MELISSA A WEISS MPA
New York,NY
Summary
Known for Culture Transformation, Talent Elevation, and HR Strategy Realization and Impact. HR executive with 15+ years of experience in workforce planning, talent development, and business transformation for organizations valued at $500M to $1B. Led HR and Talent Acquisition teams of 1-20, managing a global workforce of 3,000+. Increased employee engagement by 20% and reduced turnover by 15% through targeted initiatives. Developed inclusive HR strategies that drove business success, enhanced compliance, and optimized operations. Managed HR budgets of $3M to $9M, increasing cost efficiencies by 12% across multi-country regions. Built executive partnerships and mentored teams through change, aligning stakeholders through transparent communication. Played a key role in M&A integrations, increasing collaboration by 25%, reducing timelines by 30%, and improving performance by 15%.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Fractional Consultant
DHW Consulting, Dentsu
08.2023 - Current
- Provide interim HR leadership specializing in driving tactical execution and strategic initiatives across various industries including Media, Advertising, Communications, Technology (SaaS), Healthcare, and Finance
- Offered expert guidance in employee relations, engagement, performance management, policy development, learning and development, talent acquisition, onboarding, internal communications, compliance, M&A, project management, and process improvement
- Demonstrated proficiency in delivering impactful solutions to enhance overall organizational effectiveness and success
Head of Global Human Resources and Talent Acquisition / CHRO - GS/Everstone Portfolio
Cprime
Remote
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Company Overview: (Company was sold and roles offshored)
- Orchestrated global Human Resources functions for a technology consulting company with a 100% remote workforce, driving business growth and agility
- Standardized global policies and facilitated regional adoptions to streamline operations
- Managed a 20-member team supporting 1,000+ employees with a $9 million budget
- Achieved 18% cost savings through strategic initiatives and established best practices
- Reduced turnover by 10% and boosted employee engagement through strategic recruiting, compensation, and retention efforts
- Enhanced employee experience by streamlining onboarding, increasing new hire engagement by 15%, and boosting manager satisfaction by 12% in partnership with Learning and Development
- Implemented HR Quarterly Business Reviews to analyze status, address gaps, and showcase ROI
- Led HR transformation with a new global HRIS, improving efficiency by 35% and reducing errors
- Introduced 360-degree feedback for the Executive Leadership Team, resulting in a 9.5% increase in leadership engagement and actionable development plans
- Actively contributed to the development of the Staff Handbook and company policy statements, ensuring compliance and consistency
- Analyzed exit interviews and skillfully crafted a comprehensive retention strategy to mitigate turnover
- Collaborated closely with C-level executives to evaluate and enhance existing policies and procedures
- (Company was sold and roles offshored)
Chief People Officer
Concierge Movement
New York, NY
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Directed HR functions for a U.S.-based start-up in health & wellness, leading a team of 4 and aligning HR strategy with business goals to drive growth and optimize operations
- Established a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) to streamline HR operations and provide cost-effective benefits
- Partnered with executive leadership on talent acquisition, change management, workforce planning, and employee engagement initiatives
- Developed data-driven compensation models and empowered department heads with actionable insights
- Boosted employee engagement by 20% through a recognition program featuring peer-to-peer awards, spot bonuses, and long-term incentives
- Led diversity and inclusion efforts, increasing recruitment of underrepresented talent by 20% and improving engagement scores
- Executed talent assessments, coached leaders on feedback and retention strategies, and implemented training focused on performance management, succession planning, and conflict resolution
- Restructured performance management processes, improving employee productivity by 25% and aligning efforts with company goals
- Implemented leadership development programs, increasing internal promotions by 30% and enhancing succession planning
- Reduced turnover by 15% and retained top performers through a comprehensive talent management strategy
Head of Global Human Resources
WPP (MediaCom, Sudler - has been dissolved)
New York, NY
10.2017 - 06.2019
- Led HR & TA functions for global Healthcare and Media agencies with 800 employees and 10 staff, managing a $9.5 million budget
- Aligned processes globally and collaborated with centers of excellence and regional HR teams to implement human capital programs, while leading HR professionals in designing and executing innovative talent acquisition and retention strategies, achieving a 20% reduction in turnover within the first year
- Implemented Data-Driven Compensation Strategies by providing budget-conscious recommendations to department heads through innovative planning and modeling, ensuring fair and competitive compensation practices
- Fostered a Collaborative Culture by energizing centralized and matrixed teams through proactive stakeholder engagement, promoting collaboration and responsiveness
- Demonstrated M&A Expertise by partnering on due diligence and post-acquisition transitions, ensuring alignment with financial and business objectives during complex organizational changes
- Spearheaded Employee Engagement by launching the organization's first survey, achieving a remarkable 90% participation rate, and utilizing insights to drive targeted improvements
- Developed a Talent Pipeline by launching a successful mentoring program that increased retention by 5%, improved employee skills, and fostered a positive work/learning environment
- Reduced HR Disputes by implementing effective conflict resolution initiatives and training, resulting in a 20% decrease in disputes
- Optimized job descriptions and salaries by aligning titles, responsibilities, and market data, reducing internal pay inequities
- Developed and executed a detailed communication framework for a Reduction in Force (RIF), including transparent updates and Q&A sessions with the executive team, reducing leader's uncertainty by 80%
Sr. Human Resources Consultant
NYCHHC
New York, NY
06.2014 - 09.2017
- Provided strategic HR counsel to NYC Health & Hospitals' internal team of 10,000 employees, aligning people and business initiatives to organizational goals
- Served as a trusted business partner to leadership, identifying high-potential employees and developing tailored programs to boost engagement and career growth
- Collaborated with leadership on recruitment, development, and performance strategies, resulting in a 12% increase in employee retention
- Designed and executed HR procedures across employee relations, compliance, talent planning, and leadership development, enhancing organizational capability
- Partnered with management and legal counsel to resolve formal and informal complaints, while facilitating training on diversity, performance management, and leadership development to drive cultural and operational improvements
Education
Masters of Public Administration - Specialization in Human Resources
Baruch College
Bachelor of Arts -
CW Post
Paralegal Certification -
CW Post
Skills
- HR & Business Strategy
- DEI
- Employee Relations
- Change Management
- Job Analysis / Job Design
- Data / HR Analytics
- M&A
- Total Rewards
- HR Policies
- Succession Planning
- Budget Management
- Employment Law
- Compensation & Benefits
- KPI's / OKR's
- Talent Acquisition & Retention
- Coaching & Mentoring
- HR Information Systems (HRIS)
- Salary Structure / Benchmarking
- Compliance / Risk Management
- Learning & Development
Signaturehrskills
- HR & Business Strategy
- DEI
- Employee Relations
- Change Management
- Job Analysis / Job Design
- Data / HR Analytics
- M&A
- Total Rewards
- HR Policies
- Succession Planning
- Budget Management
- Employment Law
- Compensation & Benefits
- KPI's / OKR's
- Talent Acquisition & Retention
- Coaching & Mentoring
- HR Information Systems (HRIS)
- Salary Structure / Benchmarking
- Compliance / Risk Management
- Learning & Development
Priorexperience
- Omnicom Media Group, Vice President / U.S.A Director of Human Resources
- Turner Corporation, U.S Human Resources Director
Certificationsandprofessionalassociations
- HRCI / SHRM Continuing Education Certifications
- LinkedIn Learning Certifications
- PMI Certifications
- Women in Corp
- SHRM Member
Professional Highlights
- Spearheaded end-to-end redesign of onboarding program, reducing time by 25% and increasing new hire engagement metrics by 15%
- Implemented data-driven recruitment strategies yielding 20% improvement in hiring efficiency and quality-of-hire metrics
- Launched high-impact employee referral program generating 28% increase in qualified candidate pipeline
- Architected comprehensive career development framework aligning individual growth with organizational objectives, driving 15% boost in productivity
- Established and scaled Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), resulting in 7% improvement in diverse talent retention over 3-year period
- Designed and deployed company-wide inclusivity training programs enhancing workplace culture and employee engagement
- Led performance management transformation increasing employee satisfaction scores and driving 15% productivity gains
- Developed and implemented comprehensive risk management strategy, including harassment prevention programs and compliance training
- Revolutionized grievance resolution framework, reducing resolution time by 30% while improving employee satisfaction by 20%
- Created streamlined conflict management processes, achieving 98% resolution rate for employee relations issues
- Orchestrated international HR expansion initiatives, delivering 15% efficiency improvement across global operations
- Designed and executed total rewards strategy overhaul, resulting in 10% increase in benefits satisfaction and 5% reduction in turnover
- Built HR function from ground up at high-growth startup, scaling from 50 to 100+ employees while maintaining cultural integrity
- Led end-to-end HR transformation initiatives, modernizing processes and implementing best practices across all HR functions
Timeline
Human Resources Fractional Consultant
DHW Consulting, Dentsu
08.2023 - Current
Head of Global Human Resources and Talent Acquisition / CHRO - GS/Everstone Portfolio
Cprime
01.2022 - 07.2023
Chief People Officer
Concierge Movement
01.2018 - 01.2022
Head of Global Human Resources
WPP (MediaCom, Sudler - has been dissolved)
10.2017 - 06.2019
Sr. Human Resources Consultant
NYCHHC
06.2014 - 09.2017
Masters of Public Administration - Specialization in Human Resources
Baruch College
Bachelor of Arts -
CW Post
Paralegal Certification -
CW Post
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