Honor Valentin

HR operations and employee relations professional with 20+ years of progressive leadership experience supporting large-scale, multi-state workforce environments. Experienced partnering with HR, Legal, Operations, Compliance, and executive leadership teams to drive workforce initiatives, employee relations, compliance strategy, policy implementation, HR operations, and organizational effectiveness. Proven ability to support large frontline workforces, manage sensitive workplace matters, implement operational change, and improve workforce processes in fast-paced, highly regulated environments.

Recognized for strong business partnership, operational leadership, compliance knowledge, and the ability to balance employee experience with organizational objectives and risk mitigation.

Sr. HR Specialist | HR Operations & Compliance - IN-N-OUT BURGER - Irvine, California

(2021-09)

Support HR and compliance operations across approximately seven warehouse and operational locations supporting more than 700 DOT-regulated delivery drivers within a 45,000+ associate multi-state organization. Provide leadership oversight and guidance to two direct reports while supporting HR operations, workforce compliance initiatives, and day-to-day operational execution.

• Partner with HR Leadership, Legal, Operations, Compliance, and executive leadership teams to implement enterprise-wide HR and workforce compliance initiatives across large-scale multi-state operations.
• Lead HR operational initiatives involving onboarding, hiring workflows, I-9 compliance, background screening, wage updates, employee data management, and workforce process optimization through Oracle ERP systems.
• Interpret and implement employment law, DOT, tax, and workforce compliance changes while advising stakeholders on operational impact, policy alignment, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Drive handbook updates, policy revisions, internal guidance, and HR operational procedures to ensure alignment with legal requirements, business needs, and multi-state workforce practices.
• Lead HR operational changes related to DOT regulations, safety compliance requirements, driver monitoring, MVR processes, and SambaSafety-related initiatives.
• Manage cross-functional audit support, compliance reviews, escalations, documentation requests, and internal control improvements tied to HR, workforce operations, and regulatory compliance.
• Focus heavily on employee relations support for upper and mid-level management, including workplace escalations, conflict resolution, corrective action guidance, policy interpretation, performance-related concerns, coaching support, and sensitive workforce matters while maintaining confidentiality and leadership alignment.
• Support compliance risk assessments, policy reviews, procedural updates, vendor-related requirements, RFP processes, financial compliance considerations, and broader operational compliance initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration focused on HR system enhancements, workflow optimization, process standardization, compliance readiness, and operational efficiency improvements.
• Identify operational risks, process impacts, dependencies, and communication needs tied to HR, compliance, tax, safety, and workforce-related business changes.
• Lead workforce compliance tracking, audit readiness initiatives, policy implementation efforts, and operational escalations to support enterprise consistency and reduce organizational risk exposure.
• Partner with leadership teams to improve workforce communication, operational consistency, training alignment, and HR process execution across large multi-location/state operations.
• Partner with managers and leadership teams on employee relations matters involving conflict resolution, coaching support, corrective action guidance, workplace escalations, policy interpretation, and performance management concerns.

HR Representative I / HR Representative II - IN-N-OUT BURGER - Irvine, California

(2019-09 - 2021-09)

Support HR generalist functions across high-volume, multi-location operations, including associate relations, onboarding, policy administration, employee support, and HR operations.

• Provide guidance to managers and associates regarding HR policies, handbook interpretation, leave administration, workplace concerns, and employment-related procedures.
• Handle sensitive associate relations matters involving employee concerns, conflict resolution, coaching support, and workplace issue management while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Support talent acquisition and onboarding processes including interview, candidate communication, hiring coordination, onboarding administration, and new hire support.
• Conduct onboarding and training support for employee and managers related to HR procedures, policy implementation, and workforce processes.
• Partner with management and HR teams to support employee communication, issue resolution, workforce coordination, and day-to-day HR operational needs.

Operations Manager - IN-N-OUT BURGER - Various, California

(2010-08 - 2019-09)

Led workforce operations for high-volume, multimillion-dollar business units while overseeing employee performance, staffing, compliance, operational execution, and customer experience.

• Managed and developed teams of up to 120 employees, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, coaching, performance management, and employee development.
• Partnered with senior leadership to implement workforce planning initiatives, operational process improvements, and organizational changes across fast-paced operational environments.
• Led employee relations efforts involving conflict resolution, coaching, accountability, performance improvement, and workplace issue resolution.
• Improved operational efficiency through labor management, productivity oversight, process standardization, and accountability initiatives.
• Ensured compliance with company policies, wage and hour requirements, safety procedures, and operational standards across large workforce environments.

Associate - IN-N-OUT BURGER - Various, California

(2003-10 - 2010-08)

Worked independently in fast-paced operational environments while maintaining cleanliness, safety, compliance, and customer service standards.

• Supported daily restaurant operations, inventory organization, and operational readiness with minimal supervision.
• Assisted with training and mentoring new associates on operational procedures, safety expectations, and service standards.
• Demonstrated strong accountability, time management, and attention to detail while balancing multiple operational responsibilities.

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration - Human Resources - California State University East Bay (2027)

Associate of Arts - Economics - Santiago Canyon College (2025-12)

Associate of Science - Liberal Arts: Math & Sciences - Santiago Canyon College (2025-12)

Associate of Arts - Santiago Canyon College (2025-12)

Certificate of Achievement - CSU General Education Breadth - Santiago Canyon College (2025-12)