Nikki Hoerauf

Human Resources professional with 20+ years of comprehensive HR experience and deep expertise in Workday HRIS, HR technology optimization, and data-driven HR operations. Excels at leading system enhancements, improving HR processes, and driving cross-functional collaboration to enhance efficiency and data integrity. Adept at translating business needs into scalable system solutions, strengthening compliance, and elevating employee and candidate experience.

Proven partner to leadership with strengths in coaching, workforce planning, and organizational development.

HR Business Partner at Arauco (2025-04 – Present)

Sole onsite HR leader for a 250-employee manufacturing facility; oversee all HR operations and the plant administrative assistant.

• Primary contact for all employee relations concerns, providing guidance, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
• Manage full-cycle recruiting for hourly and salaried roles, including onboarding and workforce planning.
• Support employees with benefits, payroll coordination, attendance, leaves, and workers' compensation.
• Conduct investigations, lead corrective actions, and guide supervisors through performance management and terminations.
• Maintain workforce systems including SuccessFactors and ADP, job progression, job changes, and process governance.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and internal policies to minimize organizational risk.
• Partner with leadership to strengthen communication, morale, and retention across all shifts.
• Lead employee engagement initiatives such as wellness fairs, holiday events, summer picnics, and recognition programs.
• Collaborate with Learning & Development to identify training needs and monitor program effectiveness.
• Maintain strong presence to build relationships, address concerns proactively, and support a positive culture.

HR Technology Functional Lead – Talent Acquisition at Dow Chemical (2019-01 – 2025-04)

• Led global HR technology improvement initiatives for Talent Acquisition using Agile sprint cycles.
• Translated business requirements into Workday system configurations, enhancements, and process improvements.
• Served as SME and highest-level escalation point for Workday Recruiting and TA systems.
• Ensured process governance, system accuracy, and cross-functional alignment across global teams.
• Evaluated emerging HR technologies and contributed to strategic deployment decisions.
• Successfully led the global implementation of Workday Recruiting, ensuring seamless adoption and integration.
• Drove system optimization, data integrity, and user experience improvements across the TA ecosystem.

Sr. HR Generalist / Business Partner at XALT Energy (2014-06 – 2019-01)

• Delivered daily HR support to employees and leadership across all HR functions.
• Managed Workday HRIS processes including HCM, onboarding, performance, benefits, and payroll workflows.
• Led full-cycle recruitment and ATS management for all staffing needs.
• Facilitated onboarding and new-hire orientation programs.
• Supported employee relations, investigations, corrective actions, and terminations.
• Administered benefits, payroll, unemployment, and workers' compensation programs.
• Contributed to lean office initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

Client Program Manager II/On-Site Manager (Dow Corning & Aptar) at Adecco Staffing (2013-03 – 2014-06)

• Managed national client accounts, ensuring service-level compliance and operational excellence.
• Led recruitment, placement, and administrative support for temporary workforce needs.

HR Recruiter & HR Manager at Hospice Advantage, Inc (2011-07 – 2013-03)

• Directed recruitment across 10 states, including development of social media hiring strategies.
• Managed FMLA, workers' compensation, unemployment, and employee relations matters.

Area Human Resources Manager at CARQUEST Auto Parts / General Parts, Inc. (2007-05 – 2011-07)

• Supported HR operations for 700+ employees across MI, NY, OH, and Canada.
• Managed hiring, employee relations, benefits, and performance management.
• Served as field change manager, aligning local HR practices with corporate initiatives.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Central Michigan University (2005-12)

Associate in Liberal Arts in Liberal Arts – Kirtland Community College (2002-05)