Ciara Ray

About Ciara Ray

I am passionate about people, development, and creating meaningful workplace experiences, I am a Human Resources professional dedicated to fostering positive employee relations, enhancing talent management, and driving organizational success. With experience in HR generalist functions, manufacturing, retail, and early careers recruitment, employee engagement, development and California Labor Laws, I thrive in dynamic environments where I can make a real impact.My journey in HR has taken me through diverse industries, from manufacturing and retail to corporate settings, allowing me to develop a well-rounded understanding of employee needs and business objectives. I have experience working with HRIS and ATS systems, managing payroll and timekeeping, implementing DEI initiatives, and improving processes that enhance both employee satisfaction and operational efficiency.At my core, I love helping people—whether it’s guiding candidates to their next career opportunity, supporting employees through challenges, or improving workplace culture through strategic HR initiatives. My ultimate goal - To grow into a leadership role where I can shape HR strategies that empower employees and elevate organizations.*My career aspirations include becoming a DE & I Analyst/Specialist, Early Careers/Campus/University Recruiter/Lead, HBCU Recruiter, Labor & Relations Associate.*

Experience

1. People Services Generalist (HR)

   Neiman Marcus

   Jan 2025 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   A partner and driver for the People Lifecycle - Hiring, Associate Relations (Investigations), Onboarding, Performance Management, Exit Interviews, Development, Compensation, etc.• Partnership with Asset Protection for associate relations issues - merchandise/register violation.• Champion Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging initiatives.• Support Leadership with identifying performance opportunities throughout the performance process - POP and PIP.• Administer and conduct new hire orientation - I9 completion. • Conduct audits to ensure store compliance with all federal, state and local requirements.• Reports - OSHA, Attendance, Recruitment, Compliance training, Timekeeping, Quarterly Selling Behaviors, etc. • Benefits open enrollment liaison.• Administer FMLA, ADA, Leave of Absence, and other local and federal leaves - Matrix.• Completing commission adjustments for commission based associates.• Auditing attendance occurrences for 230+ associates.• Being a strategic business partner for leadership in store.• Conducting learning and development trainings for store leadership. • Navigating HRIS/ATS - Oracle, Taleo, Indeed, UKG, ADP, etc.• Committees - Safety and Recognition. • Hosting employee engagement - Chinese New Years, MLK Day, Valentine’s Day, Quarterly Recognition Awards, Mardi Gras, Persian New Year, St. Patrick’s Day, etc.

Education

• Jackson State University

  Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA, Business Administration and Management, General

• Wayzata High School

  High School Diploma

  2014 — 2018