Kholsen B. Hightower
Pittsburgh
Summary
Dynamic HR leader with a proven track record at Legends Global, enhancing employee engagement by 18% through innovative onboarding processes. Skilled in labor negotiations and performance management, I excel in fostering strong team dynamics and driving organizational development initiatives. Committed to compliance and strategic HR solutions that align with business objectives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
MANAGER – HUMAN RESOURCES
Legends Global
01.2023 - Current
- Leads the HR department for a major convention center with over 800 employees, overseeing all aspects of HR management and strategic planning, while developing and implementing HR strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall business strategy.
- Spearhead leadership training programs that improve management capabilities across departments.
- Administer compensation and benefits programs, ensuring market competitiveness and internal equity.
- Negotiate labor contracts, minimizing disruptions and maintaining strong labor relations.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations, updating policies regularly.
- Manage employee relations and union grievances, providing guidance and support on complex issues and fostering a positive work environment.
- Championed DEI initiatives, resulting in a 10% increase in diverse hires and interns over the past year.
- Key Achievements: Designed and implemented new onboarding processes, increasing new-hire retention by 18%.
- Reduced annual turnover by 15% through targeted retention strategies and improved employee engagement.
- Led diversity initiatives that increased underrepresented talent by 10%.
- Achieved 95% employee satisfaction scores during annual surveys by enhancing workplace culture and recognition programs.
DIRECTOR – HUMAN RESOURCES
Sojourner House, Inc.
03.2017 - 01.2023
- Managed wages, benefits, and safety program for 35+ employees; provided supervisory training on management techniques and employee safety; developed and implemented reporting process for manpower and safety concerns while addressing under-staffing, disputes, terminations, and disciplinary procedures.
- Developed organizational strategies by researching human resource issues; contributed analysis and recommendations to strategic direction; established HR objectives aligned with organizational goals; maintained research and submitted budget information as needed.
- Supported management by providing human resources advice, counsel, and decisions; analyzing information and applications; Ensures planning, monitoring, and appraisal of employee work results by training managers to coach and discipline employees; scheduling management conferences with employees; hearing and resolving employee grievances; counseling employees and supervisors/managers.
- Implemented human resources strategies by establishing department accountability, including talent acquisition, staffing, employment processing, compensation, health and welfare benefits, training and development, records management, safety and health, succession planning, employee relations and retention, AA/EEO compliance, and labor relations.
- Ensured legal compliance by monitoring and implementing HR federal and state requirements; conducted investigations, maintained records, and represented organization at hearings; completed HR operational requirements, including Workman’s Compensation notifications.
- Non-Profit Organization
- Key Achievements: Implemented new performance management frameworks, improving employee engagement scores by 12%.
- Streamlined benefits administration that resulted in substantial cost savings through vendor negotiations.
HRBP – HUMAN RESOURCES
Airest Collezioni
04.2014 - 12.2016
- Managed end-to-end recruitment for in-store roles.
- Analyzed staffing needs and advised store managers on optimal coverage.
- Provided guidance on conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement.
- Implemented leadership development programs and ongoing training.
- Oversaw goal setting and appraisal processes, enabling managers to deliver constructive feedback.
- Implemented retention strategies and employee recognition initiatives.
- Ensured adherence to labor laws, health, and safety standards.
- Key Achievements: Led the launch of wellness programs that increased participation by 25% and improved morale.
- Played a key role in a workforce restructuring project that enhanced departmental efficiency.
ASSOCIATE – HUMAN RESOURCES
OCI, Inc.
01.2011 - 02.2013
- Built a comprehensive employee recruiting strategy and developed/facilitated all new-hire orientations, and developed company personnel policies, standard operating procedures, and employee handbooks.
- Improved Candidate Screening by supporting recruitment by managing job postings and initial resume reviews, increasing the pool of qualified candidates.
- Collaborated with senior administration, management, and staff on human resources matters, ensuring effective policy interpretation and smooth onboarding/offboarding processes.
- Supported senior HR members in daily operations, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Provided new employees with information and training.
- Coordinated employee seminars on motivation techniques and healthy lifestyle choices, fostering a positive work environment.
- Coordinated wellness programs and surveys, improving employee participation by 15%.
- Honored with 'Rookie of the Year' award recognizing exceptional contributions in initial role.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Management
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL05.2018
Skills
- HR Compliance
- Labor Laws
- Performance Management
- Training and Development
- Employee Relations
- Union Negotiations
- Change Management
- Organizational Development
- Analytical decision-making
- Hands-on management style
- Strong team builder
- Coaching
- Communication direction
Affiliations
Charter Member & Former President, National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, 08/17, 08/20
Certification
OSHA - 30
Timeline
MANAGER – HUMAN RESOURCES
Legends Global
01.2023 - Current
DIRECTOR – HUMAN RESOURCES
Sojourner House, Inc.
03.2017 - 01.2023
HRBP – HUMAN RESOURCES
Airest Collezioni
04.2014 - 12.2016
ASSOCIATE – HUMAN RESOURCES
OCI, Inc.
01.2011 - 02.2013
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Management
Southern Illinois University Carbondale