Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Sarah Szeflinski is a seasoned Partner at Smart Design, a leading design and innovation consultancy in New York City. With over 15 years of experience in human resources, people operations, and talent management, she brings a unique blend of strategic and operational expertise to drive organizational success.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As a Partner at Smart Design, Sarah oversees the firm's People & Operations function, leading a team responsible for talent acquisition, employee engagement, HR strategy, and workforce planning. In her dual role as Executive Director, she collaborates closely with leadership to ensure the organization's human capital and operational capabilities align with its long-term business objectives.
Career Progression
Prior to her current position, Sarah served as the Global HR Director and People Operations Lead at Smart Design, where she played a pivotal role in scaling the company's global workforce and enhancing its employee experience. She has also held HR and recruiting roles at Randstad RiseSmart, Alexander Interactive (now Cake & Arrow), and Jennison Associates, honing her expertise in talent management, HR policy development, and strategic workforce planning.
Academic Background
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Connecticut, where she graduated with distinction.
Areas of Expertise
- Human resources strategy and policy development
- Talent acquisition and workforce planning
- Employee engagement and retention programs
- Organizational development and change management
- HR operations and performance management
Professional Impact
During her tenure at Smart Design, Sarah has spearheaded several high-impact initiatives, including the implementation of a companywide talent management framework, the rollout of a comprehensive learning and development program, and the redesign of the firm's performance review process. These efforts have contributed to enhanced employee satisfaction, improved talent retention, and the successful scaling of the organization's global workforce.
Conclusion
With her deep HR expertise, strategic mindset, and proven track record of driving organizational transformation, Sarah Szeflinski is a valuable asset to Smart Design. As the firm continues to expand its reach and services, she is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the company's people-centric approach and ensuring its sustained success in the industry.
