Open to opportunities

Bruno Santos

@brunosantos4

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I build HR strategies, teams, and transformation programmes that drive commercial outcomes.

Portugal

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What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead people strategy in a fast-paced, multinational environment where I can partner with senior leaders, build high-performing HR teams, drive transformation, and apply automation or AI to improve productivity and reduce costs.

At Cognizant, I lead the full HR function for Portugal, partnering with country and regional executives on workforce planning, talent, compensation, employee engagement, legal compliance, and EMEA initiatives.

Previously, at Gamobar SGPS, I built a unified people function across four automotive and electric-mobility companies, introduced core HR programmes, led people workstreams for M&A and restructurings, and rolled out an ERP and self-service People Portal. I also co-founded Better People, delivering executive search, interim management, coaching, and HR advisory services.

Across Capgemini, GFI Portugal, and technology consulting environments, I’ve developed high-performing HR teams, strengthened recruitment capability, built HR KPI reporting, and translated business needs into practical people programmes. I also identify automation and AI-driven solutions that improve productivity and reduce operational spend.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Human Resources Director

Current

Cognizant

Oct 2018 - Present (8 years)

Senior HR leader for Portugal, partnering with Country and Regional executives to shape the local people agenda and contribute to EMEA-wide HR initiatives. Own the full HR function end-to-end, including workforce planning, talent acquisition, performance management, compensation & benefits, learning & development, and employee relations.

HR Strategy Workforce Planning Talent Acquisition Performance Management Compensation And Benefits Learning and Development Employee Relations Employee Engagement Wellness Programs Diversity And Inclusion Labor Law Vendor Management Cost Savings Attrition

People & Culture Director

Gamobar SGPS, S.A.

Jan 2014 - Oct 2018 (4 years 9 months)

Led HR Shared Services across six group companies in automotive and electric mobility, reporting to the board. Built a unified people function from the ground up, including HR programs such as Performance Evaluation, Talent Matrix, Engagement Surveys, Succession Planning, and Exit Interviews.

HR Shared Services Strategy Governance Standardization Automation ERP People Portal HR KPIs Recruitment Payroll C&B HR Administration L&D Employee Relations HRIS M&A Change Management

Partner & Co-Founder

Better People – Human Capital Consultants

Oct 2013 - Dec 2014 (1 year 2 months)

Co-founded a boutique HR consultancy delivering Executive Search, HR Consulting, Interim Management, Recruitment, Policy Definition, Program Design, Process Redesign, Automation and Digitalization, KPI Implementation, Change Management, Compensation & Benefits Consulting, Training & Leadership Development, and DEI Strategy across multiple sectors.

Executive Search HR Consulting Interim Management Recruitment Policy Definition Program Design Process Redesign Automation Digitalization KPI Implementation Change Management Compensation And Benefits Training Leadership Development DEI Strategy

Principal Human Resources Consultant

Better Skills – Information Systems

Feb 2013 - Oct 2013 (8 months)

Designed training plans and internal communication strategies; delivered outplacement, career counselling, and technical recruitment for clients including Microsoft, Jason Associates, and Datasmart.

Training Plans Internal Communications Outplacement Career Counseling Technical Recruitment

Human Resources Director

Capgemini

Apr 2011 - Jan 2013 (1 year 9 months)

Partnered with Business Unit leaders and Executive Committee to anticipate workforce needs and translate them into actionable people plans. Managed national and international resource allocation, served as Mobility Manager for Portugal, and ran the Organizational Climate program end-to-end.

Workforce Planning Recruitment Resource Allocation Mobility Management Organizational Climate Onboarding Competence Model Performance Management Mentorship Career Development Training Talent Retention Succession Planning

HR Manager

GFI Portugal

Jan 2000 - Dec 2011 (11 years 11 months)

Progressed from HR Assistant to HR Manager over 11 years, leading a team of 9 across the full HR cycle including Onboarding, Performance Management, Training, Recruitment, Payroll, and Labor Law compliance. Built HR KPI reporting and was recognized as Best Staffing Partner for Portugal Telecom three years running.

Onboarding Performance Management Training Recruitment Payroll Labor Law HR KPIs Team Leadership

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Harvard Business School

Executive Education, Leadership

2021 - 2022

Completed the LEAD@Cognizant executive education program, focusing on leadership capabilities to lead boldly, partner powerfully, and inspire performance.