Sassan Atbaei, CPHR

Human Resource Professional

Education

  • Bachelor of Commerce - Saint Mary's University | 2012 Human Resource Management & Industrial relations 
  • Bachelor of Commerce - Saint Mary's University | 2012 Business Management 
  • Human Resource Management - NSCC | 2020 Honours in Advance Diploma In Human Resources

Work Experience

Senior Implementation Specialist HR Tech - ADP Canada, Halifax, NS | Dec 2023 - Present

● Spearhead the end-to-end implementation of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) key clients, acting as the primary Human Resource Capital
Management (HRCM) consultant.

● Execute ADP’s Implementation Methodology, ensuring seamless integration of
comprehensive payroll, HR, time and attendance, and benefits solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.

● Cultivate strong client relationships, managing expectations and guiding them through the implementation process to ensure high levels of satisfaction and retention.

● Analyze complex HR workflows and requirements to configure systems that enhance operational efficiency, aligning with Paytech Major and National Accounts standards.

● Provide expert advice on industry best practices and system optimization, facilitating a smooth transition from sales to implementation, and subsequently to client services.

● Work with cross-functional teams in delivering projects within stipulated timelines, maintaining rigorous attention to detail.

Human Resource Generalist - CellCarta, Halifax, NS | Sept 2022 - Sept 2023

● Reported to the Executive Director of HR, Global Talent Acquisition.  

● Responsible for coordinating and completing day-to-day administrative Human Resources functions, including recruitment.  

● Prepared and maintained employee master records and recruitment-related reporting.  

● Supporting the management team with coordination of the performance management program.  

● Supported group benefits set up in partnership with the benefits team.  

● Responsible for the recruitment process for both backfills and new hires by posting roles, screening candidates, and participating in and scheduling interviews.  

● Supported the onboarding process of new hires in partnership with management.  

● Supported the off-boarding process, including documentation and exit interviews.  

● Implemented HR-specific programs, such as retention strategies and career development initiatives.  

Human Resource Clerk - Client Services - Halifax Regional Center for Education, Halifax, NS | Nov 2020 - Sept 2022

● Provided support for all HRCE employees with all their HR inquiries.

● Reviewed Nova Scotia teachers union collective agreements to help client inquiries.

● Worked in a team environment to support all the Human Resource Administrators and Managers.

● Audited quotas using SAP, Excel, and Access for compensation and benefits.

● Managed HRCE Human Resource social media including LinkedIn and Twitter, increasing engagement and followers to HRCE Human Resource social media accounts.

● Demonstrated positive interpersonal skills in dealing with conflict and problem-solving.

● Managed highly confidential information for candidates and employees.

● Produced 256 appointment letters and 723 employment letters using Word and Outlook.

● Audited SAP and HR management data and deliver results in a timely manner.

● Utilized current and new technologies such as SAP, Laserfiche, Microsoft Office Suite, email, and others as needed.

● Adapted to change and maintain flexibility by being proactive in a deadline-driven environment.

● Hired and Recruited Substitute teachers, Education Program Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, Tutors, Library Support Specialists for all schools in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

● Prepared and edited job posts at HRCE career portal myhrce.ca/jobs, CareerBeacon, and Indeed.

● Interviewed candidates and references in person and virtually and rated them on a scale, based on the answers provided.

● Responsible for [email protected] and [email protected] answering more than 60 emails per day from potential candidates.

● Responsible for providing the list of CUPE candidates and reporting them to the immediate supervisor.

● Participated in job fairs and set up kiosks for recruitment purposes. 

Human Resource Associate (Internship) - NSCC, Halifax, NS | June 2020 - July 2020

● Updated more than 100 job posting templates with salaries and language across four employee groups, based on collective agreements and guidelines

● Received training in payroll administration including pensions and benefits and remittance

● Responsible for part of the recruitment and hiring by creating job ads for faculty positions and published through Applicant Tracking System CareerBeacon

● Developed prescreening questions to help find the right candidate

● Trained and used Applicant Tracking System CareerBeacon (Alongside)

● Responsible for testing of Employee Service Advisor training manual. This involved advanced testing access to ERP system, Peoplesoft. It also included business analysis of training process and recommendations on changes.

● Received training in Microsoft Teams, Stream, Office 365 accessibility

● Experience in virtual onboarding via Microsoft Teams.

● A member of the HR team during campus re-opening plans during COVID-19 situation.

● Worked alongside managers for our talent management outreach for designated positions

● Developed and updated job ad and offer letter communications on re-opening plans as part of the COVID-19 situation.

● Worked alongside hiring managers as 94% of the managers agreed that we collaborated on our hiring process (NSCC HR Client Survey).

Operations and HR Manager-Gift Market, Halifax, NS | Dec 2015 – Oct 2018

● Performed employee recruitment, employee engagement train, supervision, engage and conduct reviews of the staff.

● Planned workforce by hiring, training and development of employees and managers.

● Implemented and administered benefits, via Blue Cross, and the payroll system.

● Partnered with Ceredian our Human resources business partner to create HRIS for the business.

● Performed performance management of employees and managing cost-saving strategies by data analysis.

● Prepared and delivered employee communication, presentations and correspondence.

● Processed payroll bi-weekly through Ceridian HRIS and through Dayforce and Powerpay solutions.

● Created and implemented a plan to oversight health and safety regulations of the business.

● Reported directly to the owner of the business on our business strategy.

● Supervised up to 65 employees.

● Reduced labour costs by more than 35% bi-weekly, cost savings of up to $286,000 annually.

● Recruited, screened, and selected qualified candidates through daily job posts (Hired 126 employees).

Assistant Manager/ Business Specialist-Bell Canada, Halifax, NS  |  July 2014 –Nov 2015

● Assisted the Store Manager to drive the store’s overall achievement of sales targets for all lines of business by being in the top 3 in the region (including wireless, TV and Internet).

● Kept up to date on policies and procedures, product knowledge and industry knowledge.

● Focused on resolving customer service issues and disputes by coaching employees and training.

● Received various training in areas of compliance, inventory, sales, Human Resources, service, and customer experience.

● Performed monthly overall performance reviews of all employees including coaching sessions.

● Assisted the Store Manager with staff recruitment; helped develop and drive the candidate pool.

● Managed in-store inventory and cash controls by ensuring adherence to all operations policies and procedures with a specific focus on post-sales support .

● Ranked top sales for Bell Aliant in Nova Scotia for small and medium business sales.

● Closed over 60 new business clients in 1 year.

Project Manager - Ariana Developments Limited, Dartmouth, NS | June 2012 –Oct 2013

● Performed recruitment activities through telephone interviews, salary negotiations, skills assessment, and shortlisting to recruit the right subcontractors.

● Ensured customer satisfaction by communicating with homeowners and subcontractors to organize solutions for defects in homes.

● Provided guidance to subcontractors to ensure that proper procedures are followed for home construction and performed physical inspections of their work.

● Performed public relations by participating in media interviews and promoting products offered at trade-shows.

Human Resource Achievements

  1. Strategic HR Initiatives: Implemented a range of HR-specific programs including an enhanced vacation policy, a work-from-home policy, and a new HRIS. Introduced a summer vacation hour, significantly enhancing employee satisfaction.
  2. Data-Driven Decision Making:
    • Successfully reduced the controllable attrition rate for new hires to just 2% through improved onboarding processes.
    • Conducted a cost analysis of employee vacation policies leading to strategic changes.
    • Achieved a 35% reduction in labor costs at Gift Market, resulting in annual savings of $286,000.
  3. Recruitment & Selection:
    • Took on the responsibility for hiring at various levels including directors and managers.
    • Managed the recruitment process for various school roles, interviewing over 500 candidates.
  4. Diversity & Inclusion: Maintained a diverse workforce where over 75% of the staff belonged to visible minorities and other protected groups.
  5. Change Management: Updated HR policies for enhanced inclusivity and diversity, addressing legacy policies to align with current industry standards.
  6. Employee Engagement:
    • Took an active role in the social committee, aiding in the planning and execution of events.
    • Achieved a 74% increase in social media engagement during the tenure at Halifax Regional Center For Education.
  7. Training & Development: Introduced training sessions for managers on consistent employee discipline and trained both employees and managers on various systems and processes.
  8. Total Rewards & Recognition: Collaborated to introduce a new RRSP plan and an improved health benefit. Initiated an employee recognition program based on peer nominations.
  9. Stakeholder Collaboration:
    • Worked closely with multiple departments ensuring smooth HR operations.
    • Achieved a 94% collaboration rate with hiring managers during the internship at Nova Scotia Community College.
  10. Performance Management: Introduced a metric system for both employee self-evaluation and managerial feedback.

Additional Strengths:

  • Education & Certifications: Acquired an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management with high honors and holds multiple certifications in HR and related areas.
  • Skills & Expertise: Possesses proficiency in a wide range of HRIS tools, applicant tracking systems, and Microsoft Office applications. Has an extensive knowledge of technology including various operating systems.
  • Languages: Is fluent in English and Persian, and has a professional level proficiency in Arabic.

Skills

Certificates

  •     Certificate of Human Resource Management, Saint Mary's University 2012
  •     WHIMIS, NSCC 2019
  •     OH&S, NSCC 2019

Human Resources

  • Full Cycle Recruitment
  • Staffing, Orientation
  • Administration
  • Onboarding
  • Interviews
  • Job descriptions
  • Investigations
  • Training and Development
  • Workshop

Membership

  •     Chartered Professional Human Resources Candidate (CPHR NS)

Languages

  •    English/Native
  •    Farsi/Native 
  •    Arabic/Professional

Tech

  • HRIS: Ceridian, Dayforce, Powerpay, UKG
  • Applicant Tracking System: JazzHR, Careerbeacon, Indeed, LinkedIn
  • Microsoft Office 365, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Access, Excel
  • Computer Hardware
  • Linux
  • Windows Powershell & CMD
  • HTML
  • Blue Cross online portal