial tracking.
- Collaborated with sales teams and retail channels to fulfill merchandising, pricing, and production needs.
- Created detailed Excel spreadsheets for data tracking, cost analysis, pricing, and production planning.
- Worked directly with major retailers including Walmart, Old Navy, Target, Kohl’s, Nordstrom, Saks, and Macy’s.
- Oversaw retail and wholesale pricing strategies, managing MSRP data in national system databases.
- Produced short- and long-term production schedules and forecasts to support business planning and sales goals.
- Liaised with vendors to ensure compliance with retail standards and legal requirements, including California Proposition 65.
Education
High School Diploma -
Stella Maris High School
Rockaway Beach, United States 05.2001 -
Skills
Employee relations management
Payroll administration
Organizational development
Employee retention
Onboarding and orientation
Labor law compliance
Staff management
Management development
Data evaluation
Timeline
Human Resources Support Specialist
NYC Department of Sanitation
12.2017 - Current
Production Manager
Hanky Panky Ltd.
12.2011 - 12.2017
Production Manager
Steve Madden
10.2005 - 12.2011
High School Diploma -
Stella Maris High School
05.2001 -
Similar Profiles
REGINALD TIMOTHEEREGINALD TIMOTHEE
Assistant Commissioner of Support Services at NYC Department of SanitationAssistant Commissioner of Support Services at NYC Department of Sanitation
Richard AvilesRichard Aviles
Sanitation Worker at NYC Department of SanitationSanitation Worker at NYC Department of Sanitation
Alicia BoscoAlicia Bosco
Supervisor at NYC Department of SanitationSupervisor at NYC Department of Sanitation
Rhonda PorterRhonda Porter
Special Education Teacher at Vincent Smith SchoolSpecial Education Teacher at Vincent Smith School
Anthony Reyes BenitezAnthony Reyes Benitez
Tech Assistant at Copiague School DistrictTech Assistant at Copiague School District