Amanda O'Mara

Translating complexity into scalable business solutions that enable people, leaders, and organizations to perform at their best.

Canada

About

Curious. Creative. Strategic. I thrive at the intersection of people, operations, and transformation, bringing clarity to complex challenges and turning ideas into scalable solutions. Throughout my career, I've partnered with leaders to navigate change, strengthen culture, and rethink how work gets done. Known for asking tough questions, challenging assumptions, and finding innovative paths forward, especially where others see ambiguity.

Experience

  • Microsoft (Permanent Full-time · 4 yrs 6 mos)
    • Sr HR Generalist Canada
      Aug 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

      Lead enterprise workforce transformation initiatives supporting business expansion, operational readiness, and long-term workforce sustainability across Canada. Partner with executive, technical, and operational leaders to design workforce strategies that balanced business growth, employee experience, and regulatory requirements. Build scalable workforce frameworks and operating models that enabled complex, non-traditional work environments while improving consistency and organizational effectiveness. Influence cross-functional decision-making through governance, policy modernization, and strategic risk management initiatives spanning multiple jurisdictions. Drive process innovation through automation and AI-enabled solutions, improving operational efficiency and simplifying how work gets done across global teams.

    • Sr HRBP
      Jan 2022 - Aug 2024 · 2 yrs 8 mos

      HR Program Manager: Manage multiple projects and programs to build connections at the site, Canada, and the Americas level. Leverage Microsoft AI & Co-Pilot tooling to effectively managed project scope and met deadlines. Business Operations: Responsible for managing fiscal budgets, and implementing scalable Diversity & Inclusion plan to promote a culture of belonging across Canada. Manager Capabilities: Drive ROBs across 3 engineering orgs at the M2 level. Partner​ with COEs and other Geo HR partners to leverage existing resources or create new training to level-up our manager community.

  • Navigator Games Ltd (3 yrs 3 mos)
    • People Operations Manager
      Aug 2019 - Jan 2022 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      Cultural Development: In partnership with the executive leadership team, developed and incorporated the company vision and values into studio strategies to motivate, inspire and accelerate employee performance. Employee satisfaction improved from 64% to 85% in 2 years. Operational Execution: Supervised the Studio’s annual operating budget of 5.5M to ensure the effective management of variable costs through all phases of production. Completed RFP compliance reporting for Nickelodeon & Square Enix Mobile. Talent and Workforce Management: Developed staffing model and resource forecasting strategy for 2 game studio, blending both permanent staff and outsourcing models to scale through development phases.

    • Human Resources Manager
      Nov 2018 - Jul 2019 · 9 mos

      Creating a dynamic environment that motivates, engages and empowers the team through a growth and change.

  • HR Business Partner for Disney Consumer Products & Interactive Media at The Walt Disney Company
    Feb 2013 - Nov 2018 · 5 yrs 10 mos

    Serve as a strategic partner to business units by developing and delivering integrated and inclusive HR Services such as: Strategy Development, Organization Design, Talent Management, Organizational & Cast Effectiveness, Change & Transition Management, Functional HR Integration and Personnel Management.

  • HR Staffing Coordinator at The Home Depot Canada
    Feb 2011 - Feb 2013 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Identified qualified applicants, scheduled interviews, found appropriate job placements and retained valuable employees. Controlled ongoing audit of HRIS files and created weekly schedules of 100+ associates. Facilitated quarterly performance reviews and developed the performance management skill set of the leadership team. Maintained Health & Safety policies including facilitating GRTW and manage WCB claims.

  • Primary Teacher at Highbury Quadrant Primary School
    Sep 2006 - Jan 2010 · 3 yrs 5 mos

    Developed and implemented all lesson plans for students aged 9-12. Used Personal Improvement Plans to break down barriers and encourage individual learning. Liaised with local community to bring 'real world' concepts into the learning environment. Organized field trips to enhance hands-on development.