KRISTEN RIES

5990 180th Street

Hastings, MN 55033 (651) 336-16
78
kr548b9a@westpost.net

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Proven leader with over 15 years of Human Resources experience interacting effec
tively with individuals of all levels. A goals-oriented project manager. Exper
t at achieving cost savings through increased efficiencies and defined processes
. A generalist with extensive experience in payroll, benefits administration an
d employee relations. Highly motivated, well-organized, and innovative Human Re
sources professional looking for a position with long-term growth and career adv
ancement.
EXPERTISE

* Benefits Administration
* HRIS Systems
* Full cycle payroll processing
* Employee Relations
* Recruitment and Talent Management
* Project Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
WuXi AppTec, Inc., St Paul, MN 2001-2010
Human Resources Manager
* Oversaw and managed day-to-day functions of the H.R. department including the
supervision of H.R. Payroll Specialist at St Paul site.
* Provided advice and counsel to management regarding personnel practices and po
licies in compliance with federal and state regulations. Ensured proper document
ation of all employee relation issues, performance issues and terminations.
* Responsible for the administration of company Health, Dental, Life, STD and LT
D benefits including annual plan review with Broker, meeting with benefit vendor
s, communication of benefits to the organization, and provided assistance to emp
loyees with any benefits related issues.
* Plan Administrator for 401(k) plan and Restricted Stock Plan; ensured plans we
re in compliance with following IRS rules and plan documents. Increased employe
e participation by 25% through implementing employee enrollment meetings. Coord
inated and completed annual plan audit with external auditors.
* Led improvement of recruiting process in a time of explosive growth and compet
itive labor market pressures. Created a consistent employee referral program, d
eveloped relationships with recruiters. Negotiated fixed competitive rates whic
h reduced recruiting costs by 18% over 2 years, increased referrals and cut the
time to fill openings by 20%.
* Organically implemented a job band structure for all US jobs; which included c
onducting job evaluations for all positions and using industry specific compensa
tion surveys related to medical device testing business to ensure our compensati
on and benefit plans were competitive in the market place.
* Processed Workers Compensation claims and annual preparation of OSHA logs. De
creased claims and lost work days by 30% by working closely with Supervisors and
injured workers.
* Created an exit interview process to ensure all feedback was addressed to impr
ove company practices and processes which helped reduce turnover by 15%.
* 4th Quarter 2009, championed Payroll-HRIS conversion from outdated Ceridian pa
yroll/HRIS system to fully integrated ADP Self Service payroll/HRIS system into
the organization. Decreased annual payroll processing costs by 20%.
* Worked closely with Senior Management and company attorney during the eliminat
ion of the Manufacturing Department in December 2008 to insure no legal implicat
ions occurred.
* Coordinated and/or assisted hiring supervisors with recruitment process by han
dling items such as: placing ads (internally and externally), checking reference
s and educational degrees, coordinating and extending approved job offers. Impl
emented a tracking spreadsheet for reporting the company's recruiting efforts wh
ich was utilized as a management tool to report data up to senior management abo
ut cost per hire and time to fill.
* Developed and implemented HR procedures and policies. Including updated emplo
yee handbook, job descriptions and personnel forms.
* Collaborated with senior management team before, during and after Acquisition
in January 2008 to ensure successful integration of the new company's HR initiat
ives.
* Reviewed several corporate training programs and presented them to Sr. Managem
ent team. Training topics targeted for company Supervisors included; improved u
nderstanding of company policies and procedures, manager-employee relations and
compliance with state and federal employment laws.
Spectro Alloys Corporation, Rosemount, MN 1995-2001
Human Resources Generalist
* Prepared, processed & distributed weekly payroll.
* Coordinated and administered all employee benefit programs, recommended change
s on benefit package as deemed appropriate based on Market and financial underst
anding.
* Served as Plan Administrator for 401(k) plan.
* Coordinated annual company recognition party.
* Converted payroll system from in-house software to Ceridian Payroll/HRIS syste
m.
Accountant Source Temps, Bloomington, MN 199
4-1995
Placement Coordinator
* Interviewed candidates to determine their qualifications for temporary and per
manent positions with our clients.
* Developed customer relationships with clients.
* Evaluated current and future temporary needs for clients.
Accessible Space, Inc., St Paul, MN 1992-1994
Accounting/HR Specialist
* Prepared, processed & distributed bi-weekly payroll.
* Audited all outside service contractors' billings for accuracy.
* Maintained accounts payable and general ledger system.
* Verified payroll summaries and prepared appropriate ledger entries.
* Interviewed, hired and trained non-exempt staff.
* Conducted new employee orientations.
CERTIFICATIONS
Human Resources Generalist Certification - 1997, SHRM
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) designation
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), TCHRA
EDUCATION
December 1992 - University of Wisconsin - Stout
B.S. - General Business Administration; Graduated Cum Laude
Emphasis: Accounting & Finance