Recently, Schafer Industries welcomed Barb Shklar to lead the HR team. A key member of the Schafer leadership team, Barb leads strategic and day-to-day efforts related to employee relations, recruitment, and all HR aspects of the business as it continues to grow. This appointment came at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and provided an opportunity for Barb to add value to Schafer in a strategic way. We recently sat down with Barb to learn more about her background and what brought her to Schafer.
Can you tell us a little more about your professional background?
I have over 20 years of leading HR teams in manufacturing operations for companies such as Ralcorp Holdings, Dr. Pepper, and Hearthside Foods. Throughout my career, I have been able to provide HR leadership experience in corporate and field operations roles and includes multiple site responsibility and large plant operations. In my role, I have been able to demonstrate expertise in developing HR teams in operational settings, aligning and prioritizing the HR agenda to organizational objectives, implementing union avoidance programs and building pro-employee cultures, managing acquisition integrations, reorganizations, start-ups and RIFS, and finally creating and implementing leadership development programs.
What led you to Schafer Industries, and what interested you about our opportunity?
I was looking to return to my hometown of St. Louis for the right opportunity. I was impressed with HBM’s portfolio of companies as well as Schafer’s company background and focus on growth.
What will you be focusing on in 2020 as you settle into your role? Any key priorities?
Building a talent pipeline and infrastructure to align with Schafer’s key objective of growing top-line business; designing and executing effective recruiting, workforce planning and retention strategies to promote and improve talent management; developing the field HR team around these priorities.
When you are not thinking of HR how do you spend your free time?
I enjoy gardening, decorating, cooking and spending time with family and friends.