Kara Juffer

Kara L Juffer 6567 Claiborne Ct. Mason, OH 45040 Cell:- - Summary of Qualifications Versatile Human Resource Professional with proven skills in implementing training, organizational development, and human resources initiatives to improve processes and maintain productivity in constantly changing environment. Communicates effectively with professionals at all levels to deliver proposals and training, convey program goals and guidelines, and assess needs and expectations. Extensive skills in developing selection processes and assessments for management. Professional Experience Kmart Corporation, Troy, Michigan- Project Manager Heads organizational development for management within stores and distribution centers nationwide, conducting needs analysis, proposing and developing training options, facilitation, and evaluating results. Organizational Development Oversaw development and communication of sales assessment for all lead associates in 1500 stores. Developed, managed, and implemented all aspects of four day seminar for 150 high potential future Store Managers. Created and implemented minimum performance standards for 18 distribution centers, increasing performance of over 10,000 employees by 10%. Restructured and streamlined selection process. Researched large retailers in Caribbean market and global organizations to identify opportunities for growth, leading to new store opening in Trinidad and Tobago. Developed Ideal Store Work Environment program for test market with goal of improving return of investment, staff performance, and sales for holiday season. Refined store management roles and responsibilities with job models and built core training curriculum. Focused efforts to transition operations manager role into merchandise manager position, defining responsibilities, developing job description, advising on hiring guidelines, and developing ongoing training. Implemented performance development process to evaluate corporate and store associates’ performance annually, automating system and focusing on goals and development. Training Contracted and managed 10 consultants to develop and customize training and analyzed, designed, developed, and evaluated training initiatives. Facilitated leadership training nationwide to all levels, managed and led five-week leadership program, and oriented all corporate new hires to Kmart. Created computer-based compliance and job skill training. Collaborated and built relationships with all core business partners, including representatives at stores, distribution centers, and headquarters. Human Resources Recruited university graduates for Store Management positions. Evaluated more than 100 employees through selection process. Assisted human resource manager with sexual harassment complaints, training and investigations. Worked with union and nonunion staff on management skills and techniques. Guided and counseled HR Managers on employment law issues and questions. Intern 2000 Provided written and oral presentation to Kmart’s merchandising team recommending training strategies based on content analysis of team’s personal development plans. Designed and developed 360-degree feedback tool for distribution center general mangers based on corporate core values and competencies. Developed structured interview for Kmart resource center management. Built strategic business models to communicate Kmart 360-degree and attitude survey process. Conducted interviews for hiring process of distribution center applicants. Managed consultants developing business simulation game for distribution center management. Lowe’s Foods Corporation, Hickory, North Carolina 2001 Practicum Conducted complete needs analysis to determine knowledge, skills, and abilities required of first-level supervisor. Provided recommendations on general competency profile instruments, developed structure for job analysis interviews, and conducted job analyses of department and store managers. Created training curriculum to develop core competencies of supervisors and developed prescriptive individual development planning process. Designed and presented package to enable line employees to initiate self-improvement and become more competitive managerial applicants. Teaching Experience Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina- Psychology Instructor 2000 Developed and delivered lectures, tests, quizzes, and activities for class of 50 undergraduate students, managing all aspects of instruction and grading. Facilitated class discussion and group work and evaluated and assessed student learning. Recent Experience Assistant Preschool Teacher, Heritage Presbyterian Preschool 2015-present Support lead teacher in all aspects of running classroom Foster warm, nurturing and fun environment conducive to learning Keep classroom organized, clean, and neat Deliver creative and interactive activities to average of 12 students ages 3-4 years old Developed strong and lasting relationships with children and parents Redeveloped Homes, Right Way Homes, LLC - Owned and operated business of buying, redeveloping, and selling single family homes Managed and coordinated all aspects of redevelopment process Hired and oversaw contractors for all aspects of the process Education M.A., Industrial Organizational Psychology, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 2001 M.A., Human Resource Management, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, 2001 B.S., Psychology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 1999 Graduated with Honors; Minor in Sociology Certification Professional Human Resource (PHR) Certification, Society for Human Resource Management Professional Affiliations American Psychological Association Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology Society for Human Resource Management