James Mitchell
james.mitchell@email.com | +61 2 8947 3521 | 42 Eucalyptus Drive, Pymble NSW 2073 | linkedin.com/in/jamesmitchell-hr

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

HR Director EMEA
Meridian Global Solutions, London, United Kingdom
January 2020 – Present

Lead comprehensive human resources strategy and operations across Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions, supporting 2,500+ employees across 18 countries. Direct a team of 12 HR professionals managing talent acquisition, organizational development, compensation & benefits, and employee relations. Spearhead regional HR transformation initiatives aligned with global business objectives, resulting in 35% improvement in employee engagement scores and 28% reduction in voluntary turnover. Oversee annual compensation review cycles with €180M budget, ensuring competitive positioning and internal equity. Partner with C-suite executives on workforce planning, succession management, and organizational restructuring. Implement shared services model for payroll and benefits administration, achieving 40% efficiency gains. Drive talent development programs including executive coaching, leadership development, and career pathing frameworks. Manage compliance with diverse employment regulations across multiple jurisdictions.

Senior HR Manager, Europe
Vertex Consulting Group, Amsterdam, Netherlands
March 2016 – December 2019

Managed end-to-end HR operations for European markets covering 800+ employees in 9 countries. Led talent acquisition strategy, reducing time-to-hire by 45% through implementation of innovative screening processes and executive search partnerships. Designed and delivered performance management framework adopted across region, improving goal alignment and development conversations. Partnered with business leaders on organizational development initiatives including restructuring, integration of acquired entities, and cultural transformation programs. Administered compensation & benefits programs ensuring market competitiveness and cost effectiveness. Coached managers on employee relations matters, talent development, and succession planning. Launched regional learning and development curriculum addressing technical and leadership competencies.

HR Business Partner
Innovate Technologies Pty Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales
June 2012 – February 2016

Provided strategic HR partnership to Sales and Engineering functions supporting 300+ employees. Collaborated with leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, and talent management strategies. Led hiring initiatives for critical technical and commercial roles, building robust talent pipelines. Facilitated performance management processes including goal setting, mid-year reviews, and year-end evaluations. Designed career development frameworks and succession plans for high-potential employees. Delivered coaching to managers on performance issues, employee engagement, and team effectiveness. Managed compensation planning cycles and benefits enrollment processes.

HR Generalist
Catalyst Digital Solutions, Brisbane, Queensland
September 2009 – May 2012

Supported full-cycle HR operations for 150-person technology start-up during rapid growth phase. Managed recruitment and onboarding for technical and business roles. Administered payroll, benefits, and HRIS systems. Coordinated performance review processes and compensation planning. Developed employee engagement initiatives and recognition programs. Handled employee relations matters and policy interpretation.

EDUCATION

Master of Science in Organizational Development
University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales
Graduated: 2009

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales
Graduated: 2007

CERTIFICATIONS

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
Certified Executive Coach

SKILLS

HR Management | Talent Acquisition | Organizational Development | Performance Management | Compensation & Benefits | Executive Coaching | Career Development | Succession Planning | Workforce Planning | Employee Relations | Change Management | HRIS (Oracle) | Payroll Administration | Shared Services | Project Management | Stakeholder Management | Compliance | Presentations | Executive Search | Talent Development | Coaching | Integration Management