Open to opportunities

Samantha Mendes

@samanthamendes

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Experienced Talent Acquisition Director with a focus on employer branding.

Portugal

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that allows me to drive innovative talent strategies and foster a diverse workforce in a dynamic environment.

I am a dedicated and results-driven professional with over 20 years of experience in talent acquisition and HR leadership roles. My expertise lies in designing and executing innovative talent acquisition strategies that enhance recruitment processes and foster high-performance teams. Currently, I lead the Talent Acquisition Center of Excellence at Air Liquide, where I manage a team of 40 professionals and oversee recruitment for 28,000 employees across the EAMEI region.

Throughout my career, I have successfully implemented strategic initiatives that have significantly reduced time-to-fill and improved the quality of hires. My role involves collaborating with senior executives to align recruitment initiatives with organizational goals, as well as spearheading diversity and inclusion efforts. I am passionate about leveraging technology and innovative sourcing techniques to build robust talent pipelines and ensure a positive candidate experience.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Head of Talent Acquisition Center of Excellence

Current

Air Liquide

Oct 2022 - Present (2 years 10 months)

Led the development and implementation of a strategic Talent Acquisition Center of Excellence (CoE) for the EAMEI region, encompassing recruiting processes, technology, and talent branding initiatives. Managed a team of 40 talent acquisition professionals, providing leadership, coaching, and mentoring to enhance their performance and development.

Talent Acquisition Employer Branding Team Leadership Workforce Planning Diversity & Inclusion

Global Talent Acquisition & Executive Search Lead

Danone

May 2019 - Present (6 years 3 months)

In charge of talent scouting and recruitment for Directors & Executives global positions across various sectors including Healthcare, Research & Innovation, Quality & Food Safety, Operations, Supply Chain, and Procurement. Spearheaded the HR strategy for the R&D Essential Dairy & Plant Based Products (EDP) teams, managing the HR team and driving HR initiatives in a context of strong business chall

Global Talent Acquisition Executive Search HR Business Partnering Talent Development HR strategy Change Management Recruitment Talent Management Employee Relations HR Operations

Employer Branding & Talent Acquisition Manager

Danone Research

Sep 2017 - Present (7 years 11 months)

Implemented a new Talent Acquisition Strategy & Employer Branding for R&I profiles, utilizing new social media tools to promote R&I employees' experience and jobs. Defined a R&I campus management policy to build R&I talent pipelines and handled R&I recruitments while managing relationships with recruitment partner agencies.

Talent Acquisition Employer Branding Social Recruiting Recruitment Management Content Creation

Human Resources Business Partner

Renault Nissan Alliance

Jan 2017 - Present (8 years 7 months)

Co-defined and implemented an HR policy for a newly agile created international unit, reporting to the CCO, dedicated to the Connected Vehicle & Mobility Services. Managed HR Development aspects including talent management, people, performance and salary reviews, staffing requirements, and international transfers.

HR Policies Talent Management Performance Management Staffing HR Operations Change Management Agile Methodologies

Head of Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding

Renault France

Jun 2014 - Present (11 years 2 months)

Defined and implemented a new Talent Acquisition Strategy for France, including new processes, methods, and tools for recruitment of both white and blue-collar candidates. Developed, implemented, and promoted a new Employer Brand, ensuring an optimal candidate experience through various initiatives.

Talent Acquisition Employer Branding Digital Communication Vendor Management Performance Monitoring

Human Resources Business Partner

Renault Retail Group

Sep 2008 - Present (16 years 11 months)

Served as an HR Generalist, responsible for HR social development including talent management, recruitment, training, salary, and performance reviews for 230 people. Managed employee and labor relations, handling disciplinary procedures, layoffs, and contractual terminations.

HR Generalist Talent Management Recruitment Training Development Compensation Benefits Performance Reviews Employee Relations Change Management

Talent Acquisition & Campus Manager

Renault Retail Group

Dec 2005 - Present (19 years 8 months)

Managed executive recruitment for head office and dealerships, implementing and overseeing talent programs such as Graduate Programs. Maintained relations and negotiated contracts with headhunters, recruitment agencies, and job boards.

Executive Recruitment Graduate Programs Headhunter Management Diversity Promotion

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Hudson

Jan 2003 - Present (22 years 7 months)

Conducted executive search for Top/Middle management within the Consumer Goods Business Unit. Specialized in identifying and placing high-caliber candidates in key roles.

Executive Search Recruitment Consumer Goods Candidate Sourcing Interviewing Client Relationship Management Negotiation

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Paris I Panthéon - Sorbonne University

Master 2 HR, Human Resources

2000 -

Completed a Master 2 in Human Resources, focusing on advanced HR strategies and practices. Gained expertise in various aspects of human resource management.

Paris Nord University

Master 1, German & English applied to international business

1999 -

Obtained a Master 1 degree with a specialization in German and English applied to international business. Developed strong linguistic and business communication skills relevant to global contexts.