SAMANTHA HARNELL
Park Ridge,Australia
Summary
Dynamic Learning and Talent professional with extensive experience collaborating with senior leaders to identify capability needs, design impactful leadership programs, and implement scalable, human-centered learning solutions in complex, multi-site environments. Expertise in translating people data into actionable workforce strategies that enhance talent pipelines, boost leadership effectiveness, and drive organizational performance and change. A versatile background in retail operations, HR, learning design, and coaching provides transferable skills applicable across diverse industries and people-focused roles. Committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and development that empowers individuals and teams to thrive.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Learning & Talent Partner
Bunnings
11.2024 - Current
- Partner with regional leaders to translate business strategy into talent and capability plans, aligning programs to goals, values, and workforce needs.
- Design and facilitate targeted leadership and capability development to build bench strength for critical roles and improve team readiness.
- Use people insights to identify capability gaps and inform solutions that support engagement, retention, and succession.
- Coach leaders (up to Complex Manager) leveraging accredited tools including 360 feedback and EI/behavioural assessments.
- Collaborate with recruitment and broader People teams to strengthen diverse talent pipelines and candidate experience.
Leadership & Talent Development Specialist
Bunnings
07.2022 - 11.2024
- Designed and implemented leadership programs and pathways to lift capability and confidence across distributed teams.
- Conducted training needs analysis and developed bespoke learning plans to improve performance and service outcomes.
- Analysed HR data to identify trends and risks, informing practical interventions that supported development and retention.
- Facilitated group learning and coaching to embed behavioural change and sustain on-the-job improvements.
- Supported delivery of regional and national programs, including Future Leaders and Grow My Career.
Regional Learning & Development Coordinator
Bunnings
01.2020 - 07.2022
- Led change enablement activities to land business initiatives on time across multiple stakeholders.
- Coached teams and leaders to embed a strong learning culture with a focus on safety, service, and customer outcomes.
- Applied data and feedback to iterate learning approaches for greater impact and agility.
- Provided HR guidance to stores, ensuring alignment with industrial instruments and policy.
Service Coordinator (Secondment)
Bunnings Underwood
04.2020 - 06.2020
- Led a large team in a high-volume environment; assessed job readiness and facilitated targeted development.
- Implemented new stock flow strategies, engaging stakeholders, monitoring adoption, and sustaining outcomes.
- Managed scheduling and wage control; coordinated an eight-week rollout (BLG) with clear communication and milestone tracking.
Learning & Development Team Member
Bunnings
10.2015 - 01.2020
- Coordinated and facilitated learning across retail and trade locations, fostering an engaging learning environment.
- Provided on-the-job coaching and partnered with site leaders to align development with operational goals.
- Built strong relationships to influence uptake of learning initiatives and improve service results.
Learning Designer (Secondment)
Bunnings
10.2019 - 12.2019
- Designed and built a national training program in partnership with the Capability team, ensuring relevance for diverse learning styles.
- Built face to face programs and online learning initiatives.
- Create bespoke content for intact teams providing quick solutions to skill gaps and to enhance teams ways of working.
- Provided responsive stakeholder support and delivered high-quality learning assets and toolkits.
Coordinator
Officeworks, Ipswich
Ipswich
04.2009 - 10.2015
- Led a team of 15+ and managed daily operations, including sales forecasting, rostering, budgeting, and shrinkage control.
- Recruited, onboarded, and coached team members; facilitated regional induction and service training.
- Conducted performance reviews and built a strong customer-centric culture.
- Championed a positive and inclusive team culture, fostering strong communication, collaboration, and a sense of belonging within the team.
- Adapted quickly in a dynamic, high-volume environment, confidently managing shifting priorities and operational pressures while keeping service levels strong.
- Drove sales performance by translating KPIs into clear daily goals and motivating the team to achieve targets through consistent coaching and recognition.
Education
No Degree - Diploma of Front Line Leadership
Bev Consulting
Melbourne01-2012
Certificate IV in Training And Assessment
Plenty
QLD01-2023
Skills
- Talent management strategy
- Leadership development programs
- Needs assessment and program development
- Virtual and in-person coaching
- Change management
- Insights-based strategy development
- Collaborative recruitment and onboarding
- Collaboration with stakeholders in complex environments
- Proficient in 360-degree feedback and emotional intelligence assessments
Certification
- Advanced Diploma of Business Leadership (2010)
- Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (2023)
- IECL Coaching (2024)
- Mental Health First Aid (2025)
- Team Management Systems Accreditation (2021)
- Langley Group Strengths Profile Accreditation (2023)
Timeline
Learning & Talent Partner
Bunnings
11.2024 - Current
Leadership & Talent Development Specialist
Bunnings
07.2022 - 11.2024
Service Coordinator (Secondment)
Bunnings Underwood
04.2020 - 06.2020
Regional Learning & Development Coordinator
Bunnings
01.2020 - 07.2022
Learning Designer (Secondment)
Bunnings
10.2019 - 12.2019
Learning & Development Team Member
Bunnings
10.2015 - 01.2020
Coordinator
Officeworks, Ipswich
04.2009 - 10.2015
No Degree - Diploma of Front Line Leadership
Bev Consulting
Certificate IV in Training And Assessment
Plenty
SELECTED PROGRAMS & TOOLS
- Regional & national leadership pathways: Future Leaders; Grow My Career
- Assessment & diagnostics: 360 feedback, Emotional Intelligence, behaviour profiling
- Learning technologies: blended learning, scalable toolkits, facilitation assets