NICOLA WATSON
Toronto,Ontario
Summary
Passionate about people, policy, process and strategy with over 8 years' experience working in Human Resources within fast paced environments. Experienced with overseeing company day to day HR operations and ensuring compliance of employment laws across all locations. Passionate about playing a pivotal role in managing, designing, and analyzing HR and Talent data, systems, policies and procedures. Successful track record of building high performing and engaging work environments. Experienced with implementing new HRIS and ATS systems.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
HR Manager
TribalScale
Toronto
05.2021 - Current
- Integral Member of the Senior Leadership Team, driving the development and execution of comprehensive HR strategies that align with the company's overarching objectives, enhancing organizational culture, and fostering employee engagement at all levels.
- Spearheaded the creation and implementation of a comprehensive HR infrastructure, directly aligning with strategic objectives to enhance organizational culture and employee engagement.
- Managed a diverse team across Canada, the USA, and South America, focusing on recruitment, onboarding, talent management, and employee satisfaction.
- Led DEI initiatives and developed a "Women in Tech" series, promoting an inclusive community and supporting career progression.
- Implemented HRIS and performance management systems, streamlining HR operations and enhancing data-driven decision-making.
- Motivated employees through special events and incentive programs.
- Identified and implemented appropriate strategies to increase employee satisfaction and retention.
- Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
Talent Acquisition Specialist
DAC
Toronto, ON
02.2020 - 05.2021
- Attract, vet and interview the top digital marketing professionals in a highly competitive industry to join DAC across North America
- Building talent pipelines for filling critical and recurring roles as well as creating innovative 360 strategies to ensure a diverse and fully staffed workforce
- Responsible for drafting offer letters, background criminal checks, reference checks and liaising with the candidate throughout the process including managing counter offers.
- Managed full-cycle recruiting process for multiple roles simultaneously while maintaining high-quality standards in candidate assessment and selection.
- Participated in industry conferences and networking events to stay current on talent acquisition trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in the field.
Human Resource Officer
Ryanair
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Managed the entire HR function for 1,200 employees across the Dublin Airport base specifically dealing with cabin crew, pilots and head office staff related issues
- Responsible for managing and investigating complex disciplinary issues, building strong cases to ensure sound disciplinary outcomes specifically performance improvement programs, warnings and terminations as well as working with lawyers for employment law court cases
- Participated in union negotiations as well as being involved with the preparation of collective labor agreements
- Applying knowledge of local employment law and provisions in order to make informed recommendations and liaising directly with line managers
- Built and maintained relationships across all internal departments (line managers, solicitors, staffing agencies)
- Monitoring employee absences, turnover & statutory leave for analytics and reporting
- Conducting base visits across Europe to meet with employees on general employment matters
- Managing varied tax & social insurance arrangements (Irish & non-Irish)
- Administrative duties include managing employee payroll, weekly reporting to senior management, database management, filing and drafting employment contracts and managing statutory leave
- Lead company occupational health and safety practices, and policies, investigating accidents and reporting for employees in my area
- Involved with the rollout and implementation of the new HRIS system
- Coached and mentored management on leadership development, talent and performance management, and communication needs.
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Ryanair
03.2018 - 01.2019
- Responsible for Head Office Recruitment, Ground Operations, Sales and Marketing, Digital Experience, Commercial, Finance, Inflight, Pilot Rostering, Inflight, Operations and Legal department
- Managed an average of 20-30 roles per week
- Travelled overseas and successfully managed cabin crew recruitment days in Marrakech, Morocco
- Managed the early talent campaign for 2018 which involved travelling around Ireland and the UK's top universities to attract early talent
- Responsible for ensuring the Ryanair's career website, interview assessment forms and external job portals were updated regularly.
Recruitment Consultant
Azon Recruitment
01.2016 - 03.2018
- Successfully managed high volume recruitment campaigns and key account management across the pharmaceutical and construction industry
- Responsible for the end to end recruitment life cycle for junior to senior level positions within top multinational companies
- New business development - prospecting and generating new clients
- Maintained and managed relationships with existing clients to provide top level client service
- Successfully ran networking events to generate new candidates
- Offered both clients and candidates a consultative approach to the full recruitment process
- Led Azon Recruitment to be 14th Most Socially Engaged Recruiting Firm in EMEA 2016.
Education
Employment Law -
Algonquin College
Post Graduate Diploma -
Human Resource Management
05.2019
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science & Health
Dublin City University
05.2015
Skills
- Training development
- Administering Disciplinary Procedures
- Unemployment Claims
- Company Leadership
- HR software proficiency
- Relationship Building
- Onboarding, Training, and Development
Accomplishments
I am honoured to have been selected for The Peal's Emerging Leaders list for 2023, which highlights young leaders shaping Canada's economy, culture, and society. Featured in the People & Culture Category: https://readthepeak.com/lists/emerging-leaders-2023
Certification
- Lifeguard Certificate, Royal Lifesaving Society (UK), 2013
- Swim Instructor, Safety Training Awards, 2012
- Pool and National Beach Lifeguard, Irish Water Safety, 2011
- Special Olympic Coaching Certificate, 2011
- Volunteered with Special Olympic Swim Team, 2011-2014
Hobbies and Interests
- CrossFit
- Running
- Swimming
Timeline
HR Manager
TribalScale
05.2021 - Current
Talent Acquisition Specialist
DAC
02.2020 - 05.2021
Human Resource Officer
Ryanair
01.2019 - 01.2020
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Ryanair
03.2018 - 01.2019
Recruitment Consultant
Azon Recruitment
01.2016 - 03.2018
Employment Law -
Algonquin College
Post Graduate Diploma -
Human Resource Management
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science & Health
Dublin City University