Ivy Danopoulos

People-first HR professional with 14+ years of experience turning complex challenges into practical, business-focused solutions. Brings a hands-on approach to employee and labor relations, talent acquisition, workforce strategy, compliance, workers' compensation, benefits, payroll, and HR technology. Proven experience supporting 500+ employees, union and non-union workforces, advising leaders through sensitive employee matters, and building scalable HR processes that improve the employee experience and support organizational growth.

Known for being a trusted, approachable HR partner who balances employee advocacy with the needs of the business.

HR Manager at Global Gourmet Catering & Event Planning (2013-02 – Present)

• Lead end-to-end HR operations for a workforce of 500+ employees, overseeing employee and labor relations, talent acquisition, candidate sourcing, full-cycle recruiting, onboarding, benefits and payroll administration, workplace safety, compliance, and HRIS management.
• Partner with executive leadership, managers, and employment counsel on complex employee relations matters, workplace investigations, performance management, corrective action, labor and employment compliance, and HR policy development.
• Drive HR process improvement and digital transformation by modernizing employee recordkeeping, implementing streamlined onboarding workflows, optimizing HRIS functionality, and developing scalable HR processes to support organizational growth.
• Manage workers' compensation and workplace risk programs, partnering with insurance carriers, brokers, managers, and employees to ensure timely injury reporting, claims administration, medical treatment coordination, work restrictions, and return-to-work processes.

HR Business Partner at Frank Rimerman + Co. (2023-06 – 2024-05)

• Partnered with business leaders and employees as an HR Business Partner, providing guidance on employee relations, performance matters, workplace concerns, and day-to-day people needs.
• Conducted compensation analysis and supported compensation-related reviews to promote internal equity, market competitiveness, and informed workforce decisions.
• Managed leave of absence (LOA) administration and supported training and development initiatives, coordinating employee needs, compliance requirements, and professional development programs.

HR Technician (Contract) at City of Hayward (2021-10 – 2023-01)

• Coordinated end-to-end recruitment and onboarding activities for public-sector positions using NeoGov, including requisition management, candidate screening, testing and interview coordination, offers, and new-hire processing.
• Managed HRIS data and digital personnel records across MUNIS, Laserfiche, and Primary Health, supporting data accuracy, confidentiality, and effective HR administration.
• Partnered with the labor relations team on MOU administration and compliance-related initiatives, including employee health and safety documentation and exemption tracking.

HR Partner (Contract) at The Sierra Club (2020-12 – 2021-05)

• Provided strategic HR consultation to national Finance, Operations, and regional chapter teams, offering expert guidance on performance management, employee relations, and goal setting.
• Navigated collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to support union-represented personnel and ensure labor compliance.
• Utilized Salesforce and Workday platforms to maintain employee data integrity and report organizational trends.

HR Consultant at Bay Area / BT Property Management (2015-07 – 2020-05)

• Partnered with business leaders and employees on labor law compliance, employee relations, conflict resolution, workers' compensation, performance management, and employee development initiatives.
• Developed and implemented HR policies and programs, modernized performance management tracking, and coordinated ongoing workplace safety and employee training initiatives.

HR Generalist at Hilton Hotels (2012-06 – 2013-02)

• Supported day-to-day HR operations for 350+ employees, including semi-monthly payroll administration, employee records management, new-hire onboarding and orientation, and workplace safety and OSHA compliance.
• Served as a trusted HR resource to employees and managers, providing responsive support across daily HR and operational needs while maintaining accurate and confidential personnel records.
• Recognized multiple times as Employee of the Month for exceptional performance, responsiveness, and contributions to the employee experience and hotel operations.

Bachelor of Science in Business Hospitality Management – Texas Tech University (2010)