CHRISTOPHER STEPHEN HOPWOOD

New York, NY 10028 | H: 212-517-6735 | C: 917-208-3770 | christopher_hopwood@msn.com

Summary - Human Resource Generalist

Dynamic executive with more than 15 years of experience in human resources and operations management. Promoted rapidly through a series of increasingly responsible leadership positions based on strong performance in staff relations and development, benefits, compensation, recruitment, retention, as well as company-wide roll-outs of process improvements. Well-versed in planning, budgeting, and forecasting. Adept at assessing needs and developing innovative solutions to improve efficiency. Strategic thinker and cross-functional leader who builds high-functioning teams and sustainable strategic partnerships with vendors, employees, and various levels of management. Strategic skills: Ability to exercise excellent judgment and critical thinking skills Ability to build relationships, establish trust, manage conflict, and influence others Ability to conduct research and evaluate information critically Ability to see both the big picture and be attentive to detail Analytic and problem-solving skills

Highlights
Employee Relations Multi-Site HR Leadership Diversity Staff and Executive Recruitment and Retention Process Improvement and Optimization Orientation and Onboarding Training and Development Performance Management

Accomplishments
Increased employee engagement score 11 points and reduced early turnover rates 22% by developing new onboarding and orientation program. Instrumental in reducing open-to-hire from 12% to less than 4% year-over-year since 2010. Key contributor to reduction of turnover rates over two years from 32% to 10%. Streamlined workers' compensation premiums by $115,000+ in support work centers by introducing comprehensive safety training program.

Experience
HR Consultant - Employee Relations, Strategic Planning and Employee Development Levy and Koenigsberg 07/2013 to Current New York, NY

Analyze organizational or client centered HR problems and recommends solutions based on expertise, knowledge and/or experience. Provide operational and consultative support to business managers on a daily basis. Serve as initial point of contact for all clients and determines if resolution can be found on initial call or if Tier II resolution is required Make recommendations to management on how to improve employee morale, performance and loyalty, resulting in improved employee survey results and retention of key talent Interface with employees and managers to resolve employment issues; Partner with managers to increase their understanding of HR practices and improve their management skills Develop and maintain effective verbal and written communication with all parties Human Resources Manager Bloomingdale's (Macy*s, Inc.) 07/2003 to 07/2013 New York, NY

Supervised team of five human resources professionals. Developed incentive program recognized as driving force behind branch employee retention rate. Served on Employee Development Team to build and implement management training on key HR areas. Full life cycle recruiter, identifying top-notch exempt and non-exempt candidates through dynamic and creative

recruiting strategies committed to customer service and networking. Partnered with senior management on long-term business planning and performance strategy for Ready to Wear and Women's Accessories businesses. Taught managers how to appropriately apply policies and procedures in union environment. Ensured all corporate and regulatory compliance, including ADA, EEOC, workers compensation, and FMLA. Implemented new hire follow-up program to increase employee retention and conducted weekly follow-ups with Sales Managers to measure effectiveness of recruiting and retention plans. Transformed HR from administrative role to strategic business partner. Oversaw payroll, benefits administration, preemployment process, new-hire orientation, and employee records. Advised senior stakeholders regarding disciplinary actions, management tactics, and compensation. Initiated and rolled out recruitment, behavior-based interviewing, and skill matching designed to appropriately place candidates in corresponding positions based on skill set, subsequently reducing employee turnover. Handpicked to lead Recruiter Incentive awards program for 59th Street flagship store. Group Manager, Home & Women's Accessories Bloomingdale's (Macy*s, Inc.) 08/2001 to 07/2003 New York, NY

Led 10+ junior executives managing FA/IA/WS division. Ensured brand and process consistency while guaranteeing outstanding shopping experience for clientele as well as positive employment experience for workforce. Grew high-functioning sales management team. Encouraged receptiveness to customer and Sales Professional requirements to achieve volume growth and profitable business relationships. Drove strategic planning for regular price business and high-powered promotional marketing calendar. Frequently trained and developed Sales Managers to build performance and in preparation career growth in future opportunities. Sales Manager, Fashion, Jewelry, and Watches Bloomingdale's (Macy*s, Inc.) 03/1998 to 08/2001 New York, NY

Supervised Fashion Jewelry and Watch departments with a total annual volume of $11,200,000. Increases sales to 10% over plan 1999 and 9% in 2000 by exploiting huge fashion trends in jewelry and outposting key trending items in within other FOBs. Built guest satisfaction by leading the example and personally maintaining the Customer Service Standard while on the selling floor. Spearheaded $11,200,000 department, increasing sales to up to 10% over plan by exploiting huge fashion trends in jewelry and out-posting key trending items in within other FOBs.

Previous Professional Experience

General Manager and Human Resource Manager - The GAP - New York, NY Led men's and shoe store department operations with annual volume of $16,500,000. Developed and supervised 13 executives and promoted two associate managers to store manager. Primary point of contact for expense control, payroll, supplies, and service contracts to ensure store profitability. Group Manager - Macy*s, Home Store & Kids - Albany, NY Steered $25,000,000 volume department, including children's, electronics, bedding and rugs, and housewares. Identified and expanded opportunities indigenous to Albany. Supervised and trained 12 junior executives. Assessed and amended floor-space allocation based on opportunity maximization.

Education
Bachelor of Arts : Political Science Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA

Affiliations
Society for Human Resources Management Labor and Employment Relations Association American Society for Training and Development