Work Sample - HR Function Build-Out

Portfolio Work Sample — Heather Powell

This documents the HR function I built from the ground up as the sole people-operations leader for a 35+ person organization across 13 divisions. When I started, there was no formal HR infrastructure. Everything below was designed, implemented, and is currently maintained by me alone.

Context: I inherited no systems, no predecessor documentation, and no budget for additional HR staff.

HR Function
Build-Out

From zero infrastructure to a fully operational people-operations function covering compliance, payroll, benefits, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations. Built and run solo.

35+
Employees & contractors
13
Divisions covered
1
HR staff (me)
14 mo
Time to full maturity
Month 1-2

Foundation: Systems & Compliance

Established HRIS (BambooHR). Configured payroll, employee directory, document storage. Audited files for compliance gaps. Initiated I-9 backlog cleanup.

Month 3-4

Payroll & Benefits Infrastructure

Launched biweekly payroll for employees and contractors. Configured benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k). Built compensation bands and pay equity framework.

Month 5-7

Employee Handbook & Policy Framework

Authored comprehensive handbook from scratch. Coordinated legal review. Designed manager training program for rollout.

Month 6-8

Onboarding & Offboarding Systems

Built structured onboarding workflow: offer letters, equipment, access, orientation, benefits, I-9. Created offboarding with asset recovery and knowledge transfer.

Month 8-10

Performance & Compensation

Designed performance review cycle. Built compensation benchmarking. Established annual review cadence. Created job descriptions for all positions.

Month 10-14

Employee Relations & Ongoing Ops

Active employee relations, engagement surveys, leadership coaching, biweekly payroll, benefits changes, and branch acquisition HR planning. Function fully self-sustaining.

Operational

HRIS (BambooHR)

Employee records, PTO, clock-in/out, documents, org chart, performance reviews, directory, mobile access

Operational

Payroll Processing

Biweekly for employees and contractors. Direct deposit, tax withholding, W2, schedule redesign

Operational

Benefits Administration

Medical, dental, vision, 401k. Open enrollment, life events, eligibility, COBRA

Operational

Compliance Framework

FLSA classification, OSHA, PFLMA, I-9 verification, overtime authorization

Operational

Employee Intranet

SharePoint resource center: events, calendars, leadership directory, values, policies

Operational

Onboarding Automation

ClickUp task list triggered on new hire. Equipment, access, orientation, benefits, training

Anti-Harassment & Complaint
Attendance & Remote Work
Confidentiality & NDA
Dress Code
Supplemental Employment
PTO & Sick Leave
Overtime Authorization
Reimbursement
401(k) & Retirement
Insurance & Benefits
Technology Use
Termination & Offboarding
Performance Management
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Gifted Days / Holiday