Looking for a job

Joe Leary

@joeleary

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I build global HR organizations, leadership pipelines, and scalable people systems through transformation and growth.

United States

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What I'm looking for

What I'm looking for next: an HR leadership role where I can own the people strategy end to end — ideally at a small to mid-size company navigating scale or growing pains. I'm comfortable operating in regulated industries as well as startups. I'm based in the Twin Cities and prioritizing local opportunities.

Accomplished HR Leader with nearly 25 years of progressive experience leading transformative initiatives across organizations small to large, local to global, and family-owned to publicly traded. Deep expertise spanning workforce strategy, leadership development, M&A integration, organizational design, HRIS transformation, and multi-country employment compliance. An early adopter of AI in HR practice since 2022, applying AI tools to analysis, communications, training and facilitation guide development, workplace investigations, coaching, and SOP creation. Equally adept at strategic planning and tactical execution. Recognized as a hands-on, always-accessible business leader who coaches and mentors high-performance teams that collaborate, take accountability, and accept steep challenges. Proven record supporting distributed and remote workforces across the U.S., U.K., India, and the Philippines.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Director, Human Resources

Current

VenturEd Solutions

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 8 months)

Leads a 5-person HR team and directs global HR strategy for a PE-backed education technology organization of 500 employees across four countries. Managed HRIS transition from Workday to Rippling and developed leadership development and performance management frameworks.

AI In HR HR Strategy HRIS Workday Rippling Leadership Development Performance Management Succession Planning Compensation Pay Equity AI Tools

Global HR Director, Talent & Business Partner

Momentive Software

Jun 2021 - Jan 2025 (3 years 7 months)

Led a 14-person global HR organization across three countries, reduced voluntary turnover by 14%, and founded the CB Leadership Academy. Served as executive advisor to employee resource groups and owned global ethics and compliance case management.

EthicsPoint HR Leadership Employee Relations Ethics Compliance Leadership Development Performance Management Compensation Pay Equity Onboarding Offboarding Change Management AI Navex Global Engagement Retention DecisionWise 360

HR Director, Business Partner

Purpose Brands / Self Esteem Brands

Nov 2019 - Jun 2021 (1 year 7 months)

Directed talent acquisition, compliance, and employee life cycle programs across a multi-brand franchise portfolio. Championed the 'Workplace of the Future' initiative, led the COVID-19 task force, and managed HR due diligence for multiple acquisitions.

Talent Acquisition Compliance Employee Lifecycle Hybrid Work COVID 19 Response HR Due Diligence and Integration Support Organizational Development

HR Director, Business Partner

Purpose Brands

Nov 2019 - Jun 2021 (1 year 7 months)

Directed talent acquisition, compliance, and employee life cycle programs across a multi-brand franchise portfolio. Led the COVID-19 task force and consolidated employee handbooks.

Talent Acquisition Compliance Employee Lifecycle COVID 19 Response HR Due Diligence and Integration Support Organizational Development

Divisional HR Director — U.S. Diagnostics

Demant

Aug 2015 - Oct 2019 (4 years 2 months)

Served as sole HR leader for the U.S. Diagnostics Division with approximately 1,000 employees across 40 sites. Scaled Hearing Screening Associates from 5 to 100 employees and oversaw HR aspects of multiple M&A deals.

HR Leadership M&A Due Diligence Payroll HRIS Policy Development Immigration Compensation Pay Equity M&A Integration Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy Workplace Investigations

Regional HR Manager — Americas / HRBP / Generalist

Hydratight

Jan 2013 - Jul 2015 (2 years 6 months)

Advanced from Generalist to HR Leader for the Americas Region, cutting external recruiting spend by 94% and reducing voluntary turnover. Managed compliance, restructuring, and compensation programs.

Recruitment Compliance Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)OFCCP Procedures AAP Davis Bacon Act Restructuring Compensation Pay Equity Immigration Training Turnover Reduction Leadership Development Value Stream Mapping

HR Manager

Len Druskin Inc.

Jun 2010 - Sep 2012 (2 years 3 months)

Served as HR Manager with additional responsibilities in Operations and General Management. Created employee engagement surveys, reduced turnover by 10%, and digitized HR processes.

Employee Engagement Policy Development HRIS ATS Payroll Compliance Project Management Turnover Reduction Employee Handbook Compensation

Field Recruiter / Trainer / Supervisor

The Nielsen Company

Apr 2002 - Feb 2010 (7 years 10 months)

Delivered field HR services including interviewing, onboarding, and training. Achieved top rankings for recruitment and closing rates and reduced field operations costs.

Recruitment Onboarding Training Field Operations SharePoint Six Sigma Kaizen