Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

T. Brian Emmel

Papillion,NE

Summary

Human Resource Leader. High energy, results oriented Human Resource leader with over 25 years of progressive experience seeking a human resource leadership role within an organization where my education and professional background will add value and growth while providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. In each of my previous roles, I have developed solid strategic business partner relationships with members of the leadership team as a coach, adviser, and confidant. While I have been a member of several leadership teams, I have taken great pride in my ability to build great relationships with employees at all levels within my previous companies (including union officials). I have developed HR strategy to improve organizational performance and develop organizational capability. Conscientious and compassionate human resources professional with drive for helping employers recruit, develop and retain qualified candidates. Skilled at partnering with management teams to build employee-centric cultures promoting positive morale and optimizing productivity. Motivating and positive with excellent interpersonal, coaching and communication skills. Results-oriented [Job Title] with broad experience in all areas of HR, including policy development, performance management and benefits administration. Accustomed to analyzing HR functions and procedures to execute change management and drive corporate objectives. Bringing 25+ years of consulting expertise with passion for cultivating enjoyable and productive work environments.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

HR Consultant

Self-Employed
08.2011 - Current
  • Multiple Human Resources Leadership positions with global consumer packaged goods and industrial manufacturing companies (Exide Technologies, Borden Dairy, Farmer Brothers, NSK, Allied Oil & Supply Company, and Costco Wholesale)
  • Usually installed into Human Resource Manager or Director role while leading numerous “Special Projects” within manufacturing plant or plants to lead HR function
  • Led investigations of policy concerns, grievances, claims of harassment, discrimination, etc
  • Provide leadership for issues regarding employment and labor law
  • Led all employee/labor relation activities, negotiated many CBAs, including ‘Effects', maintained union free status at non-union sites (several union organizing attempts)
  • Developed and led internal employee communication programs during union organization drives, labor negotiations, bankruptcy process, acquisitions, divesting business units or product lines, plant closings, and transition to Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)/Lean manufacturing
  • Supported President/CEO or business leaders in designing organizations for better workforce utilization or when acquiring or divesting business units
  • Led Company through OFCCP Audits, OHSA investigations, EEOC complaints and NLRB charges
  • Redesigned and implemented compensation, performance management, and benefit programs
  • Implemented and led talent management and leadership development process
  • Built and led talent acquisition function
  • Provided HR and change management leadership and workforce planning during periods of plant closures, relocation of corporate office, and building or acquiring new plants and offices.
  • Advised executives on best practices for employee growth and productivity goals, consistently helping companies improve retention.
  • Partnered with leaders on HR and business functions using consultative approach to proactively identify and address issues and concerns.
  • Partnered with senior leadership to establish and develop corporate and HR policies and procedures.
  • Assisted and guided clients on HR procedures and program development by devising performance evaluations, job descriptions and industry-standard salary ranges.

Director, Human Resources Supply Chain

NOVARTIS CONSUMER HEALTH
10.2008 - 07.2011
  • Led HR function for multiple sites within $3.1B business unit including R&D, Customer Service (Call Center), Supply Chain, Engineering, Sourcing, and Finance
  • Led global team in creating career development guidance handbook (roles, career path, competency model, experience, etc.)
  • Improved employee development score 100% on pulse check three months after implementation (employee engagement survey)
  • Developed communication strategy for organizational changes, transition to Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and employee meetings
  • Created and led implementation of Human Resource planning process including individual development and succession plans
  • Revised and implemented numerous human resource policies and procedures
  • Launched Global Employee Survey, organized focus groups to gain more insight on issues, and engaged leaders/associates to develop solutions to improve employee engagement
  • Revised production operator job structure and requirements (titles, technical and behavioral competencies, pay ranges, and test requirements)
  • Member of Autonomous Maintenance Pillar Team in implementing TPM.

Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Millard Refrigerated Services
02.2007 - 03.2008


  • Senior human resource leader responsible for all facets of human resources
  • Halted multiple union organizing attempts prior to a representation election
  • Revised and implemented numerous human resource policies and procedures
  • Aligned annual performance review process with Company values and implemented new incentive plan for all exempt employees.
  • Developed and implemented new strategies and policies in collaboration with executive partners to establish and achieve long-term business objectives, providing company with strong and sustainable organizational leadership.

Senior Director, Human Resources & Labor Relations

ConAgra Foods/Armour-Eckrich Meats
06.2002 - 02.2007
  • Led all aspects of the human resource function for Grocery Foods $1.6B (17 plants) and later Refrigerated Meats $2.6B (26 plants)
  • Directed design and execution of business transformation initiatives to drive performance, profit optimization and growth opportunities.
  • Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
  • Led the development and implementation of the human resource planning function (talent assessment, gap analysis, succession plan, and employee development plan)
  • Developed strategy and successfully negotiated collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions as Chief Spokesperson (plants and DSD operations to include UFCW, BCTGM, USW, and Teamsters)
  • Member of a small team that developed and implemented a Company-wide plant labor union strategy
  • Served as a member on arbitration panels
  • Assigned to support VP, Engineering in transforming Engineering Team to focus on TPM processes and the eight pillars
  • Attended numerous EEOC conferences and settled most claims on the spot
  • Proactively upgraded the competency of Human Resource Department, and teamed with SVP, Operations in upgrading staff throughout all manufacturing plants
  • Partnered with Presidents of John Morrell and Butterball during Smithfield Foods' acquisition in designing, staffing, and integration activities.

Director, Human Resources

Merck and Company
07.1999 - 06.2002
  • (multiple sites and customer service call center)
  • Created and implemented college recruiting and intern program increasing staffing of pharmacists by 58%.
  • Redesigned process for incentive plan and stock option allocation
  • Developed strategy and successfully negotiated collective bargaining agreements as Chief Spokesperson with labor unions (PACE and AMCP).

Director, Human Resources

Campbell Soup Company/Vlasic Foods
04.1996 - 07.1999


  • Relocated to corporate office with responsibility for ten operations (8 unionized and 2 non-union) $1.5B
  • Chief Spokesperson for all contracts (UFCW, IBT, IUOE, IAM, USW) & resolved several NLRB charges
  • Prepared grievance cases for arbitration, presented some and assisted attorneys in presenting others
  • Member of multiple teams responsible for acquisitions, plant closures, and divestitures
  • Achieved several cost neutral labor agreements by enhancing management's flexibility and implementing cost controls
  • Redesigned multiple benefit plans (medical, dental, accident & sickness, etc.)
  • Provided HR support for international plants (Canada, UK, and Argentina)
  • Provided support necessary to orchestrate the spin-off of several businesses. This consisted of redesigning compensation and benefits programs, HR policies and procedures, and conducting numerous employee communication meetings
  • Added Director, Global Employee & Labor Relations, Safety & Health post spin-off.

Manager, Human Resources

Campbell Soup Company
07.1992 - 03.1996
  • Relocated to Arkansas Complex (1,200 employees at five sites, organized by UFCW)
  • Relocated to Minnesota (600 employees organized by IBT)
  • Member of Negotiating Committee as 2nd chair
  • Developed annual plant Affirmative Action Plans and attended conferences with EEOC regarding complaints
  • Key witness for Company during ADA jury trial where the Company prevailed.

Manager, Labor Relations

Campbell Soup Company
10.1990 - 07.1992
  • Relocated to larger plant in Texas (1,400 employees organized by UFCW)
  • Reduced union grievance activity by 73%
  • Resolved 89% of pending arbitration cases
  • Led plant level team responsible for data collection in order to prepare for CBA renewal
  • As a member of Negotiating Committee, led several key discussion points and developed most language changes for CBA
  • Provided response for several EEO charges.

Manager, Employee Relations

Campbell Soup Company
05.1985 - 01.1990
  • Responsible for Safety and Quality Circles prior to promotion to Employee Relations Manager at a non-unionized plant with 650 employees
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Initially hired in manufacturing as a Management Trainee, frontline Supervisor, Department Manager, and Shift Manager prior to moving into HR.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.

Education

Masters of Business Administration - Business Administration And Management

Keller Graduate School of Management
Addison, IL

Bachelor of Science - Public Law (Pre-Law)

Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL

SPHR - Human Resources, Leadership, Safety & Health

Various

Skills

  • HR Strategy Business Partner
  • Adaptable to Changing Conditions
  • Talent Management & Succession Planning
  • Analytical and Critical Thinking
  • Legislative Compliance
  • Employee Performance Management
  • Labor Negotiations
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Hiring and Retention Strategies
  • Human Resources Management Systems
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
  • Training Development and Execution
  • Risk Mitigation
  • Leading Employees
  • Operational Efficiency
  • Policy and Procedure Writing
  • Compensation Structuring
  • Trend Monitoring
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • Recruitment Management
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Organizational Development

Certification

Certified Zenger-Miller Leadership Development. Certified DDI Leadership Development. Certified John Maxwell Team Leadership Training, Speaking, and Executive Coaching. Certified DiSC Personality Profile. Multiple Lominger Talent Management processes. Union Proof certification.

Timeline

HR Consultant

Self-Employed
08.2011 - Current

Director, Human Resources Supply Chain

NOVARTIS CONSUMER HEALTH
10.2008 - 07.2011

Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Millard Refrigerated Services
02.2007 - 03.2008

Senior Director, Human Resources & Labor Relations

ConAgra Foods/Armour-Eckrich Meats
06.2002 - 02.2007

Director, Human Resources

Merck and Company
07.1999 - 06.2002

Director, Human Resources

Campbell Soup Company/Vlasic Foods
04.1996 - 07.1999

Manager, Human Resources

Campbell Soup Company
07.1992 - 03.1996

Manager, Labor Relations

Campbell Soup Company
10.1990 - 07.1992

Manager, Employee Relations

Campbell Soup Company
05.1985 - 01.1990

Masters of Business Administration - Business Administration And Management

Keller Graduate School of Management

Bachelor of Science - Public Law (Pre-Law)

Northern Illinois University

SPHR - Human Resources, Leadership, Safety & Health

Various
T. Brian Emmel