Michelle Coughlin
Summary
Strategic and innovative HR professional with expertise in scaling people operations for high-growth, private equity-backed companies in tech and healthcare. Proven success in aligning HR strategy with business goals, driving digital transformation, and building high-performance cultures. Skilled in workforce planning, organizational design, and leadership development that enable rapid innovation and market expansion. Adept at leveraging HRIS, analytics, and scalable people programs to optimize performance and engagement across teams.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Human Resources Director
DC Electric
01.2024 - 07.2025
- Directed each phase of hiring process, encompassing employment verification, employee relations investigations, criminal background checks and onboarding.
- Developed comprehensive employee training programs, resulting in a more skilled workforce.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant labor laws, protecting both employees'' rights and the organization''s interests.
- Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
People Operations Business Partner
Refocus Eye, Remote
10.2024 - 04.2025
- Provided HR support for over 500 employees across multiple regions and advised six executive leaders.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives, resulting in significant reduction in operational expenses.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders for improved collaboration and strategic alignment.
- Increased employee engagement by streamlining business processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Implemented an OKR-aligned talent management system, strengthening accountability throughout the organization.
Senior HR Business Partner
NECI, Remote
03.2022 - 12.2023
- Led engagement surveys and cross-functional action planning.
- Established a Revenue Operations team to foster collaboration across go-to-market divisions.
- Led change management efforts, ensuring smooth transitions during mergers and acquisitions.
- Evaluated HR metrics to identify trends, measure success, and make data-informed decisions about ongoing strategic priorities.
Senior HR Business Partner / Global HR Manager
Zebra Technologies, Remote
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Maintained a 98% retention rate of essential talent during a $575M SaaS acquisition.
- Directed HR operations spanning four continents.
- Optimized merit and performance management processes.
- Coached managers on effective communication techniques, promoting greater transparency within the organization.
- Oversaw employee engagement surveys and action plans, addressing areas of concern proactively to improve satisfaction rates.
HR Consultant (Contract)
Santander Bank
11.2017 - 11.2018
- Designed job architecture and career frameworks for a workforce of over 1,500 employees.
- Partnered with senior leadership to establish and develop corporate and HR policies and procedures.
HR Manager
DC Electric
10.2015 - 10.2017
- Oversaw essential HR functions including payroll, benefits, compliance, and safety.
- Managed employee relations, investigating and resolving conflicts to maintain a positive work environment.
- Implemented performance management systems, providing constructive feedback and coaching opportunities for employees.
- Oversaw payroll functions, ensuring accuracy while maintaining strict confidentiality standards for sensitive employee information.
Education
Master of Science - Organizational Behavior, Human Capital Engineering & Analytics
New York University
New York05-2014
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Northeastern University
Boston05-2011
Skills
- Organizational Design & Change Leadership
- Talent Strategy
- Workforce Planning
- Leadership Development
- Performance Management
- DEI Strategy
- Employee Engagement
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Compliance management
- HR analytics
- Systems: Workday, ADP, Salesforce (Sage), emPerform, Lattice, BambooHR, SuccessFactors
Accomplishments
- Post-Merger Integration: Achieved 98% technical talent retention during a $575M SaaS company acquisition.
- Performance Management: Rolled out an OKR system that achieved 96% adoption among managers.
- Organizational Design: Accelerated time-to-market by 20% through strategic restructuring.
- Leadership Development: Developed succession plans and job frameworks that improved retention rates.
Certification
SHRM-CP (2014), PI Certification (2022), Korn Ferry 360 (2020), ADP Workforce Now (2019)
Timeline
People Operations Business Partner
Refocus Eye, Remote
10.2024 - 04.2025
Human Resources Director
DC Electric
01.2024 - 07.2025
Senior HR Business Partner
NECI, Remote
03.2022 - 12.2023
Senior HR Business Partner / Global HR Manager
Zebra Technologies, Remote
01.2018 - 01.2022
HR Consultant (Contract)
Santander Bank
11.2017 - 11.2018
HR Manager
DC Electric
10.2015 - 10.2017
Master of Science - Organizational Behavior, Human Capital Engineering & Analytics
New York University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Northeastern University
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