University of Plymouth

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Dortmund

Cité Scolaire Internationale de Lyon

Syensqo

Workplace Lead

Stepped into the role of IT Security Engineering Manager at Solvay, steering the firm through transformative technological shifts, combining my multifaceted experiences in HR, IT, and cybersecurity. In a global environment, it has been crucial to pre-empt threats whilst championing innovation.
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► Devised the tech strategy and security roadmap, incorporating zero-trust capabilities to modernise legacy environments.
► Overhauled identity and access management, seamlessly rolling out solutions across both on-prem and cloud platforms.
► Fostered a culture where DevOps teams inherently integrated security, offering architectural guidance and threat modelling insights.
► Led comprehensive security engineering, from fortifying endpoint defences to innovative vulnerability management.
► Consolidated multiple tools into a unified security orchestration platform, enhancing risk oversight.
► Ensured cloud security across platforms, balancing between security measures and operational flexibility.
► Served as a cyber risk advisor for leadership, drafting detailed risk evaluations and strategic roadmaps.
► Addressed audit discrepancies, achieving compliance with standards like ISO 27001 and NIST.
► Managed the intricate separation of network infrastructures when Solvay underwent a strategic split, ensuring distinct security profiles for both entities.

Solvay

IT Security Engineering Manager

Transitioning to the Identity & Access Management Program Manager, I orchestrated a transformative shift in Solvay's digital identity landscape. My emphasis was on amalgamating fragmented systems, refining access protocols, and facilitating seamless employee transitions in a global context.
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► Established the IAM strategic program, drafting a forward-thinking technology roadmap to minimise vulnerabilities and bolster governance.
► Consolidated disparate IAM systems into a singular identity governance hub, streamlining both infrastructure and policy coherence.
► Transformed employee integration and exit processes, with a keen focus on automated provisioning tied to HR systems.
► Championed landmark IAM initiatives, including access certifications, privileged access management, and transitioning to IAM-as-a-Service for cloud-based applications.
► Implemented meticulous access reviews, promoting the principle of least privilege and curtailing excessive access rights.
► Deployed a privileged access management solution, delineating and monitoring secure admin workflows.
► Established open channels with a range of stakeholders, crafting tailored presentations spotlighting risk management and security governance targets.

Identity and Access Management Program Manager

I led the efforts to blend cutting-edge technology solutions with strategic business objectives, leading the charge in enhancing operational efficiencies and establishing digital transformations.
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► Directed the Digital Studio, establishing and launching game-changing products anchored in emerging technologies like analytics, cloud, and machine learning.
► Collaborated with mining business units, resulting in the creation of a ground-breaking analytics application that offers real-time operational insights derived from IoT data.
► Orchestrated expansive digital transformation endeavours, harmonising efforts of business teams, IT professionals, UX designers, and development squads within an agile ecosystem.
► Revolutionised teamwork dynamics, fusing diverse skill sets to quickly refine user-focused solutions.
► Enhanced product development speed by championing agile methodologies and imparting best practices.
► Led the mission of the Digital Studio enterprise-wide, enlightening executive ranks and business leaders about transformation opportunities driven by emergent tech.
► Provided consultancy to various business units, identifying avenues for process enhancement and richer user experiences via digital innovations.

Digital Studio Manager

Championed the seamless integration of HR best practices across the North American territories, covering the US, Canada, and Mexico, significantly enhancing service delivery and operational efficiencies.
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► Oversaw strategic HR direction for North America, leading a team of 15 dedicated payroll and benefits specialists.
► Elevated service delivery standards by refining payroll processes for 7k employees, resulting in a remarkable <1% error rate over 102 annual payroll cycles.
► Collaborated closely with regional HR leaders to refine services, offering accurate and timely data pivotal for effective negotiations and promotions.
► Boosted operational productivity by harmonising timekeeping procedures across over 20 sites and introducing intuitive self-service tools for staff.

HR Operations Manager - North America

Successfully orchestrated the intricate assimilation of over 5,000 employees from the recently acquired Cytec Inc., ensuring a seamless transition into Solvay's established HR systems and procedures.
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► Championed the intricate amalgamation of Cytec Inc.'s workforce into Solvay's HR framework, focusing on payroll, performance management, and overarching processes.
► Collaborated closely with both HR and M&A departments to transition operations onto Solvay's esteemed platforms.
► Guaranteed uninterrupted operations by modifying payroll and associated policies across 15 nations to adhere to collective bargaining stipulations.
► Seamlessly managed the comprehensive transfer of crucial tools and systems, encompassing payroll, timekeeping, and document control.
► Augmented the cohesion of HR operations and fortified self-service capabilities via platform unification and meticulous data transfer.

Integration Manager

Steered the ambitious global deployment of a uniform SAP payroll system encompassing 31,000 employees and 8,000 retirees spanning 30 nations.
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► Directed the worldwide launch of an SAP payroll framework, seamlessly catering to a vast network of employees and retirees.
► Supervised the central team, directing local payroll factions on system setup, intricate testing, and adept change management procedures.
► Curated a universal dataset meticulously tailored to diverse local legislations and collective negotiation agreements.
► Adroitly handled a substantial $6.5M+ business proposition, leading vendor deliberations with eminent partners such as NorthgateArinso.
► Extracted optimal contract values, leveraging the intricate calculus of global payroll providers.
► Managed the holistic payroll shift for the entire workforce, including data assimilation, processing, adherence to compliance, and system integrations.
► Collaborated with regional experts, ensuring streamlined system adoption across affected regions and diverse employee clusters, with an unwavering emphasis on clear communication and swift issue redressal.

James KYNDT