KEVIN M.

FARRELL
124 Whispering Lake 773-750-4906
Palos Park, IL 60464 www.linkedin.com/in/kevinfarrell1 kfarrell1254@gmail.com

HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL

Trusted human resources business partner, recognized as a solution provider across a global
platform. Quick to understand business needs and respond with human capital strategies, and
deliverables that enable achievement of operational objectives. Demonstrated competencies to
support multiple sites, lean manufacturing environments and adaptability in working with
international teams in their local cultures. Leadership style is characterized as enthusiastic,
organized, solid planning, decisive, and best suited where goals and results are valued. Track record
of results across all Human Resources functions with a focus on cost reduction, employee
productivity, and change management.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTANTS (HRC), Chicago, IL 2010-Present

Principal, HRC
Established a human capital consultant practice focused on maximizing organization effectiveness.
• Consulting for a recognized leader in the food industry, designed an employee engagement process
that identifies opportunities for improvement at all levels throughout the organization.
• Create Action Plans with detailed accountabilities that provide the road map for achieving a highly
engaged workforce.
• Provide C-suite executives and local management guidance/coaching in support of the desired
culture change.

REXAM PLC, Chicago, IL 1977 – 2010

Worldwide leader in consumer packaging with sales in excess of $5 billion, 22,000 employees. Rexam
purchased American National Can in 1999.

Region Manager, Human Resources (2007 - 2010)

Reported to Director Manufacturing. Provided Human Resources leadership support for six manufacturing
locations with sales in excess of $600 million and 500 employees.
• Created/implemented centralized talent acquisition platform which included comprehensive policy and
procedures impacting 17 locations. Results recognized as a ‘Best Practice’, with $350,000 first year
recruitment savings, 57% reduction in search firm usage, and a 36% improvement in time to fill
openings.
• Identified labor cost reduction opportunities. Developed labor cost tracking scorecard through payroll
system resulting in annual savings in excess of $250,000.
• Introduced robust on-line pre-employment and exit interview process across the business sector
resulting in $50,000 annual cost savings and dramatic improvement in the hiring process and
reference check time.
• Addressed on-site productivity issues to improve teamwork and culture through skip level meetings,
assimilations, and 360 review processes. Implementation of action plans in one location drove
improvement in productivity by 5% and created renewed team spirit.
• Upgraded the performance and effectiveness in local facility HR talent through employment of three
individuals with broad based HR competencies. Results improved diversity and bench strength.

Corporate Manager, Labor Relations (1994 - 2007)

Reported to the Director, Human Resources. Managed labor relations activity (union/union free) with
responsibility for labor contract administration and negotiations for the organization. Related responsibilities
for over 1,000 sector associates included organizational effectiveness, talent acquisition, performance
management, safety, compensation and benefits. Recognized internal expert in labor/employee relations,
and daily labor contract administration. Achieved several ‘company firsts’ under my leadership in negotiations
including managed care design changes, medical and dental contributions, for both active and retired
employees. Created productivity based incentive plans, improved overtime scheduling practices, and work
rule flexibility.
KEVIN M. FARRELL PAGE 2

• Developed labor negotiation strategy, costing, and conducted negotiations for eight labor union
contracts which included the International Association of Aerospace Workers and Machinists, (I.A.M.),
United Steel Workers (U.S.W) and the Graphic Arts and Communications Union (G.C.I.U) groups. All
labor negotiation agreements were ratified and within the approved monetary budget. Relationship
with union leaders was of mutual respect.
• Successfully led a Lean Manufacturing initiative. Developed training materials and educated the
workforce through multiple programs. Achieved industry leadership status for reduced scrap levels and
delivery of $2.3 million cost savings.
• Orchestrated ‘Top Grading’ initiative which focused on talent management in conjunction with the new
leadership expectations. Through this process, identified high potentials, created development plans
and directed recruitment efforts for key managers across the business unit Results exceeded
expectations and was honored with the Initiative Plus’ award.
• Successfully presented and prevailed in two significant permanent arbitration cases involving
termination for cause. This avoided a potential liability to the Company in excess of $200,000.
• Changed ‘traditional’ hourly leadership positions on shop floor, developed new job descriptions,
designed pay methods, and new selection criteria resulting in a more empowered hourly leadership
team.
• Created several different hourly employee incentive pay programs. Rewards were based on improved
annual results in safety, spoilage, and quality. All programs were self funded and provided the
company savings over and above the payout.

Corporate Human Resources Manager (1992-1994)

• Led a three year internal culture survey process which benchmarked perception of current state of the
workplace and developed action plans to improve workplace satisfaction.
• Upgraded safety focus with development of a standardized protective eye wear policy. Developed a
safety metric scorecard for the business unit. Partnered with outside consultant to implement an
annual safety audit resulting in a 50% improvement in scores year over year, and improved T.I.R.
rates.
• As Corporate Brand Champion, led the ‘One Company, One Mind’ campaign following the acquisition
by Rexam.

Human Resources Manager (1977-1992)

• As Human Resources Manager, earned promotional assignments to Newnan, GA., Des Moines, IA.,
Hammond, IN., and Chicago, IL.

EDUCATION

B.S., Political Science, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Six Sigma Certification

Center for Creative Leadership
Selected for prestigious Rexam Horizon International Leadership Program

AFFILIATIONS

Society of Human Resources Management, Human Resource Management Association- WSIG Leader
Staffing Management Association of Greater Chicago- Membership Coordinator
Upwardly Global- Mentor