Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Traxler Littlejohn

North Charleston

Summary

Results-driven HR leader with over a decade of experience in healthcare, biotech, and entrepreneurial environments. Proven success in full-cycle recruiting, employee relations, performance management, workplace investigations, and compensation strategy. Combines strategic HR insight with a hands-on approach to organizational development and workforce optimization. Passionate about creating high-impact, people-centered solutions that align with business goals. Knowledgeable HR Consultant with a proven background in advising organizations on effective human resources strategies, providing valuable insights into employee relations and talent management to enhance workplace productivity and morale while demonstrating proficiency in conflict resolution and strategic workforce planning.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

HR Consultant

Independent / Contractor: Merakris Therapeutics
06.2024 - Current
  • - Partnered with biotech clients to deliver tailored talent acquisition strategies for sales and R&D roles
  • - Developed structured interview guides to promote consistency, reduce bias, and ensure role alignment
  • - Coached managers and employees through performance challenges, including corrective action and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs)
  • - Collaborated with managers to resolve and address employee relations opportunities, promoting a positive and compliant workplace culture
  • - Conducted and documented internal workplace investigations, including drafting findings and making recommendations to leadership
  • - Provided guidance on employment-related state and federal laws, university-style policies, and HR best practices
  • - Facilitated small group trainings and working sessions to address trends and root causes in employee relations cases
  • - Analyzed trends in employee relations data to inform interventions aimed at improving retention and engagement
  • - Collaborated with clients on change management strategies, ensuring people-centered approaches during transitions
  • - Participated in continuous improvement of ER and HR-related programs and processes
  • Collaborated with department heads to identify workforce needs and create targeted recruitment strategies.
  • Ensured compliance with labor regulations by staying informed of current legislation changes and updating company policies accordingly.
  • Streamlined recruitment processes for improved efficiency and candidate experience.
  • Optimized performance management systems to align with organizational goals and objectives.
  • Provided guidance on compensation best practices, ensuring internal equity and market competitiveness.
  • Evaluated employee onboarding programs and presented strategic improvement recommendations to upper management.
  • Created and delivered HR training sessions to staff, managers and executives.

President

Nippitaty Distillery
05.2017 - 03.2025
  • - Founded and scaled a craft spirits company; led business development and HR compliance
  • - Recruited, trained, and supported a team of 1099 sales representatives across the state
  • - Developed onboarding and product education for new accounts and employees
  • - Navigated HR-related legal and compliance matters for independent contractor workforce
  • - Maintained personnel records and internal training materials to ensure consistent performance and branding
  • Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
  • Increased customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and excellent customer service.
  • Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
  • Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
  • Established a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and holding individuals responsible for results.

Human Resources Director

Encompass Health (formerly HealthSouth)
08.2011 - 03.2017
  • - Managed full-cycle recruitment for clinical, administrative, and support positions
  • - Implemented onboarding and training programs that improved new hire retention and accelerated productivity
  • - Reduced turnover by 10% through improved selection and cultural fit initiatives
  • - Developed expertise in handling employee relations issues, investigated handbook violations, and recommended appropriate corrective actions
  • - Maintained disciplinary records and ensured consistent enforcement of HR policies
  • - Conducted performance-related investigations and guided supervisors through performance improvement plans
  • - Led change communications and employee support during organizational restructuring
  • - Provided expert consultation on employment law matters, ensuring compliance with federal/state regulations and internal policy
  • - Collected, analyzed, and presented HR data to leadership to support decision-making and engagement strategies
  • - Led the design and delivery of small group training sessions focused on policy updates, communication skills, and team engagement
  • Processed employee claims involving performance issues and harassment.
  • Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
  • Established onboarding procedures to facilitate smooth transitions for new hires into the organization.
  • Handled on-boarding process for newly hired employees and distributed all paperwork.
  • Oversaw annual performance review process, providing guidance to managers on setting goals and measuring employee progress.
  • Implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and company regulations.
  • Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with other department leaders to align HR strategy with overall business objectives.
  • Supported talent development through coaching sessions with key personnel, assisting them in reaching their professional growth objectives.
  • Oversaw workers' compensation program for employees injured on job.
  • Monitored and handled employee claims involving performance-based and harassment incidents.
  • Managed workforce planning initiatives, ensuring appropriate staffing levels across departments while minimizing costs associated with overtime or temporary workers.
  • Reduced turnover rates through effective talent acquisition and retention strategies.
  • Conducted company-wide town hall meetings to convey updates.
  • Streamlined recruitment processes, reducing time-to-hire and improving candidate quality.
  • Managed other HR staff and oversaw completion of tasks and initiatives.

Compensation Manager

Trident Health System
09.2010 - 08.2011
  • - Led system-wide compensation redesign to ensure internal equity and external competitiveness
  • - Managed benefits administration, open enrollment, and employee communications
  • - Provided HR consultation to department heads on sensitive employee relations issues
  • - Supported compliance with labor laws and internal policy standards
  • Optimized salary structures for increased employee retention and reduced turnover rates.
  • Evaluated performance metrics and established clear guidelines for bonus calculations, promoting fairness and transparency in incentive programs.
  • Developed comprehensive compensation strategies to attract top talent and maintain a motivated workforce.
  • Streamlined the annual merit increase process, resulting in more efficient distribution of funds across all departments.
  • Managed salary surveys, providing valuable data for informed decision-making regarding compensation adjustments.
  • Partnered with Finance teams to develop annual budgets that accurately reflected projected costs associated with planned compensation changes.

Education

Master of Arts - Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
05.2006

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Appalachian State University
Boone, NC
05.2003

Skills

  • - Talent Acquisition & Recruiting
  • - Performance Management & PIP Support
  • - Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
  • - Workplace Investigations & Documentation
  • - Training Facilitation & Small Group Sessions
  • - HR Policy Development & Compliance

  • - Employee Engagement & Retention Strategy
  • - HR Data Analysis & Reporting
  • - Continuous Improvement Initiatives
  • Onboarding processes
  • Performance appraisals
  • HRIS systems

Timeline

HR Consultant

Independent / Contractor: Merakris Therapeutics
06.2024 - Current

President

Nippitaty Distillery
05.2017 - 03.2025

Human Resources Director

Encompass Health (formerly HealthSouth)
08.2011 - 03.2017

Compensation Manager

Trident Health System
09.2010 - 08.2011

Master of Arts - Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Western Kentucky University

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Appalachian State University
Traxler Littlejohn