Rodrigo Zapata

Seasoned HR Professional with 10+ years of experience in multinational companies in different HR functions such as Recruiting, Learning, and HR Consulting in local/country HR, Shared Services, and Centers of Excellence.

Experience in highly complex projects involving different cultures, IT systems, and regions. Solid Six Sigma decision-making process.

Key Expertise: Talent Acquisition, HR services for Latin America, Facilitation Skills, Instructional Design, Organizational Design, HR Metrics, Organizational Effectiveness and Change Management.

HR Manager Local Operations Caribbean

Wärtsilä

Oct 2020 - Sep 2023 

• Country Head for HR Local Operations in core HR employee lifecycle processes for Panama, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Guyana, and the extended Caribbean.
• Boosted service effectiveness, aligning them with global/regional standards while simultaneously reducing cost, speeding up turnaround times, and elevating the quality of HR Services
• Expertly navigated multiple audits, consistently ensuring compliance
• Created and implemented Employee Handbook and Policies by benchmarking local and regional practices.

Local HR Manager Panama

Nov 2019 - Oct 2020 

• Country HR Head overseeing HR processes in Panama encompassing Performance, Recruiting, Rewarding, Compensation and Benefits, and Learning and Talent Development
• Local strategy and implementation of the employee lifecycle

HR Coordinator Central America, Caribbean, and Andean Region

Bacardi

Oct 2016 - Oct 2019 (3 years 1 month)

• Country HR Head for commercial groups overseeing various HR-related services across Central America, The Caribbean, and the Andean Region.
• Adapted regional/global standards focusing on commercial practices and local compliance.

Manager Advisory HR Services

PwC Interamericas

Sep 2015 - Sep 2016 

• Lead and oversee a dynamic team of HR Consultants proficient in various services, including Talent Acquisition and Headhunting, Compensation and Benefits Special Projects, HR Process Enhancement, Performance Management, Organizational Culture, and Change Management.
• Serve as the crucial link between the HR advisory group in Panama and other PwC divisions across the InterAmericas region, spanning Central America and the Caribbean
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with key clientele, nurturing long-term relationships.
• Innovate and tailor HR Consulting solutions to align seamlessly with customer requirements and evolving business demands.

Organizational Development Consultant - Shared Services Latin America

Caterpillar Inc.

Jan 2015 - Sep 2015 

• Leader for Shared Services Learning Demand in Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Panama and Southern Cone).
• Devised and successfully executed a cutting-edge Organizational Development Technical Competencies Development Plan catering to the training professionals across the region.
• Pioneered the establishment of precise quality and cost metrics for Learning Professionals, driving operational excellence.
• Spearheaded the creation, promotion, and implementation of a comprehensive Learning service menu in collaboration with key Business Unit HR Managers throughout the region.
• Served as the esteemed representative of Latin America in global projects and meetings, collaborating with other Regional OD Managers hailing from North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific.
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership by heading numerous global Six Sigma teams dedicated to optimizing HR processes on a global scale.

Organizational Development Consultant - Caterpillar University - Global 

Feb 2011 - Dec 2014 

• Delivered high-impact Organizational Development Consulting services, spanning Org. Culture, Org. Design, Change Management, and Performance Improvement, to diverse regions worldwide, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Collaborated with subject matter experts in the United States on a complex Org. Design project for the Asia-Pacific region, significantly impacting over 10,000 employees.
• Assumed leadership in a Latin American project focused on forecasting consulting service demand within the region.
• Pioneered the development of key performance indicators (KPIs) for the global consulting team, enhancing performance tracking and measurement.
• Innovated by creating a globally recognized Global Consulting Workshop in collaboration with the Global Consulting Manager and Director. This workshop has now become the standard introductory training for aspiring OD Consultants worldwide.
• Led a transformative Six Sigma project with a global reach, revolutionizing compliance training practices. Additionally, I implemented the Learning Demand Process for Latin America, optimizing training delivery across the region, encompassing Mexico, Brazil, and South America.

HR Consultant - Shared Services Latin America 

Mar 2008 - Feb 2011 

• Provided invaluable support to the local Human Resources team in crafting and implementing HR policies while also addressing inquiries related to Panamanian Labor Law. Served as Caterpillar's legal representative in interactions with the Ministry of Labor.
• Successfully implemented Internal By-Laws (Work Rules) for Caterpillar in Panama, ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing the work environment.
• Assumed the role of Site Coordinator responsible for overseeing Office Ergonomics and the Emergency Response Plan, guaranteeing a safe and comfortable workspace for all employees.
• In addition to my prior responsibilities as an HR Supervisor, I expanded my role as an instructor to extend my influence and knowledge sharing to Latin America, specifically in Santiago (Chile), Monterrey, and Torreon (Mexico) for critical leadership courses.

HR Supervisor - Shared Services Latin America 

Jan 2007 - Feb 2008 

• Conducted thorough evaluations of Learning Assessment Needs and effectively implemented an annual Leadership Development Plan. Additionally, played a pivotal role in the successful launch of language programs, all while spearheading the implementation of various local policies, including Tuition Reimbursement Programs.
• Delivered comprehensive training programs in Values-Based Competencies and Enterprise Learning, covering critical topics such as Performance Management, Prohibited Harassment, Targeted Selection, and select leadership development courses. These initiatives contributed to enhancing the skills and competencies of our workforce.

Senior Recruiting Analyst

Copa Airlines

Jan 2005 - Jan 2007 (2 years 1 month)

•  Played a pivotal role in HR Projects, including process mapping for staffing processes, and contributed to the establishment of staffing metrics. Additionally, facilitated the use of psychological tests via e-recruitment, enhancing the hiring process's effectiveness and accuracy.
• Spearheaded the recruitment efforts for top and middle management positions within the Commercial, Financial, and Technical Divisions, ensuring the acquisition of top-tier talent.
• Extended recruitment activities to the Caribbean, Central, and South America, broadening the talent pool and geographical reach.
• Demonstrated leadership by training junior staff in the utilization of PeopleSoft and streamlined recruitment processes, fostering skill development and team efficiency.
• Acted as a reliable backup for the Recruiting Manager during absences, ensuring continuity and efficiency in recruitment operations.

Tecnológico de Monterrey

Master's degree, Business Administration and Management, General

Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua

Post Graduate Degree, Human Resources

Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua

Bachelor Degree, Psychology