Philomena Perez-Vaughan, SPHR

Bartlett, IL
630.234.8534
pperezvaughan361@gmail.com
----------------------------------------------------------Summary of Qualifications
Senior Enterprise Human Resource Director with a history of aligning HR strategies with organizational
objectives for US, French and German based corporations including the Chicago Tribune, WITTENSTEIN
North America and Bel Brands USA. Expertise in recruitment, talent management, benefits, leadership
development, employee relations, succession planning, performance management and labor relations.
Accomplishments include installing a pay-for-performance culture and related compensation guidelines,
saving $2 million by revamping a company health plan, negotiating a five-year Teamsters Union contract
that included savings of $200,000 and launching employee engagement surveys. Strong staff, project and
change management skills.
Skilled relationship builder, influencer and negotiator able to forge solid alliances with all stakeholders.
Ability to form, manage and motivate teams to achieve corporate objectives. Certified as a Senior
Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Technology proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, ADP, HRIS,
and SharePoint. Bilingual in English and Spanish. Gifted facilitator, coach and mentor.
----------------------------------------------------------Professional History
WITTENSTEIN North America, Bartlett, IL
2011 Current
Senior Human Resources Manager
Serve as a member of the management team for the North American Headquarters, leading the human
resources function. Direct one Sr. Human Resources Generalist and two administrative team members.
Develop employee engagement, recruitment and leadership development initiatives to position
the company for growth.
Partner with COO/CFO to implement planning process that defines the five-year strategic plan,
initiatives and priorities.
Key Achievements
Developed a compensation philosophy and guidelines that included establishing a pay-forperformance culture.
Attained 100% performance review completion and installed stronger accountability measures by
implementing a performance management system across the organization.
Staffed 40 manufacturing, engineering, sales and management positions that significantly
upgraded the workforce talent.
Launched the first employee engagement survey in 2012; achieved 80% employee response rate
in 2012 and increased participation to 87% in 2014.
Championed a Leadership & Development Training Program for managers, team leads and highpotential employees to strengthen leadership capabilities and create a go-to pipeline.
Implemented an apprenticeship program in industrial mechanics to address the manufacturing
skills gap as a key member of the German American Chamber of Commerce steering committee
that formed the Northern Illinois Consortium of Advanced Technical Training.
Established a work study program with the Streamwood High School Advanced Manufacturing
Program to promote careers in manufacturing.
Sourced new insurance brokers for healthcare and 401k to align with company philosophy to
deliver quality care and service to employees.

Philomena Perez-Vaughan
Professional History continued

Page Two

Implemented cross training program to strengthen employee development and create

advancement opportunities.
Created wellness initiatives for three consecutive years that led to 2014 Winner of National Best
and Brightest in Wellness.

Bel Brands USA, Elk Grove Village, IL

2007 2011
Human Resources Director
Led USA human resources function that included USA corporate headquarters and two manufacturing
operations. Directed team of two HR employees and plant HR team with dotted-line reporting
relationships with HR director.
Developed HR strategic initiatives to support business needs in recruitment, employee
engagement, employee communications, benefits and compensation, training, recognition,
performance management and safety; directed USA cultural transformation.
Managed exempt and non-exempt recruitment for USA headquarters as well as exempt
recruitment for manufacturing facilities; led succession planning process.
Coached senior leaders and teams; identified relevant impactful solutions to meet talent needs.
Acted as key HR contact with parent-company Paris HR team; oversaw expatriation contracts for
USA, training and development and budget.
Key member of union negotiations team for the Wisconsin facility.
Key Achievements
Key contributor to 28% to 30% year-over-year growth from 2008 to 2011.
Saved $2 million by redesigning healthcare plan.
Negotiated five-year Teamsters Union contract that included $200,000 in cost savings.
Won award as a Chicagos 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Launched first and ongoing company strategic planning sessions leading to the development of
company mission/vision statements and a three-to-five-year plan.
Implemented HRIS system and developed HR indicators to report on turnover, promotions, hires
and reasons for leaving company.
Supervised companywide compensation study that benchmarked positions to establish proper job
grades, salary grades and target bonus levels to remain competitive within marketplace and
attract and retain top talent.
Led transformation initiative that resulted in creating seven cultural tenets based on
recommended culture transformation process to position company for growth, vision attainment
and to earn recognition as a great workplace.
Implemented 360-degree feedback and coaching process to strengthen senior management and
direct report leadership skills.
Identified and implemented individual development planning process to focus on employee
development and support career aspirations.
Developed employee recognition and wellness programs that supported culture initiatives.
Installed safe harbor provision for Bel Brands USA 401 (k) plan.
Managed recruitment of 50 incremental positions due to companys hyper-growth.
Established recruitment associates partnerships to improve selection process.
Introduced several communication vehicles for employees to receive relevant information such as
plasma TVs at all locations and quarterly town hall and employee meetings.
Conducted the first employee engagement survey and reached 98% employee participation and
above-average rating for overall employee satisfaction.
Enhanced HR effectiveness as a strong business partner in achieving corporate HR and business
unit strategic goals.
Oversaw development of affirmative action plans to ensure companywide legal compliance and
minimize risk of OFCCP audits.

Philomena Perez-Vaughan
Professional History continued

Page Three

Chicago Tribune, Chicago, IL

2000 2006
Human Resource Director | 2004 2006
Oversaw HR functions for Chicago Tribunes printing and distribution center, known as Freedom Center,
and sales suburban office, totaling 1,600 employees. Managed a staff of eight HR professionals.
Oversaw recruitment, employee relations, succession planning, workers compensation, benefits
and compensation administration.
Served as key member of union negotiation team for Teamsters, Press and Machinists.
Coordinated HR plans and defined priorities and objectives to support company goals.
Key Achievements
Collaborated with attorneys and senior management to develop bargaining strategies to achieve
financial objectives in negotiating Teamster, Machinist and Press labor contracts.
Led succession planning initiatives that identified high-potentials to fill positions internally,
resulting in company savings.
Created team lead positions, incorporating leadership competencies to improve performance.
Launched open house forum to attract and educate internal / external candidates on careers in
printing industry, creating a pool of qualified candidates.
Human Resources Manager | 2000 2004
Served as HR point of contact for Editorial Department, including newsroom, interactive sales and
marketing, IT and Spanish newspaper groups. Managed employee relations, performance management
and employee terminations. Oversaw companys restructuring initiatives.
Counseled and coached client group directors, managers and supervisors on HR matters.
Partnered with corporate attorneys to ensure fair separations and employee lawsuits; managed
annual EEO reporting.
Delivered candid feedback and training for company managers and supervisors, ensuring that
employees received appropriate coaching to meet company standards.
Key Achievements
Delivered change management training for Spanish newspaper managers to prepare teams for
transition from weekly to daily publication.
Oversaw several companywide reductions in force that resulted in zero lawsuits.
Managed many company lawsuits that resulted in cost savings.
----------------------------------------------------------Education and Certifications
Bachelor of Arts, Marquette University
SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) Certification, HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
SHRM-SCP (Society for Human Resources Management) Certification
----------------------------------------------------------Professional Affiliations
German American Chamber of Commerce Human Resources Executive Circle, Member
Society of Human Resources, Member
Northwest Human Resources Council, Board Member and Board Secretary & Treasurer. Director of
the Community Relations and Workforce Readiness committee
101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Advisory Board Member