Natalia Sarmiento

Natalia Sarmiento Buford, GA- -in/sarmientonatalia Culture Architect | Change Management| People First Strategist |Values Driven Leader | Design Thinker | Trusted Advisor | People Experience Transformative Human Resources leader with a proven track record in innovative people strategy and culture building. I empower organizations to maximize effectiveness and increase profitability by deeply connecting leaders and employees with their purpose. My expertise, refined through global and national project management in diverse regions, includes performance management, leadership development, and elevating employee experience. I thrive on collaborative partnerships and a self-motivated determination to deliver impactful HR initiatives. Fluent in English and Spanish, proficient in French. Onboarding | HRIS | Performance Management | Recruiting | Workers Compensation Employee Relations & Engagement | Organizational Change Management | Compensation Project Management| Compliance Professional Experience AMES Taping Tools, Atlanta, GA2020 – 2025 Regional Human Resources Business Partner (West & Central Regions) Served as a strategic consultant, providing department leaders and employees with the necessary knowledge, development, and data-driven insights to foster a successful and high-performing sales environment for the North American Sales Team, which included 12 Executives and more than 180 employees operating in over 100 stores. Spearheaded management transitions during organizational restructures and company mergers, effectively handled over 200 nationwide employee relations cases, and ensured comprehensive state compliance. Assessed the business needs of the sales team by traveling to the various locations and translated those needs into a talent management strategy. • Promoted and advocated for the team member experience at all stages of the team member life cycle by partnering and collaborating with other HR Partners, Regional and Store Leaders, and the VP of Sales in the delivery of People solutions • Directed and implemented local team member projects, bringing a practical approach to program development and execution • Managed key HR initiatives such as talent reviews, performance management, and development planning • Designed and managed the performance management system and review cycle. Empowered leaders through training to identify and develop top talent, resolve performance challenges, and provide impactful feedback for employee growth. • Developed and implemented targeted leadership training for managers and high-potential individuals, focusing on critical skills for organizational growth and succession, fostering a pipeline of future leaders. • Functioned as a key strategic partner and coach to leadership, with a proven ability to analyze issues, recommend, and execute impactful solutions for employee relations. • Increased organizational effectiveness by 30% through the planning, execution, and implementation of ADP Workforce Solution, which reduced HRIS, benefits, and Workers' Compensation costs by 40% • Managed and de-escalated employee relations issues, fostering a fair and respectful process where all perspectives were considered. • Managed the entire employee exit process, including conducting comprehensive risk analyses, leading sensitive exit interviews and termination meetings • Partnered with leaders and managers to cultivate a 'People First' culture that resulted in highly engaged team members • Partnered with leaders to strategically design organizational structures and execute comprehensive workforce planning initiatives. This involved aligning resources with top priorities and developing the critical capabilities needed to achieve company vision and strategy. • Served as the subject matter expert on nationwide HR legal requirements and government reporting regulations. Diligently ensured that all HR policies, procedures, and reporting met or exceeded compliance standards. • Traveled extensively to support new store openings nationwide, providing critical recruiting and business planning assistance to managers for 12 new locations • Worked alongside the M&A Integrations team, facilitating the smooth transition of acquired teams and culture alignment • Drove the creation and ongoing management of HR policies and procedures, with a focus on promoting a consistent and legally compliant workplace nationwide • Analyzed employee trends and data from feedback and surveys to proactively identify recurring people-related issues. Provided actionable recommendations to leadership for resolution • Led comprehensive investigations into employee complaints, misconduct allegations, meticulously documenting findings and proposing decisive resolutions • Implemented Sales Bonus and Incentive Plans and effectively processed quarterly and yearly payouts • Led comprehensive investigations into employee complaints and misconduct allegations, meticulously documenting findings and proposing decisive resolutions • Navigated the complexities of the pandemic by promptly implementing and managing all COVID-19 policies and safety measures for employees, guaranteeing compliance with state regulations and executive orders. SIDEL INC., Atlanta, GA2017 - 2019 Human Resources Manager Executed all North America Region HR functions for 200+ employees and 5 direct reports. Oversaw 60+ immigration cases, relocated 20+ employees worldwide, and recruited 30+ positions within organization and leased with recruiting agencies. • Ensured alignment within the Human Resources team in Canada, Mexico and Brazil according with the Global strategy • Delivered pertinent local and global change information to staff via HR newsletters, provided communication on local events, as well as new and updated policies. • Increased organizational effectiveness by 25% by implementing new HR policies, employee handbooks, and procedures for driving and managing change. • Enhanced employee relations and ensured a more satisfying and safer environment by cultivating and managing relationships with employees and leaders, identifying and resolving concerns, mitigating issues, maintaining records and documentation. • Work with the Global Talent Management and Learning Teams to implement global initiatives in the Americas • Ensured proper guidance on development for managers and teams through employee reviews. • Retained quality talent and improved morale by creating and implementing training and development agenda based on position, skills, and career path of employee, promoting from within and globally relocating 25 employees for international exposure, mentoring, and transitioning 2 direct reports into higher positions within organization. • Enriched performance and productivity, accomplishing 100% face-to-face meetings across organization by overseeing and coaching employees and managers on processes, leading annual reviews locally through HRIS Cornerstone. • Maintained budgetary targets and alignment by overseeing salary adjustments and compensation, leading yearly salary reviews and variable payment process for incremental changes, promotions, and job changes. • Met federal, state, local, and global compliance by managing and reviewing all policies, verifying all procedures are up to date with any changes, training all employees and managers on updates and changes. • Boosted organizational change and employee satisfaction by monitoring EE process, identifying areas for improvement, coordinating action plans, and following up. • Amplified employee engagement and attendance by 20% and improved staff wellness by reviewing and updating employee health and wellness policies, increasing motivation for staying fit with various programs, implementing seminars for Mindfulness and Stress Management with employees participating in on-site biometrics, hearing, and vision programs. • Reduced administrative time by 40% by leading local and global projects on immigration policy, implementing new HRIS, bundling global recruiting and onboarding, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and delivering organizational changes to employees and managers with various communications and campaigns. • Added value to corporate merger by taking ownership of process and successfully onboarding 13 employees into company payroll and processes. • Decreased misinformation and increased employee morale and understanding by communicating company information to employees through HR Newsletters, emails, and coordinating local events, seminars, training sessions, and health and wellness sessions. • Facilitated 80% compliance and automated processes by reviewing and revising employee file records, I-9s, immigration files, and medical leaves / absences. AMERICAN FACILITY SERVICES, Atlanta, GA2014 - 2017 Human Resources Generalist Oversaw over 600 employees on East Coast. Managed multi-state onboarding process for all new hires. Education • Master of Arts (MA), Industrial Organizational Psychology, Argosy University - Atlanta, GA • Bachelor of Science (BS), Psychology, Universidad de la Sabana - Bogotá, Colombia Certifications • Human Resources Management, University of Georgia (2020) – Atlanta, GA • Management Essentials, Skill Path (2018) - Atlanta, Georgia • Organizational Skills for the Overwhelmed, Skill Path, (2018) - Atlanta, Georgia • Employment Law Briefing, Georgia by Ogletree Deakins (2014) - Atlanta, GA • 120 hours of Organizational Management (2007) - Bogota, Colombia • Introduction to Coaching, New Challenge of the Leader (2007) - Bogota, Colombia • Organizational Culture (2006) - Bogota, Colombia Professional Associations • Member, Atlanta SHRM, Attended Conferences 2015,-, 2018, 2019, 2023. • Founder and manager of Public Relations in Atlanta, GA, National Association of Organizational Psychology (NAOP) - 2014 to 2018 Volunteering • Landmark Education Corporation, The Landmark Forum Assistant - As a graduate of the 3 leading programs, mentored and coached new participants 2013 • “Toys for a Smile”- Founder, collected and donated more than 150 toys for kids living in poverty in Colombia 2012 • SHRM, Atlanta - Volunteer, Georgia Jobs for Veterans Career Expo, supported and reviewed veteran’s resumes 2012