Sergio Knircha
Ottawa,Canada
Summary
A Senior Human Resources leader with deep expertise in talent management, employee relations, and organizational development. Proven track record in driving strategic initiatives and fostering collaborative work environment. Known for adaptability, effective communication, and aligning HR strategies with business goals. Valued for strong leadership, conflict resolution, and building high-performing teams.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director HR
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
02.2022 - Current
- Developed HR strategies that supported the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives through policy reform and creation
- Partnered with other executive leaders which include the COO and CEO to forecast workforce needs and shape the organizational structure.
- Lead a small team of HR and Administration professionals to help role out HR initiatives and procedures.
- Worked with Business/Function Heads in the execution of HR business plan/strategy; embedding changes into day-to-day working practice and organization culture so as to build a performance-oriented organization.
- Designed and implemented a competitive compensation and benefits package over the first 2 years at the Chamber, with accurate market assessment that saw a 25% increase in salaries across all departments.
- Analyzed compensation trends to ensure the company remains an attractive employer.
- Responsible for creating and maintaining an annual HR budget of $15 million to develop employees and any new business needs for the organization.
- Created and implemented of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) plan and commitment to fostering a supportive work environment for all new and current employees.
- Responsible for identifying future leaders within the organization and working with executive teams to develop their skills while designing succession plans for key positions to ensure continuity and stability.
- Developed a robust recruitment processes to attract top talent aligned with company values within the first year at the Chamber.
- Designed initiatives and policies focused on employee retention, engagement, and career progression which in turn reduced the Chambers turn over rate from 13% to 4% annually.
- Lead the development and implementation of performance management programs which in enhanced the employee
- Provide guidance on employee development and training programs that align with their career goals.
Lead HR Officer
Egmont Group Secretariat
11.2020 - 02.2022
- Responsible for creating all new HR polices and procedures to create a better working environment for all staff and executive team members.
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Improved department efficiency by streamlining and implementing policies and procedures.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to address complex issues, leading to more efficient problem-solving processes.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined workflows, reducing redundancies and increasing operational efficiency.
- Developed and maintained relationships with employees by implementing programs like Ask HR to continuously engage and motivate staff to achieve individual goals in conjunction with Executive teams expectations.
- Delivered high-quality training programs, enhancing employee skill sets and contributing to professional development efforts.
- Worked directly with Finance department to effectively deliver bi-weekly payroll to all departments.
Senior Manager HR – North America & Global IRCC
VFS Global
05.2018 - 11.2020
- Responsible for recruitment and retention of all employees with HR team. Supervised a small team of 10 HR professionals and coordinated all logistical matters related to HR including (but not limited to): posting job ads, screening of job applications, coordinating interviews, reference checks, participating in the selection process, writing letters of offer, compensation outlines, and employee coaching and support.
- Part of a global HR Team that developed an AI system called HR Chatbot to create quicker access and better response times for employees who have HR-related questions. Drove platform across the globe to all Regions.
- Created and implemented performance plans for local and international employees (e.g. Canada, USA, Caribbean, Mexico), while directing follow-up reviews and providing additional support resulting in employees reaching their goals and seeing notable positive changes in their performance.
- Implemented recruitment solutions that reduced cost by $500,000 USD to enhance the organization's hiring capability of ‘Professional’ staff in alignment with the business objectives through the use of social media, referral program, restructured recruitment agency contracts, and a hiring grid for key behavioral markers for each role.
- Worked directly with government consultants within Canada (IRCC) and Internationally (e.g. USA, Caribbean Islands, Mexico) to maintain the highest level of hiring needs as per each country's requirements.
- Worked with Business/Function Heads in the execution of HR business plan/strategy; embedding changes into day-to-day working practice and organization culture so as to build a performance-oriented organization.
- Created regional policies following strict labor laws across different countries, states/provinces, and regions in Canada and Internationally while complying with all country's policies.
- Part of a regional HR team to develop department goals using a balanced scorecard approach.
- Implemented growth strategy through forecast analysis associated with operational business needs and pending staffing requirements from employee base of 10 to 500 within 3-year time frame.
Manager HR – North American and Caribbean
VFS Global
11.2015 - 04.2018
- Responsible for implementing HR strategies within the goals of an organization and administration of the HR Policies/Processes locally/regionally while working directly with the COO and other C-suite levels.
- Lead project coordinator for needs assessments and identified areas for improvement within the organization's policy and procedures manual regarding new hires through onboarding practices, training and development and potential business strategies for business growth; led the revision of said manual resulting in better employee retention and employee satisfaction.
- Part of the implementation team to provide a balanced scorecard approach with employee’s job levels and performance expectations.
- Created a system for internal audits for all North America and Caribbean offices to comply with strict requirements for international business standing.
- Created and implemented talent acquisition strategies to recruit the very best candidates through various avenues including social media sites and effective job postings.
- Responsible for implementing compensation plans for organizations using the total amount of base pay, performance pay, and indirect pay while keeping the business plan in accordance with organizational goals (Lag, Lead or Minimum Salary range).
- Conducted BEI techniques with comprehensive knowledge of recruiting through this effective platform. Ability to train employees on BEI techniques.
- Working with key stakeholders for implementation and roll-out of various organizational building initiatives in their respective zones.
- Managed team of Payroll administrator ensuring all payrolls across each region/country were following strict payroll laws.
Human Resources Manager
Willis College
09.2012 - 06.2015
- Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency, reducing paperwork and manual tasks through an HRIS system.
- Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations, minimizing financial discrepancies through detailed program management.
- Maintained company compliance with provincial and federal laws, in addition to establishing organizational standards and procedures to be followed
- Developed and implemented international recruitment strategies for private career college, which included creating policies and procedures to meet international recruitment standards. Meet tight 3-stage timeline to get approval to recruit international students.
- Updated and created all new polices and streamlined process for onboarding and offboarding staff.
- Collaborate with finance and accounting departments to align payroll processes with budgeting and financial reporting.
- Oversee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee perks.
- Coordinate with benefits providers, ensuring enrollment accuracy, claims processing, and timely employee updates.
- Organized and led staff orientation programs and training to promote collaboration.
Human Resources Administrator
Willis College
10.2011 - 09.2012
- Provided administrative support to Campus Managers and College President, assisting with day-to-day operations and ensuring smooth workflow.
- Assisted with recruitment processes, including posting job openings, screening resumes, and coordinating interviews.
- Helped organize employee onboarding, preparing materials and scheduling orientation sessions for new hires.
- Maintained and updated employee records in the HRIS system, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of information.
- Maintained accurate personnel records to ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing efficient HR processes and policies.
- Supported Campus Managers in resolving employee grievances, promoting a harmonious work environment.
- Assisted with special HR projects as needed, such as employee engagement initiatives and policy updates.
- Managed benefits administration, ensuring timely enrollment and accurate information dissemination to employees.
- Coordinated performance evaluation process, providing constructive feedback to employees for continuous improvement.
- Administered payroll processing accurately and on time, maintaining employee trust in compensation management practices.
Education
Business Management HR Certification -
Carleton University, Sprott School of Business
09.2011
Masters - Human Kinetics, Performance Management and Consulting
University of Ottawa
04.2010
Bachelor Degree - Psychology
Saint Mary’s University
04.2008
Skills
- Strategic HR
- Employment Laws Canada & Global HR Experience
- Performance Management
- Policy Design & Implementation
- Employee Recruitment & Retention
- Succession Planning
- Compensation & Benefit Programs
- Forecasting & Budget
- Regional Business Development through Remote platforms
- HR analytics
- Leadership coaching
- Workforce improvements
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Senior Director HR
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
02.2022 - Current
Lead HR Officer
Egmont Group Secretariat
11.2020 - 02.2022
Senior Manager HR – North America & Global IRCC
VFS Global
05.2018 - 11.2020
Manager HR – North American and Caribbean
VFS Global
11.2015 - 04.2018
Human Resources Manager
Willis College
09.2012 - 06.2015
Human Resources Administrator
Willis College
10.2011 - 09.2012
Masters - Human Kinetics, Performance Management and Consulting
University of Ottawa
Bachelor Degree - Psychology
Saint Mary’s University
Business Management HR Certification -
Carleton University, Sprott School of Business
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