Linda Higgins

About Linda Higgins

As a global HR leader, I specialize in building and leading high-performing teams and human resources functions that drive business success. My focus is on developing and evolving HR programs to exceed business objectives. I take pride in mentoring, empowering, and coaching staff, and I serve as a trusted confidant to CEOs, C-suite colleagues, Boards of Directors, and employees.I am a solutions-based HR strategist dedicated to delivering positive results in areas such as culture and engagement, rewards and recognition, talent management, change management, and organizational transformation. I excel at addressing complex business challenges, including M&A integration and divestitures, by leveraging a well-aligned business and HR perspective.My commitment is to ensure the highest level of HR service delivery, generating significant business value by driving success across critical HR priorities.

Experience

1. Chief Human Resources Officer

   Sloan

   Jan 2017 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   Provided global HR leadership to employee base, owners, executive team, and board of directors to transform HR function into strategic partner for business operations. Drove and led all aspects of HR across global human capital, employee engagement, M&A integration, talent, compensation, total rewards, and culture and engagement. Played instrumental role in business and HR transformation through facilitation of complex strategic initiatives. • Built strategic HR team from ground up focused on Total Rewards, Talent Development & Acquisition, Culture & Employee Relations, and Systems; implemented strong foundation and structure to drive favorable outcomes.• Implemented plan redesign, cost containment, and employee education, reducing medical plan loss ratios. • Negotiated 4-year Steelworkers agreement in 2021, rebuilding union/management relations; implemented knowledge-based pay and favorable temporary labor hiring language to address skilled labor shortage and secured favorable wage increases.• Reduced global turnover to and time-to-fill.• Improved succession planning: reduced gaps, with substantial year-over-year improvement; enhanced career conversations, talent development, and leadership identification.• Achieved an increase in employee engagement survey participation and significant improvement in satisfaction.• Led selection, negotiation, and startup of Chicago downtown office for customer showroom and talent market, addressing space constraints and commuting challenges.• Managed global pandemic response to ensure operations and essential business, ensuring employee safety, remote work compliance, and union negotiations to maintain operations.• Directed HR staffing and related needs for opening new greenfield plant in India.• Developed comprehensive Business Continuity Plan for HR, identifying and addressing all risks.• Collaborated with Business Transformation company to address HR efforts within evolving business strategy.

Education

• University of Virginia Darden School of Business

  Educational Leadership and Administration, General

• University of Toledo

  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

• Indiana Institute of Technology

  Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• INSEAD

  Executive Leadership Program