Ryan Cross
Houston,TX
Summary
Strategic HR professional specializing in recruitment, training, and operational compliance. Adept at developing policies that enhance employee engagement and satisfaction while driving organizational success. Proven track record in managing payroll processes and supporting a culture of continuous improvement.
Overview
1
1
Certification
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager
Wendy's
01.2026 - Current
- Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient service and customer satisfaction.
- Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
- Trained and mentored staff on food safety and customer service standards.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Managed inventory levels to meet demand without overstocking, reducing waste.
- Managed risk by developing and implementing effective risk management strategies.
HR/Payroll Specialist
Compel 4 - Concurrent
11.2023 - 12.2025
- Maintained employee records to ensure accuracy in salary adjustments, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions
- Responded promptly to employee inquiries regarding paychecks, deductions, or other related matters
- Ensured compliance with wage garnishment orders by accurately calculating deductions from employees' paychecks
- Performed regular audits of personnel files to ensure compliance with legal requirements
- Served as subject matter expert during internal/external audits related to payroll processes
- Collaborated closely with finance department to ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll journal entries
- Processed new employee paperwork and entered information into the payroll system.
- Maintained employee records in compliance with federal and state laws, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Facilitated conflict resolution sessions and mediated disputes between employees, fostering a positive work environment.
- Administered employee benefits programs, including health insurance and retirement plans, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Prepared quarterly financial statements related to payroll activities for management review.
- Verified accuracy of invoices from vendors providing services related to payroll operations.
- Review timekeeping records for accuracy before payroll submission.
- Provide support to employees regarding payroll inquiries and issues.
- Onboarded new employees in time reporting and payroll systems.
- Investigated payroll data discrepancies and implemented corrective measures.
- Prepared and submitted payroll reports for review by senior management.
Server/Line Cook
Olive Garden - Concurrent
Nashville, TN
03.2023 - 06.2025
- Maintained clean, organized kitchen workspace to support efficient food preparation.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, including ovens and grills.
- Prepared food items consistently and in compliance with recipes, portioning, cooking and waste control guidelines.
- Monitored food quality and freshness, discarding items that did not meet standards.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Coordinated with servers to ensure timely food delivery and optimal presentation.
- Delivered meals promptly to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Provided exceptional customer service to enhance dining experience.
- Resolved customer inquiries and issues promptly to enhance overall dining experience.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
Human Resources/Payroll Administrator
Ceva Logistics
Mount Juliet, TN
08.2019 - 11.2023
- Maintain accurate employee records and payroll documentation.
- Resolve payroll discrepancies through detailed investigation and communication.
- Collaborate with the HR team and manager to ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.
- Prepare and submit payroll reports to management on a regular basis.
- Assist in the implementation of new payroll software features and functions.
- Train new staff on payroll procedures and system navigation.
- Resolved discrepancies between payroll records and employee inquiries.
- Provided information by answering employee questions about payroll-related matters.
- Updated employee profiles with changes in job titles or salaries.
- Audited, reviewed and compiled payroll reports, records and related summaries.
- Managed electronic timekeeping systems or manually collected and reviewed timesheets.
- Managed payroll for employees at different locations.
- Coordinated special programs and donation drives.
- Verified past employment of candidate hires.
- Managed payroll and time and attendance systems.
- Assisted in the development of payroll policies and procedures to improve efficiency.
- Prepared documents for termination processes such as exit interviews and severance packages.
- Managed direct deposit setup and adjustments for all employees.
- Assisted in the preparation of monthly financial reports for management review.
- Coordinated with external auditors during annual audits to provide necessary payroll documentation and explanations.
- Processed wage garnishments, child support orders, and other involuntary deductions accurately.
- Coordinated with IT staff on system upgrades or troubleshooting issues when needed.
- Analyzed current processes and identified opportunities for improvement within the department's workflow.
- Created streamlined payroll processes to increase accuracy and boost productivity.
- Developed and implemented HR policies to enhance employee engagement and compliance.
- Handled confidential information with discretion and sensitivity.
- Assisted candidates with application processes by answering questions about application, performing background checks, providing I-9 forms and handling drug screening paperwork.
- Developed onboarding materials and presented orientation sessions for new hires.
- Advised managers on disciplinary actions when needed.
- Initialized background checks for potential new hires.
- Organized employee recognition programs to enhance morale and foster a positive workplace culture.
- Managed communication regarding employee orientation and open enrollment for benefits.
- Assisted with compensation benchmarking and job classification reviews.
- Assisted in compliance audits by preparing documentation and reports for review.
- Managed HRIS, ensuring efficient data management and reporting capabilities.
- Organized training and development sessions to enhance employee skills and performance.
- Launched wellness plans to reduce stress, boost morale and increase productivity.
- Reported on workplace health and safety compliance to superiors.
- Handled employee discipline and termination to address policy infractions.
- Prepared presentations to company executives regarding employee performance and retention trends.
- Suggested promotions and wage increases according to employee performance.
- Negotiated collective bargaining agreements with labor unions by highlighting company profit and operational outcomes.
Warehouse Clerk/Shipping & Receiving
Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.
02.2016 - 08.2019
- Receiving: Unload shipments, inspect goods for damage, verify paperwork (packing slips, BOLs), and log deliveries into the system. Inventory Control: Put away stock, label items, rotate inventory (FIFO/LIFO), and perform regular cycle counts.
- Order Fulfillment: Pick items using pick lists or RF scanners, pack them securely, and attach shipping labels.
- Shipping: Staging orders at the loading dock, coordinating with freight drivers, and updating shipping records.
- Safety & Maintenance: Operate equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks) safely, keep aisles clean, and follow OSHA standards.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure accurate stock counts. and conducted cycle counts to maintain accurate records.
- Monitored work areas for cleanliness and functionality and removed obstacles for safety.
- Maintained business operations by communicating with coworkers and managers.
- Prepared inventory for shipment by attaching tags and labels.
- Updated inventory and production information using warehouse management systems and scanner guns.
- Managed all shipping documents such as bills of lading, packing slips, invoices.
- Coordinated with vendors regarding product availability and delivery schedules.
- Checked items to be shipped against work orders to confirm correct quantities, destination and routing.
- Prepared outgoing orders for shipment, ensuring compliance with customer specifications.
- Identified order discrepancies and damaged items and notified the supervisor.
- Trained new staff on procedures for efficiently preparing outgoing and receiving incoming shipments. preparing outgoing and receiving incoming shipments.
- Tracked inventory levels, handling aspects of shipping and receiving and kept accurate records.
- Obtained required documentation to process shipments and support movement.
- Directed warehouse team in stocking merchandise, pulling orders and setting up loads.
- Troubleshot issues related to shipping and receiving in compliance with corporate procedures.
Area Manager
Church's Chicken
03.2011 - 01.2016
- Conduct regular, unannounced site visits and operational audits across all restaurants in the area. Ensure consistent enforcement of brand standards, food safety, sanitation, and guest service protocols.
- Monitored guest feedback, online reviews, and guest satisfaction metrics to quickly address operational gaps and enhance guest experience. Recruit, hire, onboard, and evaluate General Managers (GMs) across the territory.
- Mentor and coach GMs on leadership, team development, operational execution, and financial acumen.
- Identified operational inefficiencies and implemented standardized processes across all store locations, enforcing company policies and maintaining full P&L accountability for all stores in the designated area.
- Build succession plans for key leadership positions within the region to minimize turnover and ensure growth readiness. Support New Restaurant Openings (NROs) in the region, managing grand opening logistics, staffing, and operational ramp-up.
- Oversaw inventory levels daily to ensure adequate stock and minimize waste.
- Managed inventory levels to meet demand without overstocking, reducing waste.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly and provided feedback to address any issues.
- Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Trained employees on additional job positions to maintain coverage of roles.
- Managed risk by developing and implementing effective risk management strategies.
Education
Bachelor's degree - Human Resources
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN05-2022
Skills
- Human resources management
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Training and development
- Employee engagement initiatives
- Employee benefits management
- Compensation analysis
- Operational compliance management
- Employee relations
- Diversity programs
- HR technology integration
- HRIS systems
- Payroll expertise
- Workers' compensation
- New employee orientations
- Recruitment strategies
Personal Information
- Availability: Anywhere
- Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
- Visa Status: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Certification
Professional In Human Resources
Languages
Spanish, English
Timeline
Manager
Wendy's
01.2026 - Current
HR/Payroll Specialist
Compel 4 - Concurrent
11.2023 - 12.2025
Server/Line Cook
Olive Garden - Concurrent
03.2023 - 06.2025
Human Resources/Payroll Administrator
Ceva Logistics
08.2019 - 11.2023
Warehouse Clerk/Shipping & Receiving
Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.
02.2016 - 08.2019
Area Manager
Church's Chicken
03.2011 - 01.2016
Bachelor's degree - Human Resources
Tennessee State University