Matthew Anderson

About Matthew Anderson

Human Resources leader with more than 30 years of experience aligning people strategy with operational performance. My career has been built at the intersection of operations and HR, bringing practical business understanding to leadership development, performance systems, and workforce strategy.I have spent more than 27 years with one organization serving in both operational and HR leadership roles. That experience shaped my approach to HR as a business function that supports execution, accountability, and leadership capability.For the past five years I have served as HR Director for a 320-employee organization spanning manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing, IT, and finance. I lead a team of five HR professionals and manage a departmental budget of approximately $350K supporting HR operations, technology platforms, recognition, and engagement programs.My focus is building practical systems that improve performance and leadership capability. Highlights include:• Implemented a performance management system for more than 300 employees in six months from RFQ to launch• Standardized onboarding across departments supporting more than 200 employees and improving operational retention from 75% to 90%• Led Lean Yellow Belt education and a DMAIC improvement project that increased manufacturing output by 26% through waste reduction and process improvement• Implemented HR technology platforms including ADP Recruiting and the Percipio learning management system• Partner with executive leadership and finance on compensation strategy, including development of a skill-based pay structure that increases earning potential while building workforce flexibilityI hold a BA from the University of New Mexico and am a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. I have applied lean thinking across manufacturing, warehousing, and HR to improve efficiency and strengthen leadership capability.Outside the organization I serve as Workforce Readiness Director for Central New Mexico SHRM and am a member of the SHRM Executive Network. I have presented at the Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology and MJSA events on workforce development and process improvement. My first presentation at the Santa Fe Symposium received the Industry Leader Award.I enjoy working with leadership teams that want HR to be a true partner in strengthening leadership, improving performance, and building organizations where people and results grow together.Core focus: Leadership Development | Operational Excellence | Workforce Strategy | Performance Systems | Continuous Improvement

Experience

1. Human Resources Director

   Rio Grande

   Aug 2021 — Present · US

   Lead HR strategy for a 320-employee organization spanning manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing, IT and corporate functions. Oversee a team of five HR professionals and manage a departmental budget of ~$350K.Key contributions:• Implemented company-wide performance management system for 300+ employees in six months• Standardized onboarding processes improving operational retention from 75% to 90%• Led Lean Yellow Belt training and DMAIC project increasing manufacturing output by 26%• Implemented ADP Recruiting (ATS) and Percipio (LMS) to support scalable hiring and leadership development• Partner with executive leadership on compensation strategy including development of skill-based pay structures

Education

• The University of New Mexico

  BUS, Fine Art and English

  1990 — 2005

Skills

• Public Speaking
• Designer Jewelry
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Marketing Strategy
• Manufacturing Operations Management
• Apics
• Jewelry
• Craft
• Customer Service
• Purchasing
• Process Improvement
• Jewelry Design
• Operations Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Silver
• Prezi
• Metalsmithing
• Organizational Culture
• Necklaces
• Retail
• Earrings
• Luxury Goods
• Associate Development
• Change Management
• Watches
• Inventory Management
• Coaching
• Lean Manufacturing
• Sales
• Wholesale
• Leadership
• Gold
• Lost Wax Casting
• Strategic Planning
• Business Process Improvement
• Product Development
• Wedding Bands
• Handmade Jewelry
• Project Planning
• Merchandising