JULIA WOODRUFF
Coxs Creek,KY
Summary
Strategic HR leader with 8+ years of progressive experience supporting manufacturing, distribution, and corporate teams. Proven advisor to senior leaders on organizational design, employee relations, workforce planning, and compliance across multi-site and remote environments. Known for building scalable HR programs, navigating complex employee issues, and aligning people strategy with business outcomes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Human Resources Business Partner
Congo Brands
10.2023 - Current
- Serve as strategic HR advisor for ~250 remote employees nationwide, partnering with managers through VP level on workforce planning, performance management, and organizational effectiveness
- Lead organizational restructuring initiatives, supporting business growth while improving role clarity, manager capability, and team alignment
- Manage complex employee relations investigations, performance improvement plans, and conflict resolution, mitigating legal and employee relations risk
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, with emphasis on leave administration (FMLA, ADA accommodations)
- Design and implement scalable HR processes to support a rapidly growing workforce, improving consistency and manager effectiveness
- Facilitate new hire orientation and leadership training programs in virtual and in-person settings
Human Resources Business Partner
AriensCo
03.2022 - 04.2024
- Played a key role in the startup and launch of a new distribution center, leading full-cycle recruiting and onboarding to achieve full staffing for 80 employees
- Partnered with DC leadership to establish HR infrastructure, including policies, procedures, training programs, and employee engagement initiatives
- Advised and coached leaders on performance management, employee relations, and leadership development
- Led and conducted employee investigations, disciplinary actions, and terminations in alignment with company policy and legal requirements
- Developed and implemented a site safety program in partnership with operations leadership
- Managed HRIS data integrity, timekeeping, and employee records in Workday
- Served as a key contributor to AriensCares, a corporate employee support initiative
- Supported leave administration including FMLA, STD, LTD, and Workers’ Compensation
- Facilitated employee committees and engagement events to support a people-centric culture
People Services Partner
New Flyer of America
11.2018 - 03.2022
- Delivered HR support for a ~490-employee manufacturing workforce, partnering closely with production leadership
- Led full-cycle recruiting and onboarding for exempt and non-exempt roles
- Managed timekeeping and payroll processes; served as project team member for implementation of a new timekeeping system
- Conducted employee relations investigations, disciplinary meetings, and terminations
- Developed and delivered leadership and compliance training, including eLearning for new supervisors
- Maintained HRIS records and generated reports on employee demographics, taxable wages, and compliance metrics
- Contributed to HR strategy alignment by communicating key workforce insights and updates to senior leadership during production meetings
Education
Master of Education - Learning, Design, and Technology
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN05.2020
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY05.2013
Certification
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
EARLY CAREER EXPERIENCE
- Employment Program Director / Employment Specialist — Options Unlimited
- Independent Contractor, Person-Centered Coach
- Child Protective Services Investigator — Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services
- Family Consultant — Creative Community Services
- Built expertise in investigations, compliance, case management, coaching, and crisis response
- Developed strong foundations in documentation, confidentiality, and stakeholder collaboration
Timeline
Human Resources Business Partner
Congo Brands
10.2023 - Current
Human Resources Business Partner
AriensCo
03.2022 - 04.2024
People Services Partner
New Flyer of America
11.2018 - 03.2022
Master of Education - Learning, Design, and Technology
Purdue University
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Louisville