Ray Schoonover
Ann Arbor
Summary
Strategic HR and EHS executive with a track record of revitalizing underperforming departments. Focused on reducing workplace incidents, enhancing compliance, and aligning HR strategies with operational objectives. Known for building leadership capabilities and fostering a culture of safety and engagement.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
EHS HR Manager
Michigan Seamless Tube
South Lyon
01.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented comprehensive EHS programs, reducing workplace incidents and strengthening compliance.
- Conducted OSHA/MIOSHA/EGLE/EPA audits and inspections, driving corrective actions and hazard mitigation.
- Led incident investigations and root-cause analysis, preventing recurrence and improving safety culture.
- Delivered OSHA/MIOSHA-aligned training for employees and supervisors (LOTO, PPE, hazard recognition, emergency response).
- Partnered with operations to embed safety into 'no-touch' processes, improving plant-wide safety performance.
- Managed workers’ compensation claims and return-to-work processes, ensuring compliance and supporting employee reintegration.
- Built training matrices and onboarding pathways, enhancing skill tracking and facilitating new hire integration.
- Designed and launched mentorship programs for new employees, increasing retention and readiness for roles.
Fractional HR & Safety Consultant
Independent Consultant
01.2020 - Current
- Delivered part-time HR and EHS leadership, enabling organizations to access senior-level expertise while minimizing costs associated with full-time HR Director or EHS Manager.
- Deliver HR strategy, compliance oversight, employee relations support, and leadership coaching.
- Advise executives on organizational structure, performance management, and workforce planning.
- Conduct EHS audits, incident investigations, and OSHA/MIOSHA compliance reviews.
- Build HR processes, onboarding systems, training matrices, and mentorship programs.
- Supported workers’ compensation and return-to-work programs, enhancing safety culture and facilitating smoother transitions for employees.
HR Manager / Business Partner / Interim HR Director
Minth Group North America
Wixom
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Supported a $3B global automotive supplier across stamping, welding, assembly, and advanced manufacturing.
- Strengthened recruiting pipelines via partnerships with Michigan Works, Second Chance programs, and community groups, enhancing candidate diversity.
- Launched Stay Interviews and Round Table discussions to gather employee feedback, leading to improved engagement and retention.
- Designed and delivered leadership training for directors, managers, supervisors, and team leads.
- Built training matrices, mentor programs, and department-specific development plans.
- Created progressive pay scales and oversaw benefits and immigration functions, ensuring competitive compensation and compliance.
HR & EHS Manager
GNS Auto North America
Canton
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Rebuilt damaged HR and Safety departments for a $1B stamping and assembly manufacturer.
- Formed the company’s first Safety Committee and initiated major safety projects.
- Developed COVID-19 emergency procedures and safety protocols to ensure employee safety and compliance.
- Launched weekly stand-ups, monthly round tables, Stay Interviews, and Town Halls to enhance communication and engagement across teams.
- Implemented leadership training, department training matrices, and mentor programs.
- Introduced 10-hour shifts to streamline staffing and boost employee morale.
Global Director of HR & EHS
Uniloy / Milacron
Tecumseh
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Built global HR and EHS functions across the U.S., Czech Republic, Germany, UK, Italy, Mexico, Hong Kong, and India.
- Rebuilt HR and EHS departments, fostering communication and accountability while enhancing leadership capability.
- Launched global leadership training and safety initiatives, promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
- Supported 700+ employees, enhancing engagement and retention for a $415M global manufacturing leader.
- Standardized HR processes and implemented global payroll solutions.
- Expanded hiring pipelines through apprenticeships, internships, co-ops, and government partnerships.
- Developed international COVID-19 travel and safety protocols.
HR & EHS Department Head
Bayloff Stamped Products
Belleville
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Oversaw HR/EHS for 600+ employees across union (USW) and non-union sites.
- Reduced OSHA recordables by 78% through new safety programs and LOTO implementation.
- Cut turnover from 140% to 1.5% in 18 months through retention and engagement initiatives.
- Led investigations for EEOC, DOL, harassment, and labor issues while advising CEO on outcomes to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Developed union avoidance strategies and trained supervisors on leadership and compliance, enhancing workplace culture.
- Designed recruiter bonus plans and referral programs while streamlining hiring processes to attract top talent.
HR Manager / EHS Manager
Clean Tech / Plastipak
Dundee
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Directed HR and EHS operations for 600+ employees across multiple sites, ensuring compliance and supporting employee well-being.
- Managed recruiting, payroll, benefits, and workers’ comp, overseeing safety compliance to create a secure workplace.
- Chaired Safety Committee, implementing strategies that enhanced plant-wide safety metrics.
- Launched mentorship programs, performance management systems, and leadership training.
- Oversaw 5 direct reports and managed HR/EHS budgets.
Education
MBA -
Ashford University
BA - Human Resources Management
Concordia University
Skills
- Occupational Safety Management
- Regulatory compliance
- HR transformations
- Labor Relations Management
- Workforce planning
- Change management
- Talent development
- Fractional HR Leadership
- Leadership Development Programs
- Training design
- Risk management
- SAP
- Kronos
- ADP
- Paycor
- Office 365
- Teams
- Genesis
- Time Trax
- Certify
- Conflict resolution
- Certify
Certification
- Zero Harm Safety Leadership Program, UpVantage Strategies, LLC 2026
Timeline
EHS HR Manager
Michigan Seamless Tube
01.2023 - Current
HR Manager / Business Partner / Interim HR Director
Minth Group North America
01.2021 - 01.2023
Fractional HR & Safety Consultant
Independent Consultant
01.2020 - Current
HR & EHS Manager
GNS Auto North America
01.2020 - 01.2021
Global Director of HR & EHS
Uniloy / Milacron
01.2019 - 01.2020
HR & EHS Department Head
Bayloff Stamped Products
01.2016 - 01.2019
HR Manager / EHS Manager
Clean Tech / Plastipak
01.2010 - 01.2016
MBA -
Ashford University
BA - Human Resources Management
Concordia University