Kendra Sterk
Human Resources Business Partner
Centennial
Summary
Strategic and data-driven HR Business Partner with a strong track record of aligning people strategies with business objectives through stakeholder collaboration, leadership coaching, and actionable insights. Experienced in optimizing the full employee lifecycle—including onboarding, performance reviews, engagement, and LOA management—while driving continuous process improvement, compliance, and cultural growth. Proficient in leveraging HRIS systems to inform strategy, enhance employee experience, and implement impactful organizational programs.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Business Partner
Brilliant Earth
10.2023 - 01.2025
- Collaborated with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business goals, boosting employee engagement and efficiency
- Analyzed HR metrics to identify trends and recommend improvements, manage performance reviews and employee surveys
- Managed the LOA process for employee requests (FMLA, ADA, WC), ensuring compliance, driving process improvements, and partnering with managers to implement accommodations
- Advised and coached managers on employee relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, and absence, while investigating grievances and ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements
People Services (HR) Lead
Neiman Marcus
05.2021 - 10.2023
- Spearheaded regional HR projects and initiatives to ensure compliance, and updated, developed, and implemented relevant HR policies and procedures
- Led the redesign of onboarding and offboarding processes, served as the primary contact for new hires, and supported open enrollment, addressed benefit inquiries, and managed employee leave requests
- Championed an engaging company culture by organizing team wellness events, celebrations, and volunteer opportunities
Human Resource Expert/Team Lead
Target
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Performed core HR functions such as onboarding, training, compliance, scheduling, benefits administration, employee relations, and store culture reviews for a team of 300+ employees
- Developed a team of HR members who supported the entire store team by solving problems, removing roadblocks, and engaging each team member to connect them to Target's purpose
Client Experience Coordinator
Tiffany & Company
07.2019 - 08.2020
- Supported the $12M Love & Engagement business in the San Francisco market by offering guidance and opinions to internal teams regarding the best course of action using data and experience
- Continuously trained, coached, and provided qualitative feedback to a team of 20 sales team members
Sales Professional/Keyholder
Tiffany & Company
04.2017 - 07.2019
- Consistently achieved and exceeded monthly and quarterly sales goals while delivering outstanding customer service
- Managed the sales floor and drove business by addressing guest concerns, coaching employees, and mitigating product loss in the absence of store management
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Human Development And Family Services
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 05.2001 -
Skills
- Leave of Absence & Accommodation Management
- Succession Planning
- Employee Relations & Coaching
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Performance Management
- Process Improvement & Optimization
- Employee Wellness & Benefits
- Leadership Development
- Diversity and inclusion
- Interpersonal Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Proficient in Workday
- Proficient in Kronos
- Proficient in Oracle
- Proficient in Lattice
Timeline
Human Resources Business Partner
Brilliant Earth
10.2023 - 01.2025
People Services (HR) Lead
Neiman Marcus
05.2021 - 10.2023
Human Resource Expert/Team Lead
Target
09.2020 - 05.2021
Client Experience Coordinator
Tiffany & Company
07.2019 - 08.2020
Sales Professional/Keyholder
Tiffany & Company
04.2017 - 07.2019
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Human Development And Family Services
Iowa State University
05.2001 -
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