Sandra Olivarez
Rogers,AR
Summary
A proven thought leader and change agent, I excel at connecting the dots across complex systems and leading high-performing teams to execute at scale. With expertise in developing and implementing innovative solutions, I specialize in aligning business goals with operational excellence, optimizing processes, and delivering measurable outcomes. Known for my collaborative leadership style, I consistently drive organizational success by fostering innovation, maintaining high standards, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives. A passionate advocate for continuous improvement and excellence.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director, Strategic Innovation & Technology
SAIC (Department of Defense, OUSD P&R, CTMO)
02.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded Talent Acquisition and Technology Innovation: Pioneered the development and implementation of the “prospecting” talent acquisition engine, revolutionizing the left “supply” side of the Labor Market Framework (LMF). Led the design and scaling of a technology architecture that integrated seamlessly into the broader talent management ecosystem, driving improved talent flow and recruitment efficiency across the People Industrial Base. Co-led the “Whole of Nation” initiative, uniting leaders from five domains (.com, .org, .edu, .mil, .gov) to enhance talent acquisition strategies and create a scalable technological framework for Total Force Talent Management.
- Program and Project Management Excellence: Directed the establishment of an intermediary ecosystem within the LMF, creating uniform talent pipelines that resulted in the Army’s conversion rate soaring from 0.08% to over 80%, and built a pipeline of 3,000+ qualified candidates in under eight weeks. Achieved first enlistment within 30 days as a proof of concept, demonstrating the speed and efficiency of the initiative.
- Customer-Centric Innovation and AI-Driven Solutions: Developed and executed a strategic framework for Total Force Talent Management, leading cross-functional workshops and collaborating with key organizations to address customer needs. Directed the creation of zero-bias AI technology solutions that enhanced user experience, fostering innovation and enabling self-discovery models for talent development, significantly enhancing the scalability of the LMF within the CTMO.
- Leadership in Organizational and Vendor Management: Led the development and scaling of talent supply capabilities within the LMF, building and maintaining a strong network of vendor partners to ensure a consistent flow of quality talent. Standardized operating procedures, driving efficiency and consistency across functional communities (TTXs) and ensuring successful project delivery.
Program Manager Product Development II, Military Programs
Walmart Stores, Inc.
09.2016 - 02.2024
- Designed, developed and deployed an innovative platform to help execute against our new strategy to help advance economic opportunity and overall wellbeing of the entire military community
- Administered Military Programs for the world's largest retailer including portfolio, brand, budget, policy, program and stakeholder management
- Deployed and evolved programs across 4 pillars of work (employment, education, entrepreneurship, well-being) that led to more than 533,000 veteran and military spouse hires
- Advise business leaders on the military space and how they can best engage with the community
Project Manager II, Field Recruiting - HR
Walmart Stores, Inc.
10.2014 - 09.2016
- Lead project to hire 600+ Market level Fresh Operations Managers across the country in 3 years - driving growth in brand, double digit sales, profit increase and 10% reduction in shrink nationwide
- Manage Walmart & Sam's Field Internship Engagement/Conversion programs at scale
- Managed projects in support of company's Veteran's Welcome Home Initiative, ensuring our partners have the tools and resources needed to fulfill the organization commitment
Field Recruiter, Field Recruiting - HR
Walmart Stores, Inc.
11.2013 - 10.2014
- Recruited at scale and hard to fill roles for all Walmart US Field Market level and above positions in HR, Merchandising, Talent Development and Developmental Operations with full cycle recruiting
- Managed pre-employment screening, sourcing for potential candidates, interviews, drafting proposed compensation, offer letters, relocation, and sign-on bonuses.
- Evaluated & advised on implementation of new CRM, ATS solutions as an early adopter and user.
- Analyzed recruitment data to identify trends and areas of improvement, implementing changes that led to more efficient hiring processes.
- Continually updated knowledge of recruitment best practices and industry trends, ensuring the company remained competitive in attracting top talent.
- Organized company-sponsored Women in Retail summits in critical markets to promote brand awareness among prospective candidates.
Assistant Store Manager, WM Supercenter 5078
Walmart Stores, Inc.
07.2011 - 11.2013
- Assessed budgeting and forecasting including economic trends and demographic information (approximately $200,000 a day/$80 million a year)
- Implemented programs that reduced shrink from 1.2% to .25% in one year, adding $600k to our bottom line
- Supervised and managed 150+ Associates, Leaders daily
- Developed ideas and sales strategies that ensure the success of all departments and create opportunities for new growth
- Entrusted with making area specific business decisions with merchandising, seasonality, departmental layouts, operations and execution, as well as hiring, training, scheduling, development, recognition, performance evaluation and termination of associates within areas of responsibility
Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management
John Brown University
Rogers, AR12.2015
Skills
- Strategic & Analytical Thinking
- Thought Leadership
- Program Management
- Product Development
- Business Intelligence
- Design thinking
- Data-driven decision making
- Product roadmapping
- Budget Management
- Brand Strategy
- Lean Six Sigma
- Agile Methodology
Clearance
Active Secret Clearance
Accomplishments
- Conceived and Executed the “Prospecting” Engine Innovation: Originated and led the development and deployment of a groundbreaking “prospecting” engine within the Labor Market Framework (LMF). Spearheaded the design and implementation, revolutionizing talent flow and transforming talent management across the People Industrial Base.
- Designed, developed and deployed Walmart's Find a Future platform, leading a cross-functional and cross-organizational team through 3 major releases in 2 1/2 years to support our labor market framework, leading to more than 3.5 million engagements and contributing to more than half a million military community hires.
- Influenced key leaders in Fortune 1 to reimagine traditional recruiting practices and think outside the box to create new meaningful ways to employment that led to increased volume, retention, and performance at scale.
- Contributed a chapter to the book Military Veteran Employment: For the Data Driven Leader as well as various white papers.
Timeline
Senior Director, Strategic Innovation & Technology
SAIC (Department of Defense, OUSD P&R, CTMO)
02.2024 - Current
Program Manager Product Development II, Military Programs
Walmart Stores, Inc.
09.2016 - 02.2024
Project Manager II, Field Recruiting - HR
Walmart Stores, Inc.
10.2014 - 09.2016
Field Recruiter, Field Recruiting - HR
Walmart Stores, Inc.
11.2013 - 10.2014
Assistant Store Manager, WM Supercenter 5078
Walmart Stores, Inc.
07.2011 - 11.2013
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management
John Brown University
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