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Rebeca Lavado

@rebecalavado

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Dynamic HR professional with expertise in international talent management.

United Kingdom

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What I'm looking for

Seeking remote or hybrid HR Manager roles based in Spain, where I can continue to contribute to international, people-driven organizations with flexible, forward-thinking cultures.

I am a dynamic and results-driven HR professional with extensive experience in international and high-growth environments. My career has been marked by a proven track record in incorporating HR strategy, talent management, and organizational development across LATAM and EMEA. With a Master’s in HR Management and a Law degree, I bring a strategic mindset and strong intercultural adaptability to every role I undertake.

Currently, I serve as the HR Director at Azzar Group, where I lead the global HR strategy to drive international expansion and organizational growth. In my first five months, I successfully recruited key leadership roles and optimized our HRIS system, significantly improving efficiency in recruitment and people management. My previous roles have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of HR operations, from recruitment and onboarding to contract management and employee relations.

As a bilingual professional fluent in English and Spanish, I thrive in diverse environments and am passionate about fostering inclusive workplace cultures. I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to contribute to an organization that values strategic HR practices and employee development.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

HR Director

Current

Azzar Group

Nov 2024 - Present (6 months)

Led the global HR strategy to drive international expansion and organizational growth across LATAM and Europe. Recruited key leadership and operational roles in Spain and LATAM (15 positions). Designed a competency-based job map, setting OKRs and KPIs for 3 departments.

HR strategy Talent Acquisition Organizational Development Policy Development

Global HR Operations Manager

Shields Environmental

Nov 2023 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Elevated HR processes from recruitment and onboarding to contract management and terminations across Shields Group in France, Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, and the US. Oversaw payroll functions across all regions with local payroll services. Managed benchmarking and annual salary reviews; developed competitive packages.

HR Operations Payroll Management Employee Relations

HR & Office Manager EMEA

Denodo Technologies

Jan 2022 - Present (3 years 4 months)

Managed HR operations for North EMEA (UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway). Handled employee relations issues including disciplinaries and grievances. Led a global Benefits & Compensation analysis across 10 countries; designed a new flexible benefits policy.

HR Operations Employee Relations Compensation Benefits

HR & Office Manager EMEA

Ariix/Partner.Co

Dec 2019 - Present (5 years 5 months)

Served as the primary contact for employee HR inquiries related to contracts, payroll, and benefits. Managed various employee relations tasks including terminations, grievances, and performance improvement plans (PIPs). Successfully implemented the BrightHR system.

HR Contact Point Employee Relations Payroll Benefits Administration HR systems

HRBP (L&D and ER), LATAM

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts

Jul 2017 - Present (7 years 10 months)

Coordinated HR projects across seven hotels, overseeing all HR matters. Implemented a new onboarding process and annual performance management training programs. Played a key role in senior recruitment and redesigned job descriptions.

Onboarding Recruitment Wellness Programs

HR Operations Manager MMS

ManpowerGroup

Oct 2013 - Present (11 years 7 months)

Combined HR operations with legal compliance support for clients such as ExxonMobil, Noble Energy, and Ampco. Oversaw HR functions for these clients, ensuring adherence to legal frameworks. Provided comprehensive HR and legal advisory services.

HR Operations Legal Compliance Client Management Workforce Management

Assistant HR Director

Kempinski Hotels

Sep 2011 - Present (13 years 8 months)

Assisted in hiring over 600 staff for the Djibloho Kempinski Hotel pre-opening. Led relocation and immigration processes for expatriates. Coordinated meetings with government and facilitated agreements with local suppliers, including airlines, hotels, healthcare providers, and medical insurance companies.

Recruitment Government Relations Supplier Management

Global Mobility Consultant

PWC

Jan 2000 - Present (25 years 4 months)

Oversaw employee relocations for major clients, including Coca-Cola, Louis Vuitton, Monsanto, NH Hotels, Lloyd's, Weatherford, and Airbus in Latin America and Spain. Provided legal advice and representation throughout the relocation processes. Ensured compliance with international mobility regulations.

Global Mobility Legal Guidance Compliance

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of West London

Masters in HR Management, HR Management

Completed a Master's degree focusing on advanced human resources management principles. Gained expertise in strategic HR, talent management, and organizational development, aligning with CIPD Level 7 standards.

Complutense University of Madrid

Law Degree, Law

Obtained a comprehensive Law Degree, covering various legal disciplines and principles. Developed strong analytical and critical thinking skills essential for legal practice.

American Red Cross

Diploma, Occupational Health and Safety

Completed a Diploma program focused on occupational health and safety regulations and best practices. Acquired knowledge in creating safe work environments and ensuring compliance with health standards.

Madrid Bar Association

Diploma, Immigration Law

Earned a Diploma specializing in immigration law, gaining in-depth knowledge of legal frameworks and procedures. Focused on providing legal guidance related to immigration processes and policies.