Keir Hayden

Strategic, innovative Human Resource professional with 10+ years’ experience executing all facets of people operations and initiatives in the manufacturing, retail, distribution, and consumer financial services industries. Thorough understanding of state and federal regulations related to employee benefits programs (COBRA, FMLA, ERISA, etc.). Highly skilled in devising and deploying HR strategy, workforce plans, and organizational programs; translating concepts, data and business objectives into actionable people policies and procedures. Trusted advisor and collaborator building genuine relationships and leveraging business acumen, data analysis, interpersonal communication, to improve processes, inspire employees, and influence key stakeholders

• Designed, implemented and managed the total rewards system to ensure organization remained attractive and competitive within job market and industry. Managed the annual open enrollment for benefits, including project planning, employee communications, and HRIS system update and configuration

• Developed recruiting strategy, created a high-volume talent pipeline and optimized hiring processes to support sales teams' business development initiatives, resulting in organizational growth and $2 million increase in revenue.

• Created a leaders toolkit and handbook for executive and mid-level leaders to recognize, use and improve managerial skills. Trained management on interview protocols and coaching techniques. Increased hiring manager satisfaction, candidate experience and offer acceptance rate. Reduced new hire turnover by 36%.

• Built HR processes and workflows. Migrated into HRIS system Led implementation team through requirements analysis, needs definition and conversion of new HRIS system to support 1,5- and 10-year business goals.  Created content and delivered ongoing training to decrease skills gaps. 
• Collaborated with leadership team to develop business execution and succession plans. Developed talent skills matrix to identify key talent to mentor and promote. Enabled business to open new location within 6 months.
• Crafted annual bonus structure for human resources and operations positions. Developed merit compensation grades for all positions to reduce bias, increase transparency and cash flow forecasting.
• Created a thriving, employee-centered culture. Increased employee engagement by 20% through consistent engagement programs, company volunteering and social justice initiatives. Developed career paths to visually demonstrate company vision, future opportunity for employees.
• Restructured performance management system. Directed the investigation and resolution of employee issues, concerns, and conflict; provided advice to management and employees regarding disciplinary actions; consulted with legal counsel when appropriate. 
• Collaborated with senior management conduct skills gap analysis among salaried employees. Utilized information to develop and professional development and training plans.  Ensured employees skills and expertise met organization's objectives for future growth.

• Collaborated with senior management conduct skills gap analysis among salaried employees. Utilized information to develop and professional development and training plans.  Ensured employees skills and expertise met organization's objectives for future growth.
• Developed and implemented Leave of Absence policy and metrics; decreased FMLA abuse by 23%. 
• Coached front line supervisors on interpretation of union collective bargaining agreements. Contributing member of the Company’s contract negotiation team; performed policy and financial analyses of union contract proposals.  
• Reduced training expenses by monitoring and analyzing training records; developed a reporting system, qualified and earned organization a state manufacturing grant.  Partnered with Health & Safety team to ensure plant-wide training and safety compliance.
• Processed complex bi-weekly payroll in alignment with CBA; computed wage and overtime payments, payroll deductions, maintained time and attendance records through HRIS.
• Chaired employee activities committee; improved employee engagement by organizing recurring employee activity, safety, education, and recognition programs. Safety culture champion. 

• Processed weekly payroll, remitted taxes for 940, 941, state income and sales tax reports. Responsible for all accounting and HRIS transactions. Created efficient accounting procedures and created SOPs to control quality and consistency of processes. 
• Restructured pre-employment process to include job qualification testing and background checks. Developed an applicant screening and assessment process to ensure candidate and job alignment; decreased turnover costs by 17%. 
• Created a system to manage and track employee retention and attrition metrics, reported to senior management.
• Supervised employees to ensure accurate records of time, attendance and PTO.
  
• Formulated and enacted financial plan with ownership, resulted in cash flow stability and an 13% increase in gross profit margin. Developed and communicated retail metrics to management team to increase employee performance and productivity.  
• Responsible for external audit completion - worker's compensation, payment card compliance and year-end tax reporting. 

• Migrated organization from PEO into a self-managed Human Resources Information System. 
• Reduced overall company benefit costs by 11% after researching broker and vendor changes.
• Assisted in development and implementation of Human Resource policies and procedures; Instituted 360° performance management program to increase dialogue and create a high performing culture.
• Processed full cycle, multi-state payroll, including 401(k), benefit deductions and adjustments. Audited and reconciled bank statements and maintained payroll general ledger accounts. 
• Managed employee lifecycle, including attraction and recruitment, Directed onboarding, new hire orientation and off boarding process. Conducted new hire surveys and analyzed exit interviews to consistently improve process. 
• Compiled employee information for HR metrics regarding turnover and headcount for reporting to senior level management.
• Performed 5500 compliance testing with vendor for corporate 401(k) retirement program; Functioned as SME and liaison between insurance brokers, vendors and company.
• Created job descriptions for all employees to enhance job alignment, hiring and performance management..

• Managed COBRA, Benefits Administration processes for over 1,500 employees across 25 locations.  
• Created efficiencies by improving automation of recruiting, training, HRIS and employee safety programs.
• Assisted with annual Affirmation Action, EEO reporting and employment law projects.
• Developed a safety tracking program for employees and managers, which improved recordkeeping and maintained corporate OHSA compliance.

Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management