Karen Leckrone

Opentrons Labworks, a venture-capital-backed life science company in Series C funding round, specializes in developing laboratory robots and innovative solutions for genome-scale cell engineering. I was recruited by the Head of HR to oversee Talent department in a rapid growth environment

• Orchestrated comprehensive overhaul of Talent Strategy, transitioning from a reactive and outsourced model to a proactive, streamlined and cohesive model
• Implemented process improvements that substantially decreased reliance on staffing agencies, resulting in $2.6M year-over-year cost savings despite leaner talent team post downsizing
• Pioneered recruiting strategy to expand Robotics commercial team globally by successfully recruiting five team members based in the UK
• Developed and executed streamlined full cycle recruiting process, including creation of Talent Playbook in Confluence, fostering alignment and consistency across business units
• Led project to procure, select, implement and launch new applicant tracking system, JobVite, significantly enhancing company’s ability to attract and retain top talent
• Successfully launched company’s inaugural branded career website, featuring engaging and interactive content optimized for both desktop and mobile platforms
• Introduced Interviewing workshops to promote consistent, inclusive and efficient hiring practices throughout organization
• Implemented company’s first Candidate Satisfaction survey, achieving impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 75+ within first year
• Initiated process efficiencies through automation, including job posting scrapes, streamlined requisition and offer approval process and automated reference checks
• Defined and measured key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and disseminate meaningful data to relevant stakeholders

Best Buy acquired GreatCall Inc. in 2019. Best Buy Health aims to enrich and save lives through technology and meaningful connections. Our strategy focuses on three main areas: consumer health products that help customers live healthier lives, device-based emergency response services for the active aging population, and virtual care offerings that help to connect patients and physicians.

• Oversee annual global hiring of ~900 employees in multiple locations throughout business growth and expansion
• Led team of 10 direct reports located in San Diego CA, Detroit MI, Reno, NV, and San Antonio TX while providing a balance of direction and support to result in engaged and productive team
• Crafted and executed strategy to recruit over 200 employees to join inaugural 50,000 sq ft Caring Center in San Antonio, effectively supporting organization's strategic growth objectives
• Deploy creative sourcing and advertising strategies to successfully place more roles without use of staffing agencies, resulting in 98% of roles filled by internal TA team
• Cultivated team unity during acquisition period, ensuring seamless integration and maintaining exceptional candidate experience in challenging labor landscape
• Served as primary contact for Health during migration of ATS from Taleo to Kenexa, interfacing with cross functional team

Greatcall (now Best Buy Health) provides innovative suite of mobile products and an approach to customer care helps aging consumers live more independent lives.

• Established successful Talent Acquisition function from scratch in rapidly growing, dynamic, high-tech environment. Responsible for hiring, training and mentoring team of 5 direct reports located across multiple states
• Collaborated with cross functional team to launch company's first Careers website and establish recruitment social media channels, enhancing overall candidate experience and employer brand
• Managed implementation of Talent Acquisition collaboration space in Confluence, facilitating workflow documentation and knowledge sharing to maximize recruiter effectiveness
• Strategically sourced and managed all recruitment vendors including staffing agencies, ATS vendor, background screening vendor and software assessment vendor, ensuring alignment with business needs and competitive pricing
• Developed and delivered Talent Acquisition trainings for leadership

During this time, I provide full-cycle recruitment support for various companies including GreatCall, CareFusion ($4B medical technology company) and The Vanguard Group, Inc (a leading provider of investment management services)