Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
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Tara Calhoun
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Tara Calhoun

Human Resources and Training Development Professional
Pensacola,USA

Work Preference

Desired Job Title

Senior Human Resources ManagerHuman Resources Business PartnerDirector Of Training/ Human Resources Business PartnerSenior Area Manager

Work Type

Full Time

Location Preference

On-SiteRemoteHybrid
Location: Pensacola, USA, US
Open to relocation: Yes

Important To Me

Company Culture401k matchHealthcare benefitsPersonal development programs

Summary

Strategic HR Business Partner experienced in policy development and compliance across multiple states. Managed employee relations during mergers and leadership transitions, enhancing workplace culture and talent pipelines. Implemented HRIS systems and training programs that drive organizational effectiveness and employee engagement.

Overview

1
1
Certification
28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Human Resources Manager

Lucy Buffett's LuLu's
Gulf Shores, Alabama
05.2024 - 05.2026
  • Developed HR policies aligned with company culture and operational needs, across 3 states and with peak load of 800 employees.
  • Led recruitment efforts to attract top talent for various positions, utilizing local, J1, H2B, and contract employees to staff the exceptionally seasonal business model in 3 coastal locations.
  • Managed employee relations to resolve conflicts and enhance workplace culture.
  • Implemented management training programs to enhance employee soft skills, financial acumen, and gain professional certifications.
  • Coordinated benefits administration and employee wellness initiatives to promote overall employee well-being.
  • Oversaw compliance with labor laws and regulations affecting the organization.
  • Led the implementation of a new HRIS system to improve data collection efficiency
  • Developed and implemented Human Resources policies, procedures, and programs.
  • Participated in professional networks to stay abreast of changes in human resources management techniques.
  • Identified potential areas of risk or non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations concerning employment practices.
  • Prepared reports summarizing employee data relevant to turnover rates, absenteeism levels.
  • Surveyed employees to gauge satisfaction and collect actionable feedback for organizational improvements.
  • Designed compensation plans that aligned with company objectives and budget constraints.
  • Worked with department managers to establish performance evaluation and improvement processes.

Human Resources Business Partner

Gellert Hospitality Group
01.2021 - 05.2024
  • Led a smooth transition for Jubilee Restaurant Group employees through a mergers with 4 other franchisees to emerge as the largest American franchise of the Five Guys LLC concept(GHG).
  • Administered benefits (health, vision, dental, life, 401k, tuition reimbursement, EAP) for over 2000 employees across 10 states, ensuring ACA compliance and managing onboarding for new and newly eligible employees.
  • Created and implemented policies for management training, leadership initiatives, documentation accuracy, legal compliance, and security of records.
  • Facilitated employee relations and performance management strategies, sourcing candidates to enhance talent pipeline effectiveness.
  • Monitored legal compliance with labor laws in various states, conducting data audits and initiating solutions to support compliance.
  • Led investigations into worker's compensation injuries, internal theft, sexual harassment, and liability claims to ensure compliance and resolution.
  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional Certification Attained.

Director Of Training/ Human Resources Business Partner

Jubilee Restaurant Group LLC
09.2011 - 01.2021
  • Leads employee outreach programs to enrich the lives of our employees, celebrate their successes, coach through challenges and act with the goal of retaining our most valuable assets.
  • Oversaw human resources functions since 2018, managing talent acquisition, benefits administration, policy development, and investigations to enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Retooled, standardized training/Human Resource materials and programs to support multi-state implementation for over 2000 employees in 10 states
  • Facilitated training support during Jubilee Restaurant's merger into GHG franchise, ensuring smooth integration and employee alignment.
  • Developed Training Program in growing Five Guys Franchise for all field managers in 12 locations in 5 states
  • Trained/Evaluated new associates, newly acquired management, internal and external candidates for new markets, and succession planning throughout the organization.
  • Grew the franchise from one to twelve locations in a 10 year period
  • Sourced internal and external talent to augment the stable and successful growth of the business
  • Oversaw daily operations including scheduling, payroll, asset management, team travel logistics and loss prevention for Team of 85 associates in 4 states on the Gulf Coast.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly through one-on-one meetings and quarterly reviews.
  • Cultivated partnerships with local businesses, driving revenue growth through collaborative initiatives.

Senior Area Manager

WIS International
09.1998 - 09.2011

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration

Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL
Jacksonville, AL

Skills

  • Employee Relations
  • Benefits Administration
  • Legal Compliance
  • HR policies and procedures
  • Training and Development
  • Onboarding and orientation
  • Background checks
  • Health and Safety Programs
  • Workforce planning
  • Investigation
  • Confidential Document Control
  • Employee Engagement
  • Team Development
  • Problem-Solving
  • Effective Communication

Certification

SHRM - Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), Society for Human Resource Management

ServSafe Certified Instructor

ServSafe Certified Proctor

Servsafe Certified Food Safety Manager

ANAB-Accredited Food Allergy Certificate

References

  • Kipp Johnson, Director Of Human Resources, Carraba's Italian Grill, (302) 270-6236, ajohnson@bloominbrands.com
  • Rod Bish, Director Of Operations, Jubilee Restaurant Group, (850) 261-2936, rod.bish@gellerthg.com
  • Curtis Tesch, Regional Manager, Gellert Hospitality Group, (205) 901-0481, Curtis.Tesch@gellerthospitalitygroup.com
  • Luis DeValle, Cheif Operations Officer, LuLu's Restaurants, (251) 379-7055, LuisD@LuLusFunFoodMusic.com

Timeline

Senior Human Resources Manager

Lucy Buffett's LuLu's
05.2024 - 05.2026

Human Resources Business Partner

Gellert Hospitality Group
01.2021 - 05.2024

Director Of Training/ Human Resources Business Partner

Jubilee Restaurant Group LLC
09.2011 - 01.2021

Senior Area Manager

WIS International
09.1998 - 09.2011

Bachelor's Degree - Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration

Jacksonville State University
Tara CalhounHuman Resources and Training Development Professional