Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

SONJA LOPEZ

Oxnard,CA

Summary

Dynamic and strategic Human Resources executive with over a decade of experience driving organizational success through talent management, employee engagement, and compliance. Expertise in leading HR functions, developing leadership teams, and fostering a culture of excellence in fast-paced, growth-oriented environments. Adept at executing HR strategies that align with business goals, enhancing operational efficiency, and mitigating risk. Bilingual in Spanish.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Vice President of HR & Employee Experience

Local Bounti (Formerly Pete’s/Hollandia Produce, L.P.)
04.2022 - 03.2025
  • Led all HR functions, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, compensation, and benefits administration.
  • Spearheaded strategic HR initiatives, aligning workforce planning with corporate goals.
  • Developed and executed employee engagement programs that improved retention and workplace culture.
  • Designed and implemented HR policies, ensuring adherence to federal and state labor laws.
  • Partnered with executive leadership to drive organizational change and DEI initiatives.
  • Managed HR budgets and optimized workforce costs to enhance profitability.
  • Increased employee engagement with regular communication and feedback channels, promoting transparency and collaboration across departments.
  • Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency by automating manual tasks and adopting advanced software solutions.
  • Championed workplace safety initiatives, resulting in reduced incidents rates and a safer working environment for all employees.
  • Reduced time-to-fill for open positions by optimizing recruitment strategies and leveraging strong relationships with external agencies.
  • Distributed employee engagement surveys to identify areas of improvement.

Director of Human Resources

Hollandia Produce, L.P.
01.2018 - 04.2022
  • Recruited and hired key leadership positions, strengthening the management team.
  • Directed each phase of hiring process, encompassing employment verification, employee relations investigations, criminal background checks and onboarding.
  • Managed the onboarding process, providing new hires with necessary tools for success from day one.
  • Maintained "open door" policy to encourage employee communications and resolution of issues.
  • Managed complex employee relations issues, reducing legal risks and maintaining a positive work environment.
  • Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
  • Increased employee engagement with open communication channels and regular feedback opportunities.
  • Mitigated risk exposure through diligent workplace safety practices and proactive policy enforcement.
  • Oversaw benefits administration, ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness of offerings.
  • Managed other HR staff and oversaw completion of tasks and initiatives.
  • Instructed senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.
  • Led the company’s Talent Review process, identifying high-potential employees and succession planning.
  • Reduced turnover by 20% by implementing strategic workforce engagement programs.
  • Developed and executed a compensation structure for operational employees.
  • Implemented safety programs, reducing annual workplace accidents by 65%, earning the Cal/OSHA Golden Gate Award.
  • Created management training programs for operations supervisors, enhancing leadership effectiveness.
  • Supported the implementation of the Performance Management System, ensuring compliance and adoption.

Human Resources Manager

Hollandia Produce, L.P.
05.2015 - 01.2018
  • Managed new hire training and onboarding processes, ensuring compliance and seamless integration.
  • Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
  • Maintained accurate HR records in compliance with applicable laws, ensuring efficient data retrieval when required.
  • Led HR audits, ensuring compliance with labor laws and internal policies.
  • Conducted thorough internal investigations, addressing employee concerns with fairness and transparency.
  • Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback.
  • Developed comprehensive onboarding programs to facilitate smooth integration of new employees into the organization.
  • Conducted comprehensive HR audits to ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations, mitigating risk of legal issues.
  • Led negotiations for employee benefits packages, securing cost-effective solutions while maintaining high-quality offerings.
  • Administered employee benefits, payroll processes, and state/federal leave of absences.
  • Developed company-wide recognition programs, increasing employee satisfaction and engagement.

Senior Human Resources Representative

Mission Produce
09.2011 - 05.2015
  • Promoted from Front Office Coordinator to Senior HR Representative within six months.
  • Collaborated with managers to identify and address employee relations issues.
  • Managed full-cycle recruitment, placing 300+ seasonal employees annually.
  • Partnered with operations to develop optimal workforce structures and engagement strategies.
  • Oversaw multi-state payroll using ADP Workforce and E-Time.
  • Managed temporary workforce contracts and vendor selection.
  • Led compliance efforts, including E-Verify, I-9 audits, and ACA transitions.
  • Administered workers’ compensation, FMLA, and EDD/EEOC claims.
  • Enhanced HR branding by implementing process improvements and automation.

Education

Coursework in Business

Ventura Community College

High School Diploma -

Santa Paula High School
Santa Paula

Skills

  • Employee Relations & Labor Law Compliance
  • Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
  • Compensation & Benefits Strategy
  • Performance Management & Leadership Development
  • Organizational Development & Change Management
  • Safety & Risk Management (OSHA, Cal/OSHA)
  • H2-A Management
  • HR Technology (ADP PayExpert, Workforce Now, E-Time, Stromberg, E-Verify, ATS BrightMove)
  • Bilingual: English & Spanish

Certification

  • SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional) | 2018 – 2027
  • Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification
  • TV Broadcasting Certification | Academy of Radio & TV Broadcasting, Huntington Beach

Timeline

Vice President of HR & Employee Experience

Local Bounti (Formerly Pete’s/Hollandia Produce, L.P.)
04.2022 - 03.2025

Director of Human Resources

Hollandia Produce, L.P.
01.2018 - 04.2022

Human Resources Manager

Hollandia Produce, L.P.
05.2015 - 01.2018

Senior Human Resources Representative

Mission Produce
09.2011 - 05.2015

Coursework in Business

Ventura Community College

High School Diploma -

Santa Paula High School

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SONJA LOPEZ