Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Karen Blizzard

Eltham,VIC

Summary

Dynamic HR leader with a strong track record in HRIS implementation and change management programs. Compliance with global standards through streamlined HR processes. Proficient in HR analytics and dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture, resulting in substantial improvements in operational efficiency and compliance.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

HR Project Manager – Asia-Pacific

Olympus Australia Pty Ltd
04.2021 - Current
  • Led the HR APAC region during the global introduction of SuccessFactors HRIS, overseeing all phases of the project from planning, change management and deployment
  • Collaborated with regional HR leaders and IT teams to ensure seamless integration of SuccessFactors into existing downstream systems and HR processes whilst addressing regional compliance and localised needs
  • Managed compliance to project plans including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation, ensuring projects were completed on time and within budget
  • Conducted training sessions for HR staff and end-users on the new system functionalities
  • Represented the HR APAC community in the development of the global HRIS template design and deployment
  • Spearheaded a change management program that facilitated the adoption of the global HRIS rollout across 13 legal entities with diverse cultures and HR process maturity levels
  • Change management included development of stakeholder analyses, change impact assessments, establishment of an APAC Change Agents Network, facilitating end-user-training, producing training materials and videos
  • Led the cross-functional team coordination of the APAC region rollout of the SuccessFactors performance management module achieving 98% compliance to global processes in the first year
  • One month after go-live of the EC SuccessFactors module, achieved 100% data integrity of headcount and positions evidenced through the reconciliation of SuccessFactors against the financial year’s plan. APAC was the first region to achieve this feat
  • Played an integral role in the development and successful deployment of integrations from SuccessFactors (via the Payslip third party application) to local downstream payroll systems for 9 legal entities.

HR Manager

Olympus Australia Pty Ltd
04.2010 - 04.2021
  • Assisted in the design and implementation of organisational development strategies during various restructure initiatives
  • Managed payroll operations for up to 350 employees using the Chris21 payroll system, ensuring compliance with Australian payroll regulations and timely processing of employee payments
  • Managed employee relations matters, resolving conflicts and fostering a positive workplace culture through effective communication and mediation strategies
  • Implemented HR policies and procedures that align with organizational goals while ensuring compliance with local employment laws
  • Led the development and implementation of Olympus Australia & New Zealand's Employee Value Proposition “Shine” including conducting focus groups and employee surveys to gather insights on the core elements
  • Achieved Prince2 Project Management Practitioner certification and utilised the Prince 2 methodologies during the implementation of various projects
  • Improved HR operations from manual to automated processes including implementing Chris21 payroll application, removal of manual forms to Adobe-sign, automation of organisational chart issuance
  • Led the introduction of the Achievers Reward and Recognition platform, enhancing employee engagement and recognition across the organization
  • Played a lead regional role in the carve-out of the Scientific Solutions business, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement a comprehensive HR TOM tailored to the new business structure
  • Revamped the annual performance management cycle to reduce the administrative burden on stakeholders and promote efficiency (pre-SuccessFactors)
  • Championed the global introduction of SuccessFactors through managing the pilot program for the Australian and New Zealand businesses prior to the global rollout
  • Proactively identified and solved complex HR problems throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that impacted operations management and business direction
  • Provided HR consultation services to leadership and department heads
  • Championed data and analytics to improve company processes and data-driven decisions and developed stakeholder reports summarising HR metrics such as, turnover rates, absenteeism trends and talent retention rates

HR Manager

ConnectEast Pty Ltd (Motorway Operations)
07.2005 - 04.2010
  • Provided HR advice and support to employees on terms and conditions of employment
  • Managed annual remuneration review processes
  • Assessed internal relativities and the external market to establish appropriate remuneration strategies
  • Reviewed and developed reward and recognition programs
  • Monitored contemporary HR practices to identify opportunities for enhancing systems and processes
  • Prepared and submitted periodic financial and human resource management information and reports
  • Applied knowledge of legislation, policies, procedures, and work instructions to ensure compliance
  • Developed the organization's performance appraisal system
  • Played a key role in implementing the organization's industrial relations strategy including the introduction of an Employee Collective Agreement with unions
  • Achieved zero industrial relations claims including unfair dismissal or discrimination claims maintaining harmonious relationships with on-site unions
  • Implemented HayGroup Job Evaluations to assist in determining participation into the Executive Incentive Program as well as succession planning and remuneration strategy
  • Project managed the implementation of the organization's HRIS (Chris21 including the HR, payroll, L&D, self-service kiosk, e-recruitment and OH&S modules) on schedule and below budget
  • Assisted in developing the organization's myriad of HR policies and procedures
  • Assisted in the recruitment of approximately 300 employees for a Greenfield's site within a tight employment market
  • Successfully reversed past negative perceptions of the payroll function after assuming responsibility
  • Successfully leveraged technology to reduce the administrative burden of the HR function e.g E-recruitment, self-service modules, superannuation clearing house.

Self Employed

Interactive HR Pty Ltd
08.2001 - 12.2005

Provided HR consulting services to small to medium-sized organizations including:

Thiess Services Pty Ltd

  • Assisted with human resource, OH&S and quality documentation during the tender process for the North South Bypass Tunnel in Queensland

Transroute International

  • Provided HR assistance in establishing an operation and maintenance organization for Poland's A2 Tollway
  • Developed position descriptions, comprehensive Human Resource and Training Administration Manuals including training needs analysis, development of training course outlines, assessment criteria and training outcomes
  • Visited the A2 Tollway in Poland on two separate occasions during the assignment to handover the HR function strategic plans to the operational team.

Transroute International

  • Appointed to the North Luzon Tollway Project in Manila to develop their Recruitment & Training Plan including a recruitment policy, selection criteria's, selection and recruitment processes and targeted selection interview questions.
  • Developed an Occupational Health and Safety Plan for the project

Azheimers Association of Victoria (AAV not-for-profit)

  • Initially conducted a HR audit and provided consultancy advice in regards to areas that did not meet legislative or best-practice requirements
  • Post-audit was appointed to develop and implement the performance management program, documenting payroll processes, writing and implementing various HR policies such as OH&S, EEO, Recruitment and Bullying & Harassment with a view of mitigating risk of non-compliance to employment laws
  • Negotiated an Enterprise Agreement between AAV and the Health Services Union

John Crane Australia (JCA)

  • Conducted a HR Audit of JCA's HR policies, procedures and practices
  • Developed a detailed report, risk analyses and presented the results to JCA's Management Team

Human Resources Manager

Translink Operations Pty Ltd
Southbank, VIC
08.1998 - 01.2002

TLO was contracted by the Victorian State Government to operate a newly constructed motorway (CityLink) for a 35-year contractual period.

  • Established a Human Resources function for the Greenfield's site
  • Negotiated the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement with the Australian Services Union prior to workforce recruitment
  • Managed the talent acquisition of over 300 employees
  • Developed and maintained a learning and development strategy
  • Ensured compliance to common law contracts and enterprise bargaining agreements
  • Ensured the maintenance of accurate personnel records and statistics
  • Managed organizational change
  • Contributed to the provision of a safe and healthy working environment for employees, contractors, visitors and the public
  • Ensured compensation claims were processed promptly and accurately in accordance with Workcover requirements
  • Ensured staff welfare and counseling support was provided to staff
  • Ensured compliance with the Company's EEO policies and investigated and reported on any complaints or grievances
  • Developed and maintained a comprehensive Human Resources Policies and Procedures manual
  • Developed a training strategy for staff and contractors including writing training needs analyses, training matrix and criteria for assessing and approving delivered training programs
  • Sourced, implemented and managed the Company's payroll system ensuring compliance to local laws and industrial agreements
  • Coordinated the implementation of the Company's Occupational Health and Safety Committee and achieved external certification in accordance with Australian Standard 4801 (Occupational, Health and Safety)
  • Developed and implemented the Company's Performance and Development Review system and remuneration policy in line with board policies and market rate adjustments
  • Managed the Company's Quality accreditation to maintain International Standard ISO9001

Education

Bachelor of Business - Human Resources & Industrial Relations

RMIT University
Australia

Bachelor of Arts - Accounting, Social Sciences

La Trobe University
Bundoora, VIC

Skills

  • Organisational design
  • HR analytics
  • Employment law compliance
  • Change Management
  • Certified Agreement Negotiation
  • Compensation structuring
  • Human Resource Management Information System (HRIS) implementation
  • Occupational Health & Safety Systems
  • Training & Assessment Program Development
  • HR & Payroll Due Diligence
  • Employee engagement
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Payroll coordination
  • Employee Value Proposition
  • HR policies and procedures
  • Training programs

Accomplishments

  • Designed and executed HR target operating models including one involving a business carve-out.
  • Negotiated various Certified Agreements and a Consent Award with unions.
  • Implemented various Human Resources Information Systems (Chris21, Micropay, SuccessFactors).
  • Managed the development and establishment of an Occupational Health and Safety System and personally wrote OH&S procedures to Work Cover Safety Map and ISO4801 externally accredited standard.
  • Managed ISO9001 Quality Assurance system to achieve accreditation.
  • Talent acquisition including entire workforces for two start-up organizations.
  • Developed unique training plans and staff skills assessment processes to satisfy Public-Private-Partnership contractual requirements.
  • Implemented HR and Payroll due diligence programs.

Timeline

HR Project Manager – Asia-Pacific

Olympus Australia Pty Ltd
04.2021 - Current

HR Manager

Olympus Australia Pty Ltd
04.2010 - 04.2021

HR Manager

ConnectEast Pty Ltd (Motorway Operations)
07.2005 - 04.2010

Self Employed

Interactive HR Pty Ltd
08.2001 - 12.2005

Human Resources Manager

Translink Operations Pty Ltd
08.1998 - 01.2002

Bachelor of Business - Human Resources & Industrial Relations

RMIT University

Bachelor of Arts - Accounting, Social Sciences

La Trobe University
Karen Blizzard