SAMRA ALI
Houston,TX
Summary
Strong ethics & result driven HR professional, offering over 14 years of experience in different facets of HR, with roles held as HR Head, Senior HR Manager, Learning & Development Lead, Assistant Manager Talent Sustainability, Talent Acquisition Specialist, HR Analyst at PepsiCo International and TCS (manufacturing/Education industries). Holds a degree of MBA - Strategic HRM Pakistan, currently enrolled in MBA at Trine University Phoenix - USA. Cornell SELP- Senior Executive Leadership Program, Global Elite Leaders List. Enrolled in SHRM -SCP 2026
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. HR Manager- Contract
AIM Communication
Houston, Texas
09.2025 - Current
- Manage the full-cycle recruitment process, including job postings, candidate screening, interviewing, and onboarding
- Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies to attract and retain quality talent
- Serve as primary point of contact for employee inquiries and concerns regarding policies, procedures and programs
- Handle employee grievances, conduct investigations, and resolve conflicts
- Foster a positive and inclusive work environment
- Oversee the performance appraisal process, including goal setting, performance reviews, development plans and provide guidance and support to managers on performance management issues
- Rollout and monitor the implementation of Rewards & Recognition programs
- Identify training needs and develop training programs to enhance employee skills, coordinate and facilitate training sessions and monthly meetings
- Administer employee weekly schedule including payroll processing
- Reporting: CEO
- Developed and implemented HR strategies to align with business objectives.
- Led talent acquisition initiatives, enhancing recruitment processes and candidate experience.
HR Head/Lead- Center Region
The City Group
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
01.2020 - 01.2024
- At a regional level, I spearheaded a significant overhaul of HR practices, led HR transformation projects under change management, and reported directly to the BOD member, regional director, and HR director. I managed a portfolio of over 3,100 headcounts while leading a dedicated team of 15 professionals across 42 locations.
- I led multiple HR transformation projects for the central region, restructured the HR department into a cluster framework, and drove end-to-end digital transformation initiatives. These efforts significantly improved key HR processes, including performance management, onboarding, and recruitment.
- Managed the full 360-degree HR employee life cycle and operations for a workforce of 3,100 employees. This included recruitment, onboarding, payroll processing, benefits disbursement, development and retention, off boarding, advocacy, and grievance handling.
- Developed a framework to enhance employer brand visibility through social media platforms like LinkedIn and Rozee while engaging headhunters. I also introduced multiple employee engagement initiatives by implementing recognition (R&R) programs and activated them through HR internal communications.
- Reporting: CEO/Board Member, Regional Director and HR Director
Senior Manager HR/ Acting HR Head
Pioneer Cement Limited
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Managed a workforce of 2,600 employees and a team of six members, reporting directly to the CEO. Developed an annual operational plan and strategic HR plan based on Vision 2025, covering the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of HR policies, initiatives, and processes.
- Led key HR initiatives, including the implementation of a Performance Management System, nationwide recruitment drives, the rewards & recognition program, and an onboarding framework. Additionally, devised HR and L&D budgeting, conducted organization-wide training needs analysis, developed a training strategy, and rolled out the annual training calendar.
- Oversaw the complete 360-degree HR employee life cycle and operations for the head office and plant, managing a workforce of 2,600. Responsibilities included recruitment, onboarding, payroll processing, benefits disbursement, employee development and retention, off boarding, advocacy, and grievance handling
- Reporting: CEO
Learning & Development Lead
PepsiCo International
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
01.2016 - 01.2017
- As the Head of the Learning & Development Department at PepsiCo, I oversaw various initiatives aimed at enhancing the professional growth and competence of the workforce. Key achievements and responsibilities included formulating and implementing the annual Learning & Development calendar, managing the department's annual budgeting, devising a five-year strategic plan, and conducting Training Needs Analysis (TNA).
- Led organization-wide HR core processes, including the Performance Management Process, 360-degree feedback, MQPI feedback process, and People Planning.
- Managed PepsiCo's organizational health and 360-degree manager quality surveys reinforced the leadership competency framework and led soft skills development initiatives such as the First Time Manager Program, Coaching Manager Program, My Blue Sky, and Emerging Leaders Program. Additionally, internal consultation provided to functional stakeholders and HR Business Partners.
- Reporting: Asia Pacific L&D Director and HR Director
Assistant Manager Talent Sustainability
PepsiCo International
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
01.2016 - 01.2017
- As an AM Sustainability, I led the compilation of the annual Training Needs Analysis (TNA) for Beverages & Snacks (both online and offline) and managed the execution of the Talent Development Guide. I oversaw organization-wide HR core processes, including the Performance Management Process, 360-degree feedback, MQPI feedback process, People Planning, and Organizational Health Surveys. Additionally, I conducted training sessions on PepsiCo Values and Code of Conduct (COC) certifications throughout the year.
- Worked extensively on employee engagement initiatives and led the Women Forum to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for female employees, aiming to enhance retention. Also contributed to diversity initiatives across the organization by providing valuable insights and recommendations.
- Reporting: Learning & Development Lead
Talent Acquisition Specialist
PepsiCo International
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
01.2012 - 01.2014
- As a Talent Acquisition Specialist, I was responsible for implementing all Employer Value Proposition (EVP) initiatives and overseeing the hiring of management staff. I led the rollout of the annual internship program and management training program across the country, designed recruitment processes, ensured proper controls were in place, and met HR audit requirements.
- Led the efficient development and implementation of Talent Acquisition (TA) monthly reporting, including Po1 TA Scorecard and TA BS/HS. Additionally, I managed and reviewed the vacancy report, master file, and HR scorecard.
- Reporting: Talent Acquisition Manager
HR Analyst & OMD Coordinator
PepsiCo International
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Co-led the talent and staffing agenda with the HR Head for Frito Lay, responsible for conducting interviews and assessment centers to hire the right talent within 90 days of job posting for all vacant positions. Maintained records of personnel transactions such as hires, promotions, transfers, confirmations, and terminations. Ensured the execution of the training calendar.
- Reporting: HR Head Beverages and Talent Acquisition Manager
HRMS Executive
PepsiCo International
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Streamlined the HR information system for Frito-Lay resulting in smooth processing of online transaction
- Reporting: HR Head Frito Lay
HR Intern
PepsiCo International
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
08.2009 - 11.2009
- Closed the personal files completion project and won an award on HR controls compliance
- Reporting: HR Head Frito Lay
Education
MBA - HR And Operations Management
Trine University Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ08-2026
Senior Executive Leadership Program - Ops Management & Business Model Transformation
Cornell University
New York, NY04-2024
MBA - Strategic Human Resource Management
Government College University (GCU)
Lahore Pakistan06-2009
BBA - Honors
LCW University
Lahore Pakistan 08-2006
FSC - General Sciences
LCW University
Lahore Pakistan 01-2003
Skills
- Strategic Business Partnership
- HR Transformation & OD
- Cultivating a Positive Workplace Culture
- HR Lifecycle & Operations Management
- Talent Development and Acquisition
- HRIS (Oracle, SAP-Success Factors)
- Project Management
- Learning and Growth Initiatives
- DEI Integration
- Employee Engagement
- Effective Performance Management
- AI: ChatGPT, Midjourney, Presentationai
Accomplishments
- 2022- Designed and automated Performance Management System for The City School
- 2021- Streamlined and automated the Onboarding program for The City Group
- 2017 R&R Award - Delivered the highest number of training hours with an overall average of 4.5/5 feedback
- 2016 R&R Award - Recognized for an innovative execution of the "Building Your Career at PepsiCo Month"
- 2015 R&R Award - Commended for creatively managing the 70:20:10 awareness campaign of PepsiCo's Talent framework
- 2014 R&R Award - Launched PepsiCo Pak Management Trainee Program, "Discover Infinite Possibilities,"
- 2014 R&R Award - Launched PepsiCo Pak summer internship program, "Explore Infinite Possibilities"
- 2013 R&R Award - Launched and formalized PepsiCo Pak first summer internship program across country
- 2013 R&R Award - Launched PepsiCo's employer brand, "Possibilities," internal and external for the Market Unit
- 2012 R&R Award - Launched PepsiCo online recruitment system Kenexa for Business Unit
- 2012 R&R Award - Acknowledged for promoting environmental responsibility through a Plantation Activity under PWP
- 2011 R&R Award - Received the above and beyond Performance Award for developing the "U&I" HR Newsletter
- 2010 R&R Award - Recognized with the Control Champion Award for streamlining the HRMS
Affiliations
- Society of Human Resource Management
Certification
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certification from ILR Cornell Tech
- Certified Train the Trainer: PepsiCo Coaching Manager Program
- Certified Train the Trainer: First Time Manager Program, PepsiCo
- Certified Train the Trainer: Emerging Leaders Program, PepsiCo
- Certified Train the Trainer: Appreciating Diversity Program, PepsiCo
- Advanced Human Capital Measurement Metrics
- Online PepsiCo HR University Course: Talent Forecasting
- Smart Leadership: Delivering Results Using IQ & EQ
- Speed of Trust Workshop - Frankly Covey
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People- Frankly Covey
- HR Analytics -LUMS
Languages
Urdu
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
- Music
- Gym Workouts
- Swimming
Timeline
Sr. HR Manager- Contract
AIM Communication
09.2025 - Current
HR Head/Lead- Center Region
The City Group
01.2020 - 01.2024
Senior Manager HR/ Acting HR Head
Pioneer Cement Limited
01.2018 - 01.2019
Learning & Development Lead
PepsiCo International
01.2016 - 01.2017
Assistant Manager Talent Sustainability
PepsiCo International
01.2016 - 01.2017
Talent Acquisition Specialist
PepsiCo International
01.2012 - 01.2014
HR Analyst & OMD Coordinator
PepsiCo International
01.2011 - 01.2012
HRMS Executive
PepsiCo International
01.2010 - 01.2011
HR Intern
PepsiCo International
08.2009 - 11.2009
MBA - HR And Operations Management
Trine University Phoenix
Senior Executive Leadership Program - Ops Management & Business Model Transformation
Cornell University
MBA - Strategic Human Resource Management
Government College University (GCU)
BBA - Honors
LCW University
FSC - General Sciences
LCW University