Poonam Sandhu

• National Talent Acquisition (high-volume and Leadership in Call Center, Corporate, Retail and Distribution
• Constantly navigating in the unknown as we centralized and built a Recruitment Center of Excellence - required change management, business partnering and influencing/negotiation skills
• Led large team including (remote, based in ON)
• Leadership approach included coaching and mentorship; performance management; onboarding and training; creating development plans.
• Major achievements include process efficiencies (automation/A. I and digitally transforming the process end to end) – results: reduced headcount, increase in Recruiter job satisfaction, process efficiency (less administration), improved candidate and hiring manager experience (reflected in NPS survey scores), decreased time to hire and decrease turnover
• Drive a continuous improvement mindset to ensure all SOPs are updated, available in both French and English, and streamlined for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaborate and partner closely with the HRBP's, Hiring Managers, Global and National matrix stakeholders to ensure talent strategies and solutions are aligned to critical business needs and plans.
• Led Employer Branding and other marketing/attraction strategies (Indeed, LinkedIn, social media, leveraged other IKEA marketing initiatives, programs and platforms such as IKEA Family)
• Led Equality & Diversity pilot programs to increase diversity in Management levels including Hiring Manager training (unconscious bias)
• Managed all Talent Acquisition operations including ATS management, enhancements, and integrations (Avature - Talent Recruit) – utilized Agile methodology (UBT, facilitating and creating training material and follow up)
• Project Management: Standardizing Offer Letters, Domestic and International Mobility programs, Succession and Internal Recruitment, National Referral Program, Pre-boarding and On-boarding program, Procured new background vendor and standardized pre-screening approach, North American Master Service Provider for contingent workforce management, National Internship Framework, and a Confidential recruiting process.
• Collected and used HR analytics to enhance decision making

• Designed, Developed, Led and Implemented the Recruitment and Selection Process for Transformation and Expansion Project for IKEA Canada
• Coached and developed a strategically focused Recruitment and Sourcing Team for Transformation and Expansion Project
• Monitored External Employer and workforce trends for IKEA Canada and Successfully Leveraged for adaption of recruitment, attraction and sourcing strategies for IKEA Canada
• Tracked Hiring KPI’S through Avature and developed/adjusted Recruiting Strategies accordingly
• Collaborated with the Diversity & Inclusion Team of IKEA Canada to ensure a diverse work force for IKEA Canada
• Partnered with Senior Management to Identify Hiring Needs for Executive Level Positions
• Implemented a New and Improved Backcheck System for IKEA Canada saving a total cost of $53000
• Accountable to Lead the Lead Work and Organize Project across IKEA Canada supporting a transformation of +220 Positions
• Trained and Coached Hiring Managers on ATS Avature and Talent Recruit.

• Coached and counseled management about HR Policy and Employment Law.
• Partnered with SR. Management to administer policy and strategy
• Facilitated Before the Floor Orientations for new -coworkers biweekly and facilitated the onboarding process
• Advised managers on organizational policy matters and changes
• Developed and Implemented IKEA Leadership Engagement Program across IKEA Burlington, Kitchener, London, Windsor and St. Catherine’s.
• Facilitated Leadership Workshops for IKEA’s Aspirant Leadership Program in support of the HiPo IKEA Program
• Conducted Biweekly Payroll Audits for Each Pay Period using ADP Sap and Kronos My Time.
• Conducted Global IKEA KPI Audits Using Imonitor to ensure HR Compliance with IKEA Global HR Standards
• Implemented and Monitored Successful completion of IKEA’s Action Plans to support the FY19 IKEA Business Plan
• Facilitated IKEA Hiring workshops to support the IKEA Selection Process with various hiring managers
• Trained Hiring Managers to formulate Cultural Competency Hiring Techniques to support IKEA’s Strategic goal of Diversity and Inclusion.

Senior HR Generalist | HR Business Partner
Supporting 19 LKQ locations across Ontario (500+ employees)

• Sole HR lead overseeing full-spectrum HR functions across multiple sites.
• Ensured compliance with AODA, OHSA, ESA, and Human Rights Code.
• Generated payroll reports in Kronos and liaised with Payroll for issue resolution.
• Led strategic meetings with District and Regional Managers to enhance leadership accountability.
• Developed and implemented HR policies aligned with business goals.
• Designed and executed onboarding/offboarding processes and materials.
• Launched and evaluated employee engagement programs focused on the 4 C’s: Compensation, Culture, Communication & Commitment.
• Investigated and resolved employee relations issues; coached leaders using the SAGE model.
• Analyzed HR metrics (turnover, retention, compliance) to inform decision-making.
• Facilitated talent reviews and workforce planning with branch leadership.
• Spearheaded corporate HR initiatives and strategic projects.
• Rolled out Stay Interview Program and tracked implementation success.
• Partnered with consultants to ensure pay equity compliance across Ontario.
• Delivered HR training and coaching across all locations.
• Led full-cycle recruitment in collaboration with hiring managers, including background and reference checks.
• Supported executive HR programs and services for 500+ employees.
• Reviewed and implemented compensation programs, including Capped Commission Program.

• Designed training programs aligned with the 4C’s of instructional design: Clarity, Capacity, Consistency, and Commitment.
• Conducted needs assessments and applied adult learning principles to tailor training delivery.
• Developed learning objectives and collaborated with SMEs to build effective training curricula.
• Led high-volume recruitment for PSWs, RNs, and RPNs in long-term and community care settings.
• Utilized diverse sourcing strategies to build talent pipelines for hard-to-fill roles.
• Managed full-cycle recruitment: sourcing, screening, interviewing, background checks, and onboarding.
• Supported bi-weekly payroll and prepared employment agreements for casual and part-time staff.
• Conducted behavioral and situational interviews; organized targeted hiring events.

• Guided Associates with on the most appropriate means and methods of mediation between line management and employees
• Compiled HR team activity/performance data and produce reports for the Sr. Manager of HR
• Generated Ad Hoc Reports on Employee Turnover and Retention (Monthly, Quarterly and annually)
• Worked with Senior Manager’s to uncover any talent implication’s i.e. any significant gaps to meet long term objectives and created a long - term workforce plan accordingly.
• Kept Track of HR Recruiting Metrics, Including Cost per hire and Source Per hire.
• Maintained and revised employee handbook on company’s procedures and policies
• Managed Training Development Plan’s which included agreed upon training objectives with specific timeline’s and ensured such outcomes are evaluated and measured.