Valerie Santiago
Kissimmee,FL
Summary
Human Resources professional prepared to drive organizational success through effective people management and strategic planning. Expertise in employee relations, talent acquisition, and compliance, with strong focus on team collaboration and achieving measurable outcomes. Adaptable and reliable, skilled in navigating dynamic environments and aligning HR strategies with business goals.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Human Resources
AutoPayPlus by US Equity Advantage
01.2025 - Current
- Implemented Automation of HR Operations & WorkflowsLed end-to-end Human Resources operations, including talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, and performance management.
- Acted as a strategic partner to executive leadership on workforce planning, retention strategies, compensation alignment, and organizational effectiveness.
- Built, developed, and managed a multi-functional HR team; strengthened HR infrastructure through improved systems, policies, and standardized processes.
- Advised leaders on complex employee relations matters, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes.
- Partnered closely with Finance and Operations to align HR strategy with business performance and labor planning needs.
- Improved hiring efficiency and workforce scalability through recruiting process improvements and technology-enabled solutions.
- Streamlined onboarding and core HR workflows to increase operational efficiency, data accuracy, and compliance.
- Oversaw HRIS (Paycor)platforms and reporting, ensuring data integrity, audit readiness, and leadership visibility.
- Directed compliance efforts across federal and state employment regulations, proactively mitigating risk and supporting organizational stability.
- Developed and implemented HR policies aligned with organizational goals.
- Led talent acquisition strategies to attract top-tier candidates.
- Coordinated and worked with management on performance evaluations, supervisory practices, dispute resolution, and employee accountability.
- Created succession planning strategies to ensure leadership continuity and long-term success.
- Implemented Automation of HR Operations & Workflows
Human Resources & Administration and Safety Manager
Deroose Plants Inc.
08.2019 - 12.2024
- Restructured and managed the Human Resources function to align with business needs, growth, and industry requirements.
- Developed and implemented HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks to reduce risk, strengthen compliance, and improve organizational structure.
- Oversaw core HR functions including recruitment, training and development, benefits, compensation, payroll, and performance management.
- Served as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on complex labor relations and employee relations matters.
- Led employee relations investigations and issue resolution, including workplace complaints and policy enforcement.
- Maintained and audited HR records and systems (Paycor, ADP Workforce, Paychex) to ensure accuracy, compliance, and audit readiness.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state regulations, including DOL, OSHA, and IRS standards.
- Conducted regular site inspections to identify hazards and ensure compliance.
- Developed and implemented safety training programs for all employees.
Director of Human Resources
Angels for Kids on Call, 24/7 Inc.
02.2018 - 08.2019
- Built and restructured the Human Resources function from the ground up for a mental health community center.
- Developed and implemented HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks to reduce risk and strengthen organizational compliance.
- Designed and launched a streamlined onboarding process, reducing onboarding time by 50%.
- Oversaw all core HR functions, including training and development, payroll, performance management, and employee relations.
- Ensured compliance with Medicaid requirements and applicable employment regulations.
- Served as a mentor and coach to executive leadership on complex employee relations and operational issues.
- Maintained accurate employee records and payroll administration using QuickBooks.
- Managed employee relations matters, policy interpretation, timekeeping, and leave administration.
Senior Employee Benefits Account Specialist
Corporate Synergies
05.2017 - 02.2018
- Served as a subject matter expert in employee benefits, compliance, and HR-related matters for mid-size and large organizations.
- Supported fully insured and self-funded benefit plans, ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.
- Designed, evaluated, and updated benefit policies to meet regulatory requirements and business needs.
- Managed annual benefits renewal cycles, including plan marketing, vendor coordination, and employee meetings.
- Conducted benefits cost analyses to compare plan options and support informed client decision-making.
- Partnered with third-party payroll providers to ensure accurate eligibility, enrollment, and electronic data feeds.
- Ensured timely and accurate completion of all required benefits-related reporting and compliance filings.
- Managed client accounts, ensuring satisfaction through personalized service and effective communication.
- Collaborated with teams to develop tailored solutions that addressed client needs and improved retention rates.
Education
Master’s in business administration (MBA) - Human Resources
Concordia University of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI 12.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Health Care Administration and Management
Concordia University of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI 05.2010
Skills
- HR Policies and Procedures
- AI & Digital HR Initiatives
- Training and Development
- Talent Acquisition and Onboarding
- Bilingual in Spanish and English
- Coaching and Mentoring Management
- Payroll Computation
- Benefits administration
- Compliance management
- Retention strategies
- HRIS Systems (ADP, Paycor, Paychex)
- Employee relations
- Succession planning
Certification
State of Florida 215 License- Renews in 01/2026
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
AutoPayPlus by US Equity Advantage
01.2025 - Current
Human Resources & Administration and Safety Manager
Deroose Plants Inc.
08.2019 - 12.2024
Director of Human Resources
Angels for Kids on Call, 24/7 Inc.
02.2018 - 08.2019
Senior Employee Benefits Account Specialist
Corporate Synergies
05.2017 - 02.2018
Master’s in business administration (MBA) - Human Resources
Concordia University of Wisconsin
Bachelor of Arts - Health Care Administration and Management
Concordia University of Wisconsin