Sydnee Bender

Strategic HR leader with deep experience guiding complex, multi-site human resources functions across healthcare, manufacturing, higher education, insurance, and consulting environments. Proven record of leading employee relations strategy, HR business partnership, workforce planning, policy governance, performance management, engagement, compliance, and organizational effectiveness initiatives. Trusted advisor to executives and operational leaders on sensitive workplace matters, investigations, risk mitigation, leadership coaching, and change management.

Juris

Doctor–prepared HR executive known for building accountable, service driven cultures, strengthening workforce engagement, and aligning people strategy with organizational priorities.

Human Resources Manager - ANTOLIN ALABAMA, LLC - McCalla, AL

(2024-01)

Lead site HR strategy and daily people operations in a fast-paced environment, partnering with senior leaders to strengthen workforce performance, engagement, compliance, and operational execution.

• Serve as senior HR partner to leadership on employee relations, workforce planning, organizational challenges, and people strategy alignment.
• Direct HR programs across employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management, compensation support, investigations, and workforce analytics.
• Advise leaders on sensitive workplace matters including corrective action, conflict resolution, policy application, and employment risk.
• Drive engagement and retention efforts for exempt and non-exempt employee populations.
• Monitor HR metrics and workforce trends to support operational planning and performance improvement.
• Oversee HRIS governance, payroll controls, compliance audits, and reporting accuracy.
• Lead investigations and ensure consistent application of company policy and employment standards.
• Manage departmental budget planning and HR resource utilization.

HR Manager – Payroll, Benefits & HRIS - HYUNDAI MOTOR MANUFACTURING ALABAMA - Montgomery, AL

(2022-11 - 2023-12)

Directed large-scale HR operations supporting approximately 3,500 employees, with responsibility for payroll, benefits, HR systems, compliance, and team leadership.

• Led payroll, benefits, and HRIS operations with emphasis on compliance, data integrity, operational reliability, and workforce support.
• Managed complex employee service delivery functions affecting attraction, retention, and employee experience.
• Supervised and developed HR staff supporting payroll, benefits administration, and HR technology.
• Used audits, reporting, and analytics to identify risk, improve controls, and support strategic workforce decisions.
• Partnered with leadership on policy administration, workforce communication, and process improvement.
• Supported cost-conscious benefits strategy and vendor coordination.

Senior Compliance Specialist - DECISELY INSURANCE SERVICES, LLC - Remote

(2021-09 - 2022-10)

Provided strategic compliance and HR advisory support to executive leadership in a dynamic, regulated environment.

• Served as compliance advisor on employee relations, workplace investigations, handbook administration, employment practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Assessed enterprise risk trends and recommended practical solutions to improve compliance and operational consistency.
• Supported leaders with guidance on policy interpretation, documentation practices, and workforce risk mitigation.
• Developed knowledge resources and briefings to strengthen leadership awareness and compliance readiness.

Principal | Human Resources Consultant - BENDER & ASSOCIATES, LLC - Birmingham, AL

(2017-04 - 2019-10)

Delivered executive-level HR consulting to public and private employers across a range of industries.

• Advised senior leaders on employee relations strategy, compliance, workplace investigations, organizational effectiveness, and HR operations.
• Conducted investigations, mediations, audits, hearings, and policy reviews involving sensitive employment matters.
• Created and revised handbooks, SOPs, and people practices to improve consistency, compliance, and manager effectiveness.
• Supported leadership teams through complex employee issues, organizational transitions, and workforce decisions.

Corporate Director of Human Resources & Payroll - BRADFORD HEALTH SERVICES - Birmingham, AL

(2010-05 - 2017-03)

Reported to the CEO/Owner as the enterprise HR leader for a multi-state healthcare organization.

• Directed human resources, payroll, benefits, workers compensation, employee relations, and compliance strategy across a large, multi-site healthcare system.
• Supported leaders and employees across 38 locations in 7 states, including hospitals operating 24/7.
• Led employee relations strategy, workplace investigations, policy administration, and performance management practices.
• Designed and implemented engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives to support workforce stability and service culture.
• Partnered with executive leadership to align people strategy with operational priorities and organizational growth.
• Served as SME/primary HR representative for agency matters involving the EEOC, OSHA, Department of Labor, USERRA, and other regulatory bodies.
• Oversaw HR policy development, compliance monitoring, and workforce programs supporting high standards of accountability and employee experience.
• Led payroll operations, benefits coordination, reporting, and process improvements in a complex healthcare environment.
• Drove cost-conscious HR service delivery while maintaining compliance, responsiveness, and operational effectiveness.

Juris Doctor - Birmingham Law School

Bachelor of Science - Management – Human Resources - Faulkner University