Sajeesh Kunnath Valappil

About Sajeesh Kunnath Valappil

I’m a global People Operations and Workforce Strategy executive with 18+ years of experience building scalable HR and service delivery infrastructures for tech-forward organizations. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), leveraging Agile frameworks to accelerate change management and alignment. My career spans high-growth environments where I’ve led workforce transformations, scaled global teams, and advised senior leadership across companies like Google, Waymo, Microsoft and Infosys.By aligning talent strategy with business goals, deploying HR technologies, and optimizing compliance frameworks. I’ve managed global delivery across hardware, software, and R&D portfolios, building people-centric systems that enable performance and innovation.My strengths include- Building and leading global HR operations (U.S, India, APAC)- Launching shared services and enterprise ATS platforms (Kenexa, Workday)- Managing large-scale contingent workforce programs- Acting as a trusted partner to executive leadership- Driving DEI, engagement, and retention in complex environments- Building and operating organizations from scratch and setting up operational frameworks and support functions including HR, payroll, benefits and compensation.Whether it’s aligning talent strategies with engineering roadmaps or building recruiting infrastructure from the ground up, I thrive at the intersection of people, operations, and scale.Let’s connect if you’re focused on transforming your workforce experience and scaling sustainably.

Experience

1. Director, Pmo

   Akraya, Inc.

   Sep 2025 — Present · Santa Clara, CA, US

   As Head of PMO, I am responsible for establishing and leading the Program Management Office, serving as a strategic partner to Account Managers, Program Managers, and engineering teams.Providing leadership for Program Managers, handling day-to-day escalations, and mitigating delivery risks while aligning PMO objectives with business goals.Key ResponsibilitiesOwn current SOWs and its deliverables, risk, compliances etc.Drive end-to-end ownership of SOW creation, pricing, and negotiation, ensuring alignment with client objectives.Lead RFP response efforts, coordinating with Sales, Delivery, and Marketing teams to create compelling proposals.Partner with Marketing to develop case studies, client success stories, and executive-level presentations to support business growth.Build and scale the PMO structure to support client engagements across multiple verticals.Manage and mentor Program Managers, ensuring consistent delivery standards and client satisfaction.Oversee risk management and escalation handling across projects, implementing mitigation plans proactively.Collaborate with finance to develop accurate costing models and pricing strategies for new engagements.Act as a strategic advisor to project teams, ensuring alignment between business goals and service delivery.Develop best practices, processes, and frameworks for project governance and delivery.Monitor project performance, capacity planning, and resource allocation to optimize delivery efficiency.

Education

• Jyothi Engineering College

  Bachelor of Engineering - BE, Electronics and Communication

Skills

• Talent Acquisition
• Team Management
• Technical Recruiting
• Recruiting
• Talent Management
• Training & Development
• Process Improvement
• Strategy
• Analytics
• Business Planning
• Human Resources
• Internet Recruiting
• Sourcing
• Vendor Management
• Sdlc
• Internal Communications
• Microsoft Office
• Training
• Interviews
• Networking
• Contract Recruitment
• Requirements Analysis
• Ms Office Suite
• IT Recruitment
• Screening
• Executive Search
• Leadership
• Resource Management
• Outsourcing
• Consulting
• Screening Resumes
• Crm
• Negotiation
• Telecommunications
• Applicant Tracking Systems
• Staff Augmentation
• Analysis
• Account Management
• Team Building
• Information Technology