Shannon Merrigan
Wonder Lake,IL
Summary
Dynamic and adaptable HR professional with over 20 years of progressive experience in human resources, talent acquisition, and operations. Proven track record of driving meaningful impact and enhancing team performance through strategic HR initiatives and employee development programs. Expertise in building trust quickly, taking full ownership of HR functions, and aligning people strategies with organizational goals. Recognized for fostering collaborative environments and delivering consistent results, with strong skills in talent acquisition, policy development, and effective communication.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
HR Manager
Organic Life
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Managed end-to-end recruitment, onboarding, and staffing across 30 sites.
- Oversaw employee placement, transfers, and leave requests to ensure optimal coverage.
- Handled all payroll via ADP, resolving discrepancies with precision.
- Led workers’ compensation processes and ensured compliance with safety standards.
- Served as primary HR point of contact for leadership and staff of 275.
Office Manager
Champro Sports
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Supervised 15+ employees, streamlining workflows and improving efficiency by 20%.
- Recruited and hired talent with a focus on long-term retention.
Placement Coordinator
Corporate Services
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Filled 100+ roles through full-cycle recruitment across multiple client accounts.
- Built client relationships that increased billable hours by 25%.
General Manager
Potbelly’s
01.2021 - 01.2021
- Directed daily operations, budgeting, and labor management across all departments.
- Hired, trained, and developed team leads to enhance staff retention.
Server/Bartender
The Cheesecake Factory
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Delivered exceptional guest service and maintained dietary compliance.
- Recognized for high guest satisfaction scores in fast-paced environments.
Assistant Manager
The Fresh Market
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Managed vendor relations, inventory, and payroll operations.
- Reduced overtime costs by 10% through schedule optimization.
Multi-Unit Manager
Chipotle
01.2006 - 01.2013
- Managed 3 locations and mentored 15+ restaurants in the Indiana market.
- Conducted P&L reviews, led market meetings, and ensured operational consistency.
- Hired and promoted dozens of employees into leadership positions under the Restaurateur Program.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lake Zurich High School
Lake Zurich, ILSkills
- End-to-end recruitment
- Autonomous HR decision-making
- Scheduling coordination
- Injury management expertise
- Payroll management
- Labor law compliance knowledge
- Talent development and promotion strategies
- Team leadership across multiple units
- Conflict resolution expertise
Accomplishments
- Independently managed HR operations for multiple locations, including hiring, scheduling, and compliance.
- Promoted employees into leadership roles through mentorship and structured development.
- Led respectful workplace investigations and resolved complex employee relations issues.
- Oversaw payroll for multi-site staff using ADP and reconciled weekly time reports with 100% accuracy.
Timeline
HR Manager
Organic Life
01.2023 - 01.2025
Office Manager
Champro Sports
01.2022 - 01.2023
Placement Coordinator
Corporate Services
01.2021 - 01.2022
General Manager
Potbelly’s
01.2021 - 01.2021
Server/Bartender
The Cheesecake Factory
01.2018 - 01.2021
Assistant Manager
The Fresh Market
01.2013 - 01.2016
Multi-Unit Manager
Chipotle
01.2006 - 01.2013
High School Diploma -
Lake Zurich High School
Career Overview
Employed in HR and leadership roles since 2006 across staffing, operations, and employee development. Each position was taken with intention and left with long-term, scalable improvements in place.