Yamiko Liu, SPHR

Yamiko Liu, SPHR

234 Dean Drive, Bronxville, NY10708

T: 914-555-1212 / C: 914-555-1212 / susansherway3@net

Senior Human Resources Executive

Fashion / Entertainment / Retail

15 years of international human resources management experience in entertainment and fashion retail. Consistently aligned human resources strategy with business goals and achieved significant improvements in key business metrics such as profitability, revenue, employee turnover and productivity. Known as a strong leader with high standards and a powerful drive for results.

Areas of Special Expertise:
Human Resource Strategy: Development and Implementation
Performance Management Systems Geared to Corporate Objectives
Organizational Development: Start-Up and Aggressive Growth
Recruitment Strategies and Leading-Edge Technologies
Training and Development: In-Person, Web-Based and Mentor-Driven

Professional Experience

MovieTime Inc.,New York, NY, 1998 – 2003
Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Reported directly to the President and CEO and led team of 40 Human Resources specialists (corporate and field) for this leading US retailer with 800 stores and 9,000 employees in 40 states. Member of executive management team. Manage annual budget of $10 million.

Overview: Recruited by President to drive corporate change initiative in support of new business strategy. Transformed product-focused company into dynamic, customer-service focused organization where exceptional performance is well-rewarded. Coached company executives across all 40 states through the challenging change process.

Representative Accomplishments:

Reduced annual employee turnover among “high-potentials” from 32% to 9% by implementing retention programs aimed at top performers.
Designed corporate customer service training which improved sales-per-customer by 30% within one year.
Established company-wide performance management system based on corporate culture, vision and values. System includes 360 degree feedback mechanism which is used throughout the company, including at the executive level.
Reduced cost-per-hire by 63% by implementing leading-edge recruitment technologies and establishing a corporate strategy.
Maintained exceptional benefits which are the envy of the retail industry while keeping yearly rate increases well below national averages.
Successfully maintained organizational leadership role of human resources function through five-year period in which business has grown from 200 stores to 800.
Developed comprehensive training curriculum which incorporates web-based and in-person training.

Yamiko Liu, SPHR - Page 2

Hot Spot Stores, New York, NY 1991 – 1995

Director, Human Resources

Reported to CEO of this leading fashion retailer which grew to 350 stores and 4,000 employees in 50 states. Managed team of 20, including recruiters, trainer and HR generalists. Developed and controlled annual budget of $2 million.

Overview: Provided HR leadership during period of explosive growth when company went from 4 stores to 450 within four years. Established a corporate culture in line with strong “human” values of company’s founder and CEO.

Specific Accomplishments:

Worked with CEO to craft corporate vision and values. Developed communication and training strategy to ensure that founder’s vision was implemented in each store.
Established all compensation and benefits plans for senior executives and store-level employees.
Achieved the highest productivity rate in the retail industry (measured by payroll as percentage of sales) through effective recruitment and training.
Designed and delivered comprehensive training programs for all levels of store employees, including customer service, inventory management and leadership.
Maintained an employee satisfaction rating of over 90% for four consecutive years.

El-Pea Music Stores, New York, NY 1989 – 1991

Manager, Human Resources

Reported to Director of Store Operations for the start-up US division of the world’s leading music retailer. Collaborated with store managers, regional directors and functional heads to hire, train and motivate workforce which grew from zero to 300 in two years.

Overview: Hired as first member of original management team charged with establishing HR best practices and training methodology from parent company.

Selected Accomplishments:

Conducted industry compensation survey and designed retail compensation structure which was competitive with top retailers.
Recruited all members of initial management team and established recruitment systems and procedures to support company growth.
Developed company’s first training programs for all levels of store employees, including customer service, inventory management and leadership.
Adapted all parent company policies and procedures for US legal compliance.
Early Career: HR Manager, Sally’s Stores (1987 – 1989); HR Administrator, Toys R Us (1986 – 1989)

Education & affiliations

SPHR - Society of Human Resources Management, 2000

MA, Industrial Psychology -New YorkUniversity, 1993

BA, Psychology - FordhamUniversity, 1986

Member, SHRM – Society of Human Resources Management

Member, New York Human Resources Association