Wendy Ramirez
Phoenix Metro Area
Summary
Strategic Human Resources leader with 15+ years of progressive HR, employee relations, leadership development, compliance, and workforce management experience across corporate, financial services, and multi-site operations environments. Proven expertise partnering with executive leadership to implement HR strategies aligned with organizational goals, improve employee engagement, conduct complex investigations, manage compliance initiatives, and lead organizational development efforts. Experienced in performance management, recruitment, workforce planning, compensation administration, policy implementation, employee coaching, and HR compliance including FMLA, ADA, EEO, and labor relations support. Recognized for strong communication, mediation, analytical problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Advanced Human Resources Business Partner
General Dynamics Mission Systems
Scottsdale
10.2018 - Current
- Partner with directors and senior leadership to align HR strategies with organizational objectives, workforce planning, employee engagement, and operational goals.
- Provide strategic HR consultation and guidance to managers on employee relations, performance management, policy interpretation, organizational development, and employment law compliance.
- Conduct complex and sensitive workplace investigations involving employee complaints, policy violations, and workplace concerns while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and company regulations.
- Serve as lead negotiator for union contract negotiations, collaborating with leadership and labor representatives to support positive labor relations, compliance, and mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Support organizational effectiveness initiatives including change management, leadership coaching, workforce reduction planning, and retention strategies.
- Collaborate with leadership teams on talent development, succession planning, employee engagement initiatives, and performance improvement efforts.
- Advise leadership on HR policies, procedures, compensation planning, compliance matters, and corrective action processes.
- Analyze HR metrics and workforce trends to support decision-making, staffing strategies, and business process improvements.
- Facilitate employee coaching, conflict resolution, mediation, and problem-solving for managers and employees across multiple business units.
- Assist in development and implementation of HR programs, initiatives, and policy updates aligned with organizational goals.
- Support compliance initiatives related to audits, investigations, workforce documentation, and regulatory requirements.
- Partner with employees and leadership to foster positive workplace culture, effective communication, and employee retention.
- Recognized for managing complex HR matters with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
- Facilitated employee engagement initiatives to enhance workplace culture.
- Developed training programs to support employee development and retention.
- Conducted workforce planning to meet staffing needs and optimize resources.
- Implemented performance management systems to evaluate employee contributions.
- Coached managers on best practices for effective management of their teams.
- Provided guidance on organizational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Conducted exit interviews with departing employees to identify trends and areas for organizational improvement.
- Advised supervisors on appropriate disciplinary action according to company policy when necessary.
- Analyzed workforce key performance indicators to achieve business objectives, coaching leadership on implementing corrective actions.
- Worked with business leaders to evaluate and optimize human resources policies.
- Participated in investigations into complaints of workplace harassment or discrimination.
- Advised leadership and personnel on driving HR policies, union negotiations, and business strategy implementation.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to develop strategic plans to support business objectives.
- Facilitated conflict resolution between employees through mediation, enhancing workplace harmony and collaboration.
- Implemented operational changes across various departments to ensure alignment with HR strategies.
- Conducted annual employee performance reviews and provided feedback to improve job performance.
- Implemented employee recognition programs that reward achievement or excellence in performance.
- Reviewed job descriptions regularly for accuracy and relevance to current roles within the organization.
- Conducted employee relations investigations into safety complaints, allegations of harassment and civil rights issues.
- Implemented employee incentive program to enhance staff productivity and engagement.
- Provided guidance on labor relations matters such as collective bargaining agreements and union negotiations.
- Developed, implemented and monitored HR programs such as recruitment, onboarding, training, compensation and benefits.
- Managed relationships with external vendors providing services related to human resources functions.
- Facilitated resolution of conflicts between employees through mediation or alternative dispute resolution techniques.
Assistant Service Manager
Desert Financial Credit Union
Apache Junction
07.2017 - 10.2018
- Supported branch leadership in employee relations, staff coaching, performance management, and team development initiatives.
- Conducted employee training, mentoring, and ongoing coaching to improve performance, customer service, and operational effectiveness.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations, company policies, security standards, and audit requirements.
- Facilitated daily team meetings, goal-setting discussions, and employee development activities.
- Managed payroll reporting, compliance documentation, operational reporting, and regulatory audits.
- Motivated and coached employees to achieve sales, referral, and customer service goals.
- Maintained effective communication with employees and management regarding policies, procedures, and workplace concerns.
Junior General Manager
Wildflower Bread Company
Scottsdale
09.2013 - 07.2017
- Directed recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, employee training, disciplinary actions, and performance evaluations for multi-level staff.
- Managed employee relations matters while promoting compliance with company policies and employment regulations.
- Oversaw payroll processing, labor management, scheduling, budgeting, operational reporting, and cost control initiatives.
- Implemented employee engagement and training programs including orientation, coaching, and leadership development.
- Maintained employee records, licensing documentation, and compliance tracking systems.
- Collaborated with leadership to improve operational efficiency, staffing effectiveness, and customer service standards.
- Conducted recruiting activities including job postings, resume review, interviewing, and onboarding coordination.
Mortgage Loan Coordinator
Residential Finance
Chandler
11.2012 - 09.2013
- Coordinated administrative operations including scheduling, documentation management, reporting, and client communications.
- Performed detailed data entry, background reviews, and file management with strong attention to accuracy and compliance.
- Supported customer relations, issue resolution, and communication between clients and internal departments.
People Manager
Paradise Bakery & Café
Chandler
02.2000 - 09.2012
- Managed employee onboarding, interviewing, employee relations, performance reviews, and terminations.
- Conducted corporate orientation, employee training, management coaching, and compliance training.
- Maintained HR records, I-9 compliance documentation, and employee personnel files.
- Assisted with workforce planning, staffing support, and operational management activities.
- Implemented cost-control initiatives and inventory management strategies to support operational goals.
Education
Master of Legal Studies - Employment Law & Human Resources
Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
Arizona01-2022
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice & Criminology
Arizona State University
Arizona01-2013
Associate of Applied Science - Forensic Science & Technology
Phoenix College
01-2005
Skills
- Employee relations and investigations
- HR strategy and development
- Performance management
- Talent acquisition and workforce planning
- Change management
- HR compliance and employment law
- FMLA, ADA, EEO, and policy administration
- Leadership coaching and employee development
- Conflict resolution and mediation
- HR metrics and reporting
- Compensation and benefits administration
- Employee engagement and retention
- Recruitment, onboarding, and training
- Team leadership and collaboration
Certification
- Negotiation Mastery Certificate, Harvard Business School Online
Additional Qualifications
- Strong background supporting fast-paced, high-volume work environments
- Experienced collaborating with executive leadership, managers, legal teams, and cross-functional departments
- Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive employee matters with discretion
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong presentation and facilitation abilities
- Proven ability to build effective relationships, lead teams, and influence organizational outcomes
- Knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, compliance standards, and workplace investigations
Timeline
Senior Advanced Human Resources Business Partner
General Dynamics Mission Systems
10.2018 - Current
Assistant Service Manager
Desert Financial Credit Union
07.2017 - 10.2018
Junior General Manager
Wildflower Bread Company
09.2013 - 07.2017
Mortgage Loan Coordinator
Residential Finance
11.2012 - 09.2013
People Manager
Paradise Bakery & Café
02.2000 - 09.2012
Master of Legal Studies - Employment Law & Human Resources
Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice & Criminology
Arizona State University
Associate of Applied Science - Forensic Science & Technology
Phoenix College