MARIA LOURDES CRUZ, PHR

351 William Street

Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-752-2233 (H) * 732-710-6297 (C)
mc743fc6@westpost.net

Senior Human Resources Executive

An effective and successful Human Resources professional with extensive experien
ce in people management and organizational development. Demonstrated pattern o
f strong leadership, problem solving and effective communication skills. Has pr
oven ability to partner with business units on strategic planning, cost reductio
n and revenue enhancement initiatives. Experienced in corporate downsizing and
re-structuring.
* Employment and Retention * Benefit administration
* Employee Relations * Mergers & acquisition
* HR Policy, Process & Systems Design * Strategic Management Planning
Business Partnership
* Created a strong HR unit to handle and execute strategies for employee develop
ment and management plans.
* Successfully cultivated strategic partnership with business units and outside
vendors to achieve revenue and profit objectives by streamlining the organizatio
n, by effectively hiring and selecting people, and by optimizing productivity th
rough performance management.
Employee Relations
* Established a productive relationship with senior management, colleagues and s
taff at all levels. Competently handled potential labor-management conflict thro
ugh mediation and amicable settlements without litigations.
* Highly competent in coaching line managers on performance standards and constr
uctive employee discipline.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Corrections Corporation of America, Elizabeth, NJ
2007 - 2010
Manager, Human Resources
Accountable for managing and coordinating the day-to-day human resource initiati
ves and activities for the workforce. Primarily responsible for employment and
retention, employee relations, benefits administration, and performance manageme
nt. Has worked extensively with the facility's top management in developing a wo
rk culture that is professional, responsible and efficient.
* Responsible for the facility's accurate reporting and compliance to the overal
l corporate Affirmative Action Program.
* Maintained a productive and effective labor-management relationship with the t
wo labor unions representing the facility's rank and file.
* Developed an effective tracking system of viable candidates submitted to the
contract government agency for security clearance.
* Maintained knowledge of industry trends and employment legislation. Ensured t
hat facility is in compliance.
Sovereign Bank, Newark, NJ 2006 - 2007
Employee Relations Manager, Vice President
Provided employee relations support to business units focusing on coaching manag
ers and employees through difficult situations, providing conflict resolution, m
anaging career development, managing employee recognition programs, and other in
itiatives as necessary.
* Major impact in the transition process related to merger/acquisition by Sovere
ign Bank. Orchestrated a focused, yet flexible corporate culture to facilitate
seamless integration of Independence Community Bank business units and personnel
.
* Coached, counseled, and advised managers on day-to-day employee relations and
performance management issues to include conflict resolutions, progressive disci
pline and terminations, ensuring compliance with all policies and mitigating ris
k to the bank.

Independence Community Bank, Newark, NJ 2000 -2006

(Prior to acquisition by Sovereign Bank)
Manager, Human Resources, Assistant Vice President
Directed and managed HR operations in New Jersey. Scope of responsibilities enc
ompassed the entire HR function with emphasis on employment, employee relations,
performance management, EEO/Affirmative Action/Diversity initiatives, and benef
its.
* Transitioned HR from an administrative function into a strategic business part
ner working with senior management to drive key business and performance improve
ment initiatives.
* Key player in the successful integration of organizational corporate cultures
of acquired business units, product lines and personnel.
* Successfully led recruitment and selection for key positions throughout the NJ
organization. Employee retention initiatives for managers and officers hit a 9
7% success rate over a seven-year period.
* Demonstrated strong leadership and hands-on approach to employee-management re
lations. Significantly reduced legal exposures to 0% by the time of merger with
Sovereign Bank.
* Managed the EEO/Affirmative Action process that ensured diversity hiring and i
nternal promotional practices impacting success in meeting the EEO goals.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
B.S., Psychology, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
HR Management Essential Certificate / Advanced HR Management Certificate / Equal
Employment Opportunity Certificate, Rutgers University - Center for Management
Development, New Brunswick, NJ
TECHNICAL SKILLS
HRIS Systems - Ceridian, JD Edwards/Oracle, People Soft
Microsoft Office - Word & Excel
MEMBERSHIPS
Society for Human Resources Management