Elena Bailey

Senior HRBP for a video game development studio with over 250 employees in Canada and USA. Provide strategic business support, mentor, coach, and guide management and employees on employee relations, performance management, engagement, morale, retention, compensation, and training. Established and headed Canadian HR operations, payroll, and benefits.

• Established Canadian HR operations in Ontario and British Columbia from scratch.
• Implemented company policies, applicable regulatory compliance, payroll, benefits (e.g. health, RRSP & DPSP, commuter benefit, and more), Health & Safety, and Accessibility programs.
• Partnered with key leaders to revamp existing Career Development structure and Performance Management program to improve employees' engagement and facilitate retention.
• Put in place an immigration program to facilitate hiring of temporary foreign workers through Global Talent Stream, International Mobility Program, etc.
• Lead implementation of multiple systems including Payworks (for Canada) and Ceridian Dayforce (company-wide).
• Partnered with key business teams to successfully implement work-from-home and return-to-the-office strategies related to COVID-19 pandemic.

Senior HR & Recruitment Manager for a fast-growing Fin Tech organization operating in Canada and India. Focused on ensuring that HR strategy, goals, policies, and programs were aligned with the company's vision, business strategy and initiatives.

• Established immediate compliance with Employment Standards, Health & Safety, Human Rights, and Accessibility acts and regulations.
• Identified recruitment priorities based on the projected business growth, established recruitment strategy, and executed that strategy for company’s Canadian and Indian operations.
• Built performance management program with the focus on improvement of employees’ engagement.
• Partnered with executive team to lead the company through acquisition and supported employees with associated change management initiatives.

Built and lead HR department for the software development company of 150 employees. Responsible for all things HR including but not limited to strategic development, employee relations, performance management, engagement, change management, compliance, payroll, benefits, compensation, recruitment, health & safety, and much more.

• Developed and implemented human resources policies and programs from scratch to promote fair and inclusive workplace and address all relevant regulatory requirements.
• Ensured that company’s HR practices were always competitive in the ever-changing technology marketplace.
• Reduced legal costs associated with unfavorable severance packages by advising management on appropriate compensation for all levels of employees.
• Created and maintained pay equity program and successfully completed pay equity audit by Pay Equity Commission. As part of the process, conducted job evaluations, identified pay grades, and formalized pay structure for the company.
• Led the initiative to improve existing HRIS system to address business and employees needs and wants. Identified business needs and worked with software development team to ensure successful implementation.
• Led fast-paced recruitment initiatives for all business units and all job levels internally and for high-end business clients.
• Organized employee engagement functions to bring together teams from remote work locations to promote workplace culture and improve sense of belonging.
• Assisted with navigating the company through downsizing at industry downturn through effective change management practices.
• Managed 4 direct reports

• Joined the bank at its launch phase of Canadian operations to assist with establishment and operations of HR department.
• Worked closely with international HR teams and multiple locations across Canada to streamline processes and resources.
• Implemented and administered HR policies and programs and ensured appropriate compliance. Carried out full cycle recruitment, payroll and benefits administrations.

• Ensured implementation of hiring, termination, and lay off procedures are in accordance with collective agreement and labor law.
• Managed a positive relationship with the UFCW union by ensuring matters and grievances are dealt in fair, consistent, and positive way
• Assisted employees with inquiries on policies, procedures, guidelines, employment legislation, benefits, and payroll