Sarah K.

People Operations and Strategic Events Manager

San Diego, California, United States

About

Operations leader with 10+ years of experience driving employee engagement, optimizing workflows, and delivering high-impact initiatives for global brands. Proven record of managing cross-functional teams, improving operational processes, and executing complex programs that elevate employee experience, customer satisfaction, and business outcomes. Skilled at building relationships, implementing change, and leading teams through growth and transformation.

Experience

  • Conference Services Manager at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
    Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

  • Manager of Employee Experience at Trovata
    Jun 2022 - Mar 2023 · 10 mos

    ◆ Directed people operations and engagement strategies for a fast-scaling Series B fintech startup across seven time zones. ◆ Managed all onboarding/offboarding processes for 100+ employees, ensuring smooth integration and departures. ◆ Designed and launched company-wide engagement programs and events, resulting in a 99% satisfaction rating. ◆ Built a centralized SOP repository, increasing operational consistency and knowledge sharing across departments.

  • ClickUp ()
    • Talent Development Specialist
      Dec 2021 - Apr 2022 · 5 mos

      ◆ Designed and implemented learning and development programs to support employee growth and manager enablement across 8 time zones. ◆ Created blended and multimedia training resources, improving accessibility and retention of learning materials. ◆ Analyzed and reported training outcomes using survey data to guide continuous improvement. ◆ Championed department projects from concept to delivery, delegating effectively while defining scope, requirements, and milestones that drove successful, on-time results.

    • Onboarding Coordinator
      May 2021 - Dec 2021 · 8 mos

      ◆ Executed remote onboarding for 400+ new hires in 7 months during a period of rapid Series C growth. ◆ Coordinated training schedules, materials, and cultural integration initiatives.

    • Customer Support Specialist
      Dec 2020 - May 2021 · 6 mos

      ◆ Delivered top-tier client support with the highest satisfaction ratings on the team. ◆ Collaborated with product and development teams to identify workflow improvements and upsell opportunities.

  • Catering & Conference Services Manager at Bahia Resort Hotel
    Nov 2019 - Jun 2020 · 8 mos

    ◆ Coordinated logistics for corporate and social events while promoting the company’s sales-focused culture. ◆ Prepared client invoices and managed weekly/monthly revenue forecasting reports.

  • Hilton San Diego Bayfront ()
    • Event Services Manager
      Oct 2018 - Nov 2019 · 1 yr 2 mos

      ◆ Managed large-scale corporate events with up to 150,000 attendees, driving profitability and upsell opportunities. ◆ Created and implemented SOPs to streamline event execution and billing processes, achieving 94%+ satisfaction ratings. ◆ Recipient of five ‘Blue Energy’ Awards for service excellence.

    • Food & Beverage Coordinator
      Mar 2015 - Oct 2018 · 3 yrs 8 mos

      ◆ Provided executive-level support to leadership, including payroll processing and scheduling for 200+ employees. ◆ Led recruitment efforts for operational roles, managing interviews and hiring documentation.