Sara Sands-Smith
@sarasandssmith
Strategic talent acquisition specialist with global recruitment expertise.
What I'm looking for
I am an accomplished and strategic talent acquisition professional with extensive experience in building talent pools and optimizing recruitment processes. My operational focus has driven significant cost savings and enhanced efficiency in hiring practices across various sectors, including technology and clinical biotechnology. I thrive in dynamic environments, leveraging my global experience in the APAC and EMEA regions to deliver tailored talent solutions.
Throughout my career, I have successfully led teams and implemented innovative strategies that have transformed recruitment functions. From streamlining hiring processes at 4poker to developing comprehensive talent acquisition strategies at Grand Pacific CRO, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to align recruitment efforts with organizational goals. My passion for fostering strong employer brands and enhancing employee retention has resulted in substantial improvements in workforce engagement and performance.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Talent Acquisition Manager
4poker
Jan 2023 - Present (2 years 4 months)
Responsible for the selection and implementation of ATS and HR systems, as well as executing end-to-end hiring processes across multiple countries including the UK and US.
Global Recruitment Manager
Grand Pacific CRO
Jan 2022 - Jan 2023 (1 year)
Streamlined global talent acquisition strategy to build teams across Australia, Thailand, the US, and the UK, including the selection and implementation of ATS.
Talent Acquisition & Development Manager
RingZero Game Studio
Aug 2020 - Jan 2022 (1 year 5 months)
Restructured the organization by developing a competency-based framework and overhauling recruitment functions, including the introduction of onboarding systems.
HR & Recruitment Director
Chilindo
May 2019 - Aug 2020 (1 year 3 months)
Built C-Level management and marketing teams while creating new sourcing channels and onboarding processes, managing a team of 12 in HR and TA.
Talent Acquisition Consultant
Black Cat Resourcing
Jan 2019 - May 2019 (4 months)
Worked on various contracts while organizing affairs for terminally ill parents, focusing on strategic reporting and talent mapping for senior leadership.
People and Talent Manager
GoBear Ltd.
Jan 2017 - Jan 2019 (2 years)
Implemented retention strategies leading to a 75% increase in employee retention and designed a people management framework across six Southeast Asian countries.
Senior Talent Acquisition Manager
Agoda.com
Jan 2015 - Jan 2017 (2 years)
Led and mentored a team of recruiters, implementing talent acquisition solutions that saved the organization over $500,000 and reduced hiring time significantly.
Interim Recruitment Project Manager
Novartis OTC
Jan 2014 - Mar 2014 (2 months)
Led a downsizing exercise through audit reviews and process recommendations, collaborating with senior management to assess talent needs.
EMEA Recruiting Specialist
Covance
Jan 2013 - Jan 2014 (1 year)
Analyzed and improved talent recruitment processes, managing end-to-end sourcing for Clinical Trial and Life Sciences talent, achieving significant cost savings.
Technical Recruitment Business Partner
RSA
Jul 2012 - Jan 2013 (6 months)
Increased direct talent hiring significantly through social media and focused job postings, managing recruitment across various departments.
EMEA Resourcing Manager
Iron Mountain International
Jan 2011 - Jul 2012 (1 year 6 months)
Developed and implemented a direct sourcing model across divisions, achieving substantial cost savings through renegotiated supplier agreements.
Recruitment Manager
Honeywell Trend Controls
Aug 2007 - Jan 2011 (3 years 5 months)
Implemented process efficiencies that drove significant recruitment cost savings, enhancing the overall recruitment function.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Open University
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Behavioural Studies
Grade: 2:1
Studied Psychology and Behavioural Studies, focusing on understanding human behavior and mental processes. Developed skills in research methodologies and critical analysis.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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