HR Director

Posted on: 2006-02-06

Joan A. Wolfsen 1960 Atlantida • Hacienda Hts, CA 91745 626-330-0813 • Cell: 626-437-5917 [email protected] HUMAN RESOURCES EXECUTIVE As member of the executive management team, I have demonstrated success supporting key business objectives in domestic and international arenas. Wide-ranging competencies include: • Strategic Planning • Staffing / Retention • Performance Management Programs • Compensation & Benefits • Change Management • Employee Relations EXPERIENCE WINDOW ROCK ENTERPRISES, INC Director Human Resources 2004-2006 Created a professional HR function for this start-up company. Recruiting/Employment/Employee Relations/Communications Created a recruiting engine that doubled headcount in 3 month. Initiated internal and external employee activities including charitable contributions. Compensation/Benefits: Negotiated contracts and implemented full complement of benefits Implemented a 401(k) resulting in a 91% participation rate. Training/OD Created and trained employees on safety and performance management. Integrated (due to an acquisition) 100+ employees into our existing 30 employee company. SYNCATA, El Segundo, CA (A professional services firm) Principal/Director Human Resources 1998 - 2004 Upgraded HR to support strategic business initiatives. Recruiting/Employment/Employee Relations/Communications  Introduced a recruiting process and associated systems that tripled employee base in one year.  Personally recruited and trained staff of 7 professional recruiters.  Firmly established company as an “at will” employer.  Aligned all recruiting to company values/goals ensuring a closer “fit” with corporate culture. Compensation/Benefits:  Created and implemented a new appraisal system tying job descriptions directly to the evaluation.  Initiated an automated, on-line 360 degree review process  Completely outsourced benefits administration thus saving over $40k/year in salaries.  Standardized compensation & merit structure ensuring pay for performance was a fact not a myth. Training/OD  Designed/conducted New Employee Orientation ensuring continuation of the corporate culture.  Launched a management training series for all existing and new managers. CALIFORNIA HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER, Los Angeles, CA 1996 - 1998 (A 303-bed acute care hospital) Administrative Director Integrated HR into daily operations. Recruiting/Employment/Employee Relations/Communications  Installed systematic hiring process decreasing turnover from 30% to 17%.  Developed high trust factor and partnership between HR and line managers.  Reduced the number of open employee suits to the lowest level in several years.  Established a HR column in the newsletter & payroll stuffers to all employees. Compensation/Benefits:  Created/implemented (through employee teams) incentive & recognition award programs.  Designed/introduced assessment system directly linking performance to pay.  Increased revenue over 100% in employee contribution-based programs.  Conducted monthly benefit communication meetings to increase employee awareness. Training/OD  Designed/conducted monthly management development seminars.  Created New Manager Orientation Program.  Developed monthly Wellness Seminars open to all employees & our Industrial Clients. SIMULATION SCIENCES, Brea, CA 1991 - 1996 (An international software company) Director Human Resources & Admin. Established highly effective global H.R. and Facilities team. Employment/Employee Relations  Developed and implemented a global expatriate policy facilitating worldwide transfers.  Created a Policy Manual establishing consistency/control without “bureaucracy.”  Initiated global employee communication systems featuring "good news." Compensation/Benefits:  Renegotiated with group insurance carrier resulting in an $80,000 savings.  Converted ESOP into 401(k) Plan with 95%+ participation & a savings of $1,000,000+/year.  Established engineering ladders ensuring technical progression. Training/OD:  Established manager training programs used worldwide conducted by manager graduates. Administration:  Established corporate-wide global contracts saving approximately $100,000/year.  Saved $100,000+ by renegotiating equipment and building leases.  Directed the $1.3mm build-out of a new corporate headquarters. ANGELES CORPORATION, Los Angeles 1988 - 1991 (A national real estate investment & management company with $4 billion in assets) Director Human Resources Expanded H.R. as a positive influence Employment/Employee Relations/Training: • Led the conversion team to install a new minicomputer based HRIS database. • Managed Worker's Compensation function with emphasis on early return to work. • Helped to identify and implement a $2.7 million savings in corporate-wide downsizing. • Managed the Corporate Headquarters 50% reduction in staff. Compensation & Benefits: • Streamlined Compensation & Benefits Department resulting in a savings of 5%. • Delivered, under budget, a new flexible benefits plan. • Saved $200,000/year through a benefits package for less profitable companies. ARROWHEAD WATER, Monterey Park, CA 1981 - 1988 Manager, Compensation & Benefits 1985-1988 Compensation Manager 1984-1985 Comp & Benefits Analyst 1983-1984 Compensation Analyst 1982-1983 Recruiter 1981-1982 EDUCATION California Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, Bachelor of Arts PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Certified Compensation Professional