Elvira Ryder

elvira@hhrc.company
(347) 429-1952

 

Summary

Strong strategic and operational experience building HR infrastructure and leading the full spectrum of generalist HR responsibilities. Track record for spearheading talent strategies and building high-performance teams in fast-paced, high-growth, multi-cultural environments. 

Hospitality HR Consulting, New York, NY

Founder & Principal                                                                                                                   3/2021 – present

Targeted advisory services for owners and operators within Hospitality focused on culture, values, and process improvement.

Empowered Hospitality, New York, NY

Managing Director                                                                                                                      3/2018– 2/2021

Helped build startup’s HR consulting practice. Responsible for overall project profitability, client satisfaction, and team learning and development. Led client assignments; designed and refined service offerings; coached and supported Empowered’s consultants, and served as a strategic advisor to founder and her partner.

Marcus Samuelsson Group (MSG) Harlem, New York

Director of Human Resources                                                                                               2/2015 – 10/2017

Brought in by Rosa Mexicano’s CEO (an MSG Board member) to uplevel operations by designing HR strategies to support the rapid growth of chef-led concept restaurants. Reported directly to Marcus Samuelson. Assisted in the expansion and opening of properties in New York, New Jersey, National Harbor, Bermuda, and London.

  • Audited all HR functions and executed improvements for full compliance with city, state, and federal edicts.

  • Developed first HR-driven SOP framework to build teams and support company growth.

  • Collaborated with the leadership team to instill professional standards, define core values, and foster a sense of pride in “Harlem Hospitality” company-wide.

  • Instituted an open-door policy to promote communication and problem resolution, pre-empt escalation of employee relations issues, and positively impact retention. Developed and led all-staff Town Hall Meetings credited with helping to restore trust and confidence in senior management.

  • Achieved significant reduction in turnover via strategic, comprehensive recruiting and talent management. Reduced non-exempt turnover by 30%; exempt by 50%.

  • Headed all recruitment efforts including COO, VP of Restaurants, Directors of Operations, General Managers, Corporate Chefs, Executive Chefs, and all corporate and restaurant management staff. Reduced agency fees by $90K.

  • Consolidated employee medical benefits for exempt employees into one simplified, cohesive plan for the entire organization, saving $75K annually; restructured ACA-plan offering to bring the company into full compliance and saved MSG $60K.

  • Revamped commercial liability policy, saving $48K. Implemented EPLI coverage

  • Provided performance coaching to all levels of management, including Founder.                                       

Rosa Mexicano Restaurants- New York, NY

Vice President, Human Resources 9/2006 – 1/2015

Developed growth strategies, built people and process capabilities, and created a culture of improvement as the company grew from 3 to 18 locations nationally. Critical initiatives included: strategic planning, leadership development, talent evaluation, acquisition and management, compensation, employee relations, and compliance programs. Led talent acquisition for the opening of 13 new restaurants, 7 in an 18-month period.

  • Introduced forward-thinking leadership practices to fulfill the company’s vision for growth by creating streamlined systems, policies, practices, and operating procedures while maintaining a lean but effective 2.5 person department.

  • Audited all restaurant-based HR processes; implemented, automated and simplified systems and procedures to reduce paperwork, accelerate time-to-completion of transactions, and facilitate a guest-oriented culture. Reduced weekly payroll processing by 2 business days, increased compliance with SOPs, reduced errors, and streamlined regional accountants’ responsibilities.

  • Introduced new talent management practices that resulted in recruiting upgraded talent while reducing “days open” from 8 weeks to 10 days. Simultaneously, I streamlined external recruitment efforts and reduced recruiting costs.

  • Implemented applicant tracking system, electronic onboarding, and paperless payroll increasing efficiency and reducing employee man-hours by 66%.

  • Revamped performance evaluation process and employee bonus program with a stronger emphasis on culture and values.

  • Pioneered training and processes that improved the company safety record which lowered Unemployment and Workers’ Compensation claims.

  • Designed and facilitated retention strategies which lowered turnover in the management ranks by 35% and turnover of non-exempt employees by 38%; increased rate of internal promotions by 13%.

  • Researched, identified, and negotiated a co-employment agreement with a Professional Employment Organization (PEO) that allowed the company to outsource payroll, benefits, unemployment insurance, and Workers’ Compensation administration, resulting in savings of more than $100K year over year since 2009 while still offering competitive benefits and full-scale technical support. 

  • Created and launched RosaMexicanoHR.com, an internal, comprehensive web-based employee resource for HR information, including benefits, policies and procedures, forms, and FAQs.  The site averaged 700 visits per month.

  • Started and launched Rosa U, an in-house training program designed to foster an environment of employee engagement and spirited corporate culture.  Developed and ran employee recognition, development, and goodwill programs to promote company values and aid retention.

  • Partnered with the President/CEO, acting as a sounding board and adviser on sensitive issues pertaining to company talent during fast-paced and often tumultuous growth periods. 

Elvira Ryder Recruiting – NYC, NY                                                                   

Owner, Principal 11/2001 – 8/2006

Established a respected and thriving private practice retained search firm focused on top-tier talent acquisition in the hospitality industry. Clients included:  Union Square Hospitality Group, Thomas Keller Restaurants, and Rosa Mexicano Restaurants.  Conducted full life-cycle recruiting for hard-to-fill and niche market positions.

  • Identified 90% - 100% match candidates via behavioral interviewing and a custom qualification process, reducing clients’ cost per hire, improving retention, and reducing turnover.  Recruited entire teams and departments.

  • Partnered with HR and Management to develop job descriptions, establish hiring processes, and create performance metrics.

  • Managed compensation analysis, salary negotiations, contractual verbiage, relocation packages, and background checks. 

Education and Affiliations

  • University of Puerto Rico, Studies in Business Administration

  • Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), New York City Hospitality Alliance, HRNY

  • Founding Member of Human Resources Professionals in Hospitality; first professional HR group in the independent restaurant segment of the industry. Grew from 6 members to 150 today.

 Other

  • Bilingual - English and Spanish.

  • Recipient of the Heart of Hospitality Award 2018