Robert J.

Buda
robert.buda949@gmail.com
(949) 433-8499
www.linkedin.com/in/robertjbuda
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Executive Summary
Human Resources leader with over twenty years of experience in developing and directing customer-centric teams using a
hands-on, consultative approach in mid to large operating units of multi-state Fortune 500 companies. Outstanding
record of delivering results and aligning strategic HR initiatives with business goals to support revenue growth, talent
acquisition and development, the mitigation of high risk employee relations issues and cooperative employer/union
relationships. Business experience spans retail, distribution, biopharmaceutical, medical device, consulting and healthcare
insurance.

Competencies
Talent Management & Acquisition
Employee & Labor Relations
Compensation Plan Design & Implementation
Regulatory Compliance
Training Program Development & Delivery
Workers Compensation & Leave Management
Project & Process Change Management
Risk Mitigation
Succession, Workforce and Strategic Planning
Conflict Resolution

Leadership Coaching & Organizational

Development
FMLA/CFRA, FLSA, EEO, PDL, PFL, AAP and
ADA
Benefits Administration
Merger & Acquisition Support
Technology Selection & Implementation
Executive Coaching
HR Policy Design & Communications
Reduction In Force & Cost Reduction

Leadership & Professional Experience

Outside The Box Creative HR Solutions - Aliso Viejo, CA

2015 - Present

Executive Business Partner

Consulting practice providing human capital advisory and project support for small to midsize business clients on
an intermittent or retained basis.
Specializing in the analysis of existing HR business practices, recommendations for improvement, and both
development and implementation support within the areas of talent acquisition, employee relations, training,
compliance audits and policy development.

Airgas USA, L.L.C.

2006 - 2015
Nationwide, $5.1B, Fortune 500, 16,000 employee distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, welding supplies, safety
equipment and related products.
Division VP, Human Resources, West Division - Long Beach, CA
2011 to 2015

Strategic and operational leadership of all Human Resource initiatives, budgeting and a staff of 23 Human
Resource and Payroll professionals within this $800MM division of 2,100 associates.
Supported 3 regions, a centralized Business Support Center, plus 154 production, distribution and retail sites
within 7 western states and British Columbia.
Implemented centralized talent management function to focus on recruitment, leadership development and succession
planning to address projected loss of institutional knowledge and development of high potential future leaders.
Collaborated with nationwide peers on four technology initiatives to select, configure and successfully implement
new enterprise systems for timekeeping, applicant tracking, electronic personnel files, background checks and drug
screening.
Achieved savings of $1.2MM over four years by negotiating with Teamsters to replace one union pension plan with a
401(k) plan. Spearheaded successful decertification of 2 collective bargaining agreements. Prevailed in 3 of 4 union
organizing campaigns and was chief negotiator in 3 additional multi-year agreements.
Partnered with Division President and CFO in the successful 9-month staffing and build-out of an employee Business
Support Center that centralized accounting, training and the workers compensation and leave management functions.

Directed HR team in successful compliance audit of 500+ jobs to ensure proper FLSA classification, mitigate wage
and hour exposure, and the standardization of job titles and job codes for internal reporting requirements.
Authored new California employee handbook addendum and contributed to the rewrite of a 12-year old nationwide
employee handbook including new policies targeted to improve morale and ensure legal compliance.

Region VP, Human Resources, Southwest Region - The Woodlands, TX

2006 to 2011
Strategic and operational leadership of all Human Resource initiatives, budgeting and a staff of 6 Human
Resource professionals within this $400MM region.
Recruited to rebuild a non-existent HR function in support of 1,200 union and non-union associates across 121
production, distribution and retail sites throughout Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana.
Implemented companys first electronic personnel records system.
Directed Human Resource due diligence, on-boarding, communications and retention of key talent in support of 7
business acquisitions and the integration of another regional company.
Overcame unionization attempt at one company plant and negotiated closure agreement for a second plant.
Developed and delivered management-training courses: Union Avoidance, Employment & Labor Law, Recruitment,
Harassment Awareness & Prevention and Organizational & Employee Conflict Resolution for 75+ line managers.
Successfully defended companys position in 80% of 60 plus union grievances brought before a joint union/employer
Cartage Grievance Committee.

Molina Healthcare, Inc. - Long Beach, CA

2005 - 2006
Multi-state, $9.7B, Fortune 500 Managed Healthcare Company serving patients covered under Medicaid, Medicare and other
government-sponsored health insurance programs.

Director, Staffing & Development

Led staff of 5 Human Resource professionals providing all talent recruitment and training development services to
corporate headquarters staff.
Directed filling of 250+ non-exempt, professional and management positions in 8 months.
Achieved implementation of new corporate-wide drug and alcohol policy, and the selection and implementation of a
new nationwide background check and drug-screening service provider.
1998 2005

Airgas West, Inc. - Long Beach, CA

Operating unit of Airgas USA, L.L.C.

Region Director, Human Resources

Strategic and operational leadership of all Human Resource initiatives, budgeting and a staff of 8 Human
Resource and Payroll professionals within this $200MM region of 923 union and non-union associates.
Supported 72 production, distribution and retail facilities across California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii.
Achieved cost savings of $383K over 6 years by negotiating with Teamsters to replace union pension plans in 4
contracts with 401(k) plans.
Supported annual revenue growth from $40MM to $200MM through: mitigation of employment and labor relations
liability, effective talent acquisition, leadership development and due diligence support for 7 regional and corporatewide acquisitions ranging from $5MM to $254MM.

Education, Certifications & Associations

B.A. - California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA

MBA Graduate Studies (1 year completed) - Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA
Certificate in Personnel Management and Employee Relations - University of California, Irvine, CA
Certifications in Lominger Leadership Architect and VOICES 360 Feedback & Facilitation Coaching
Member Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) with prior SPHR designation
Member National Human Resources Association (NHRA)