Strategic HR Executive-Transformation & Talent Leadership

Hector Velazquez

442-***-**** - ******.***********@*******.***

Strategic Human Resources Executive Organizational Transformation & Talent Management Leader

Dynamic and results-driven HR executive with extensive international and multicultural experience in driving organizational transformation, talent optimization, and leadership development. Proven track record of aligning people strategies with business objectives to enhance performance, foster inclusive cultures, and deliver measurable financial outcomes.

Recognized for a data-driven approach to organizational development, Hector excels in conducting comprehensive needs assessments and implementing impactful change management initiatives. A trusted advisor and coach to senior leaders and executives, he brings a collaborative mindset and strategic foresight to complex business challenges.

Professional Experience

LALA US, INC. – DALLAS, TX

Vice President, Human Resources April 2023 – Present

Optimized people costs across business units by leading enterprise-wide workforce planning initiatives that reduced labor costs by 12% year-over-year through strategic headcount alignment, role consolidation, and automation of administrative HR tasks.

Delivered favorable P&L impact through transformation initiatives by implementing a multi-phase organizational redesign that resulted in $1.0M in annual savings, aligning talent strategy with business growth and operational efficiency goals.

Enhanced Compliance & Risk Mitigation by achieving 100% compliance in I-9 audits and background checks across all U.S. locations by implementing automated tracking systems and rigorous training programs.

Proactively updated HR policies to align with evolving federal and state employment laws, reducing legal exposure and ensuring audit readiness.

Strategic Investment in People Development by designing and launched a scalable leadership development program that increased retention rates (2.0%) year-over-year and reduced external hiring costs.

Implemented Wellness & Retention Initiatives Driving Financial Outcomes. Introduced a comprehensive wellness program that contributed to a $700K reduction in healthcare costs, while improving employee well-being and reducing absenteeism across the organization.

Integrated Woliba and Litmos to Elevate Employee Experience. Deployed Woliba (Work-Life Balance platform) and Litmos (Learning Management System). These platforms enhanced morale and retention through personalized wellness programs and targeted learning strategies.

Provided executive coaching to senior leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance that contributed to a 15% increase in EBITDA over two fiscal years.

Delivered strategic HR leadership during a CEO transition, managing conflict among executive team members and establishing key collaboration guidelines that ensured business continuity and preserved organizational momentum.

ITT, Technologies – Irvine, CA May 2022 – April 2023

Director, Human Resources

Led Strategic HR Operations Across Multi-Site Workforce - Oversaw HR functions for 1,000 employees across four locations, including cross-border operations in Nogales, Sonora. Ensured consistent policy implementation, compliance, and cultural alignment across U.S. and Mexico sites.

Improved Retention Through Targeted Engagement Programs - Developed and deployed localized employee engagement strategies tailored to each site, resulting in a 28% improvement in retention and a measurable reduction in turnover-related costs.

Delivered Cost Reductions Through Workforce Optimization - Implemented workforce planning and scheduling efficiencies that led to a $2.3M reduction in labor costs, while maintaining service levels and productivity benchmarks.

Boosted Productivity Through Talent Development Initiatives - Rolled out site-specific training programs using Workforce LMS, increasing frontline productivity by 18% and reducing onboarding time by 25%.

Strengthened Compliance Across Jurisdictions - Ensured full compliance with federal and state employment laws, including I-9 verification, background checks, and wage/hour regulations. Successfully passed internal audits with zero findings across all locations.

Implemented Cross-Border HR Harmonization - Aligned HR practices between U.S. and Mexico operations, including compensation benchmarking, benefits harmonization, and bilingual training programs, enhancing employee satisfaction and operational consistency.

AERZEN US – COATESVILLE, PA August 2021 – May 2022

Sr. manager, learning & Development Americas

Developed and Implemented Regional Training Strategy - Designed and executed a unified training framework across multiple sites, aligning learning initiatives with business goals and increasing workforce capability and consistency.

Ensured Audit-Ready Compliance Through LMS Oversight - Managed the company’s Learning Management System (LMS) and training documentation, maintaining full compliance with internal and external audit requirements across U.S. and Mexico operations.

Modernized Technical Training with Virtual Learning Technologies

Implemented virtual learning platforms for complex technical processes and equipment, reducing training time by 30% and improving knowledge retention across manufacturing teams.

Revamped Onboarding Experience Using SharePoint - Designed and launched SharePoint-based onboarding hubs, streamlining access to business resources and accelerating new hire productivity by 25%.

Collaborated with Global Leadership to Drive Regional Development - Partnered with Aerzen Germany’s Training & Qualification Manager and the Americas Sr. Leadership Team to identify and address regional training needs, deploying scalable and sustainable development solutions.

Created interactive e-learning modules tailored to both internal associates and external customers, enhancing product knowledge and customer satisfaction.

Certified Internal Trainers for Scalable Program Delivery - Developed and executed a trainer certification program to ensure consistent and effective delivery of learning initiatives across all locations.

Qualcomm, Inc – San Diego, CA

Organizational Development Manager (Contractor/E-Team) August 2020 – July 2021

Led the Workforce Development taskforce to provide professional expertise and support in the design, development and implementation of the talent road map that is required to achieve business goals for the Engineering IT (EngIT) function.

Designed and conducted technical training needs assessment and developed performance improvement solutions focused on talent capabilities, processes, and engagement.

Drove ongoing learning needs analysis, design, scripting, development, implementation and evaluation of training materials to ensure alignment with business strategy.

Collected, analyzed and maintained data gathered to inform targeted leadership development, Knowledge Silo Matrix (KSM’s) and technical training and development.

Performed continuous improvement analysis and interventions to improve business processes by collaborating with stakeholders (Service Management Roadmaps, Risk Vendor Profile, EngIT AHM, Staff+, and Strategy meetings)

Facilitated the process to improve OneIT Capabilities (Services) effectiveness by assessing and analyzing the performance gap between their current state and their aspirational state and the completion of Services Roadmaps.

Liaison with staffing and GID (Global Inclusion and Diversity) to participate in Diversity Conferences and implement I&D initiatives (Pacesetters)

Drove the company Internship program by partnering with Staffing to source, recruit and hire candidates.

DNA BIZ Solutions (Human Resources Professional Consultant – Own Business)

Founder November 2016-August 2020

Managed a P/L with more than $1.0M in revenue by building sustainable and trusting relationships with multiple business owners and stakeholders.

Provided advice and technical guidance to business owners and their stakeholders regarding employee relation issues, discipline, and potential liability situations.

Made recommendations to management on proper handling employees’ relationships issues.

Facilitated employee communication meetings and disciplinary documentation as needed with business owners and their stakeholders.

Implemented Leadership Development, Team Effectiveness, and Professional Development programs for their business needs.

Measured organization effectiveness by identifying, setting and tracking financial Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) to increase revenue, margin, and business growth.

Led executive change management strategies to support critical evolution of client's businesses.

Identified barriers to organizational performance and developed solutions and implement plans to address issues.

Evaluated and identified training needs and presented plan of action that was completed as expected.

Carl Zeiss Vision – San Diego, CA

Director, Organizational Development - Americas June 2011-November 2016

Developed and Executed Strategic HR Leadership Across the Americas Region

Led the human resources strategy for Operations and Commercial businesses across the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela. Designed and implemented organizational development initiatives that enhanced individual and team performance, aligned talent strategies with business goals, and improved overall organizational effectiveness. Successfully increased regional productivity and retention while optimizing workforce costs and supporting cross-cultural integration.

Managed 8 Human Resources managers in the Americas region to support the commercial and manufacturing operations of the business.

Led culture assessment, assimilation and continued monitoring process as part of the strategic planning for acquisition of 2,500 associates due to the acquisition of new business. Included Cultural Journey program and performance management development in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela.

Primary Facilitator for the Latin America region for the Cultural Journey program. Deployed about 150 team summits with specific “Change Agreements” and action plans to improve the organizational culture and bottom line the organization’s business results.

Responsible for leading the delivery of Global Leadership Development programs such as the Executive Leadership Series and the Senior Leadership Series in partnership with Corporate Head Quarters in Germany to create a stronger global mindset and global orientation at the SVP/VP and Sr. Director levels.

Coached country managers to define the culture change implementation strategy and by providing coaching on specific organizational issues.

Developed and implemented leadership development strategies and succession plan/process resulting in a 75% internal promotion rate.

Led Change Management Initiative for the US Commercial and Operations groups to increase sales and market share as a part of the organization business strategy.

Led cross-functional teams to design and deploy a training system for U.S. labs network to ensure audit readiness resulting in:

oIncreased on time delivery by 20%.

oDecreased direct labor turnover by 20%.

oReduced customer complaints by 15%.

Reduced early turnover of new hires by 75% through the Onboarding process that included strategic integration, education and intervention process.

oAchieved new hired employment satisfaction of 98% within first year of employment.

oAchieved 100% compliance from internal and external audits on new hires’ training and performance records.

Earned highest score world-wide in company on Employee Commitment Index, contributing to exceeding business goals for successive years.

Retained 100% of employees designated as “Key Talent” through strategic engagement plan.

Developed and implemented succession plan/process resulting in a 75% internal promotion rate.

Provided consultancy and expertise to an international, cross-functional teams of senior managers, acting as catalyst for organizational development knowledge and practices.

OSI Industries, LLC, - Chicago, IL May 2005 – June 2011

Corporate World Headquarters

Organizational Development & Training Manager

Partnered with executive sponsors to develop and articulate the vision and talent management strategy.

Implemented, in collaboration with IT department, an In-house Learning Management System (LMS) to manage the leadership development program for company’s employees. This project represented a cost avoidance in the amount of $100,000 for the department’s budget and increased the efficiency of the program’s management.

Collaborated with the Senior Leadership Team to plan and execute Change Management methodologies that included communications, deadlines, budget, and project management for 7 company’s strategic priority initiatives (SPI’s).

Supported Senior Leadership Team to develop strategies and made key business decisions to increase associates’ engagement, decrease associates’ turnover and develop High Potential individual contributors.

Created learning and communication plans to support specific organizational change projects.

Responsible for Change Management Consulting and support to Senior Leadership Teams across the Americas, and Australia.

Designed and implemented a customized Leadership Development Program aligned to company’s vision and strategic business goals.

Consistently achieved 90% or greater completion compliance on multiple, required annual training, workplace safety, workforce training and development needs by implementing a food-industry Learning Management System (Alchemy System) for 8 US-based sites, and operations in Mexico and Australia.

Managed staff at multiple domestic and international locations (US, Mexico and Brazil).

Provided consultancy and expertise to an international, cross-functional team of senior managers, acting as catalyst for organizational development knowledge and practices.

Developed the process to assess and identify organizational effectiveness programs to instill a high-performance culture (A Culture of Accountability by Partners in Leadership).

Built and enhanced on-boarding, succession planning, and career development as a core component of the company Talent Management strategy.

Led and developed a global talent community focused on overall engagement and retention plan for the organization.

Implemented the company’s Global Leadership Development initiative for the Americas (US, Mexico, and Brazil), Europe (ESCA Foods - Germany), Asia Pacific (HUSI in China and Australia) by identifying eight leadership competencies, and designing a leadership training program with pre/post assessments, mid-term and long term evaluations, 180 and 360 surveys to develop Individual Action Plans to enhance employees’ skill set.

Designed the baseline for the pipeline succession planning for management and front-line leadership positions and developed the career paths for front lines leaders. Provided support to operations departments as an internal consultant and an active player for corporate initiatives by implementing 5S approach and lean manufacturing concepts in the facilities.

TYCO HEALTHCARE (NOW MEDTRONICS) January 2000 – December 2004

Training & Development Supervisor

Led the Operational Excellence initiative (OPEX): Six Sigma Business Process, Lean Methodology, Project Management and Leadership Development.

Led Kaizen teams to improve manufacturing and business processes as a part of Green Belt Lean/Six Sigma projects.

Delivered corporate Vital Matters program (Integrity Matters & Performance Matters) as a part of the post-acquisition of Nellcor Puritan Bennett for LATAM Managers in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.

Designed the Skills and Leadership Competencies Model for exempt, non-exempt & handicapped employees.

Improved organization’s effectiveness by Training and Development programs implemented to assure organizational effectiveness such as Brother Tutorial System (BTS) for mid-level managers, leadership skills assessment for managers, supervisors, and group leads in order to design Training Annual Plan based on company’s values and performance results.

SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS February 1996 – December 2000 Manufacturing Engineer / Technical Trainer

Collaborated with cross functional groups (Engineering, Product Marketing, Sales, Services, Legal, Quality, and Regulatory) to create technical training programs, curricula, course materials and measurements that support business unit strategies and were compliant with regulatory, quality systems, and Business Conduct Standards.

Implemented concept-to-classroom training programs and provided product and processes technical training to electronics engineers and technicians.

Primary technical trainer for engineers and technicians in preparation for the start-up operations in Manaus, Brazil (250 employees).

Primary instructional designer for technical training manuals and development programs for Brazilian and Mexican employees.

Designed the Skills Certification Program for Operators, Q.C. inspectors, lead group, and materials handlers.

Implemented NextGen -Technicians Development Program by partnering with local technical colleges, and universities.

Designed and implemented the technical orientation program.

Ensured timely updates to the course curricula to reflect changes in product design and market demands.

Developed comprehensive training manuals, technical documents and course material for new and existing products.

Delivered training material in a professional manner to both internal employees.

Developed training and instructional strategies and objectives.

Implemented innovative training methods including on-line modules and video tutorials.

Prepared Instructor Guides and train-the-trainer program on new/revised curricula and materials.

Managed company LMS to schedule requests to attend training courses.

Demonstrated training effectiveness through systematic program evaluation and continuous improvement strategy.

Education

M.B.A., International Business, CETYS Universidad—Tijuana, Mexico (2002)

B.S., Chemical Engineering, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla—Puebla, Mexico (1994)

Professional Development & Certifications

Oxford Executive Leadership Programme – Säid Business School

Gallup Clifton Strengths – San Diego, CA

Certified in Leading People through Change by The Ken Blanchard Companies– San Diego, CA

Certified in Situational Leadership by the Ken Blanchard Companies – San Diego, CA

Certified by Workitect in Building Competencies Model-University of Chicago – Chicago, IL

Certified by Lominger Co. In Leadership Competencies Models – San Diego, CA

Certified as Green Belt Lean/Six Sigma – Mansfield, MA

Certified on Neuron-Linguistic Programming by ITESM – Tijuana, BC

Certified by Achieve Global as a Trainer for OD & Training programs.

Certified by Dale Carnegie in Leadership

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Universidad Iberoamericana January 2012 – December 2013

Associate Professor – Human Resources Certificate

Organizational Development Program

Tijuana, Mexico

CETYS Universidad August 2002 – July 2005

Associate Professor – Masters in Human Resources

Human Resources Management Program

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