Chris Saffer

Chris Saffer Email and Phone Number

HR Manager, Acting Head of HR @ King County Metro Transit
Kirkland, WA, US
Chris Saffer's Location
Greater Seattle Area, United States, United States
Chris Saffer's Contact Details
About Chris Saffer

I am a seasoned HR leader with over 20 years of experience in various HR roles, currently heading the Talent Acquisition function at King County Metro Transit, one of the largest transit agencies in the nation. As a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, I have a proven track record of applying lean principles and tools to improve HR processes and outcomes, leading to increased efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.In my current role, I have successfully led and managed a large team of HR professionals, implementing innovative sourcing and HR strategies to attract diverse and qualified candidates for various positions, especially hard-to-fill ones. I have also led the Business Transformation project to re-imagine and rebuild the employee journey, reducing time to hire and reorganizing HR teams to better support the business value streams. Additionally, I have spearheaded the employer branding strategy, the continuous improvement of the employee engagement program, and the design and implementation of an LMS for online training. My mission is to create a positive and productive work environment where employees can thrive and deliver value to the organization and the community. I am passionate about developing and mentoring HR talent, fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and leveraging technology and data to enhance the HR function. I am always looking for new and innovative ways to solve talent challenges and optimize HR performance.

Chris Saffer's Current Company Details
King County Metro Transit

King County Metro Transit

View
HR Manager, Acting Head of HR
Kirkland, WA, US
Employees:
1821
Chris Saffer Work Experience Details
  • King County Metro Transit
    Hr Manager, Acting Head Of Hr
    King County Metro Transit
    Kirkland, Wa, Us
  • King County Metro Transit
    Hr Manager, Head Of Talent Management
    King County Metro Transit Apr 2023 - Present
    Wa, Seattle, Us
    • Lead and managed a team of HR professionals, overseeing the full recruitment lifecycle for over 2000 positions annually.• Manage complex employee management issues and strategy across 13 labor agreements and 11 Divisions. • Developed and implemented innovative sourcing strategies, resulting in a 20% increase in qualified candidates and reducing time-to-fill from over 200 days to under 70 days.• Implemented Workforce Planning process for the 2025 budget planning process• Provide complex labor and employee relations advisement to leadership in relation to talent management.• Led staff programs for innovative hiring strategies like one day hiring events for electromechanics and bus operators.• Led employer branding strategies, enhancing the company's online presence and leveraging social media to attract top talent.• Worked with consultant to develop comprehensive set of onboarding and probationary improvement recommendations through comprehensive consultative inclusive discovery process.
  • Columbia Bank
    Vice President Of Employee Experience
    Columbia Bank Jan 2021 - Mar 2023
    Tacoma, Wa
    • Led the Culture Transition team for M&A and developed a new DEI strategic plan for the combined organization.• Drove the continuous improvement of the employee engagement program, enhancing the employee experience and retention. I worked with Gallup specifically to reduce the size of the survey to increase participation rates by 50% and to increase leadership engagement with the results by 80%.• Spearheaded the employer branding strategy to attract top talent and improve the organization's online presence.• Led a 12-month lean project targeting the onboarding process across the organization with goal of removing obstacles and integrating our new culture. We were able to implement a with IT a new inventory management system that allowed us to have equipment available onsite for all new hires instead of a random waiting period of up to 3-6 months… We created an onboarding dashboard where managers could see where their employee was in the process and exactly how they could support them. We created onboarding cohorts with culture events, assigned each new employee an onboarding culture ambassador/buddy most of these were in partnership with our employee resource groups supporting our commitment to Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. As we implemented this new system our hiring manager satisfaction increased by 40% and our retention rate increased by 20% for non-frontline and 35% for frontline employees.
  • King County, Wa
    Deputy Division Director Career & Culture
    King County, Wa Aug 2019 - Jan 2021
    Seattle, Washington, Us
    • Built the county’s first centralized internal organizational development program and built the model for the initiative to deliver OD services to all 20,000 + employees. • Led the teams that delivered alternative dispute resolution and executive coaching services across King County. Refreshed the coaching program to align with organizational outcomes and continue to maintain ICF credentials.• Revitalized the company's workplace culture by implementing best practices, motivational programs, and HR initiatives.• Led the design and implementation of an LMS for online training, supporting employee development county-wide.• Led continuous improvement efforts for the priority hiring process, resulting in cost and time savings.
  • Pierce Transit
    Head Of Lean & Organizational Development
    Pierce Transit Oct 2018 - Aug 2019
    Lakewood, Wa, Us
  • Pierce Transit
    Executive Director Of Administration
    Pierce Transit Jun 2018 - Oct 2018
    Lakewood, Wa, Us
  • Pierce Transit
    Head Of Lean & Organizational Development (Hr)
    Pierce Transit Aug 2014 - Jun 2018
    Lakewood, Wa, Us
    • Led the implementation of NEOGOV talent management, lean practices, and DEI programs to maximize organizational potential.• Led the implementation of the LMS with comprehensive learning programs and succession plans.• Led the change management program in partnership with IT for the implementation of SharePoint.• Led the project management/change management for the implementation of electronic performance management.• Led the change management for the updating of the classification and compensation structure including the leaves policies changing from a traditional program to a more a more all-inclusive PTO.• Led Full Cycle recruitment program for all agency recruitment programs including recruitment teams for volume trades recruitment and executive recruitment programs.
  • Triplett & Associates
    Senior Consultant
    Triplett & Associates Jun 2014 - Mar 2016
    ● Researched and analyzed the statutory and regulatory definitions relating to each state’s excise tax collection and reporting structure. Created a programmatic structure for analyzing and defining the opportunities for improvement which would support the Federal Tax Administrations goal to streamline tax laws for specific product categories. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:⮚ Lessened expenses by $1.5M in the state of Kentucky and millions more over time across the county by introducing a database of tax structure for all 50 states that streamlined tax reporting.
  • Executive Career Hub
    Ceo/Lead Hr Consultant
    Executive Career Hub Jul 2007 - Aug 2014
    ▪ Spearheaded the design and delivery of targeted organizational solutions addressing challenges and opportunities within corporations (namely employee retention, engagement and productivity, Lean Six Sigma, succession planning, and leadership development). ▪ Led Full Cycle Executive Recruitment and outplacement services for corporate clients base. Built Career Coaching Curriculum and won US Military Operation Good Jobs career transition contract 2009-2011 before losing to Goodwill for pricing and recourses.▪ Stimulated the implementation of an internal eLearning solution the university organized with a core competency-based learning pathway and a succession pool rendering an improvement in retention and more comprehensive recruitment. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:⮚ Enhanced market share by 20% via executing the merger of three companies implementing organizational development and HR support rendering a collaborative culture and improved employee retention. ⮚ Decreased company dollars by $5M spearheading the launch of a Lean Six Sigma program that completed 20 projects in under one year. ⮚ Achieved Master Certified Coach with ICF with over 2000 documented coaching hours with executives across over 30 countries. ⮚ Qualified for Master Black Belt Lean Six Sigma Certification, designed and ran successful Lean Programs within several organizations.ADDITIONAL TENURESInterim Director of HR | CRAFT BREW ALLIANCE | 2012-2013Interim Director of HR | HOME STREET BANK | 2011-2012Interim Director of HR | TERRA PROPERTIES | 2009-2010
  • Solutions 5 Consulting
    Founder/Ceo
    Solutions 5 Consulting Jul 2006 - Jul 2014
    Solutions 5 Holdings is a holding company used as a platform for launching multiple businesses and revenue streams. A Pure Holdings Company Based in Tacoma Washington utilized by it's partners as an investment platform.
  • Abaxis, Inc.
    National Sales Manager/Trainer
    Abaxis, Inc. Aug 2006 - Jul 2007
    Union City, Ca, Us
    Managed and created new sales in a 6 state territory. I created weekly sales and expense projections while achieving maximum sales and market penetration by training distribution and referral partners. Trained all distribution partners on technical product information as well as sales techniques in a 6 state northwest regional territory.  Recognized and received honors as number 2 for sales nationally in the company in 2006 in only 4 months with the company, out of 150 sales reps. Won GPS Challenge and was Rookie of the Year in 2006.
  • Schering Pharmaceuticals
    Senior Sales Trainer
    Schering Pharmaceuticals Nov 2002 - Aug 2006
    Kenilworth, Nj, Us
    Advanced through a series of promotions, culminating in a sales and training combination position where I oversaw the training and development of new representatives as they were hired and trained in the field. Finished in the top Regionally and top 10 to 30% of the company in sales nationally in 2003, 2004 and 2005, out of 100 + sales reps.
  • Macy'S
    Store Manager
    Macy'S Aug 2000 - Nov 2002
    New York, Ny, Us
    Successfully completed the Macy’s Executive Development Program which is a series of rotations designed to sharpen your ability to drive results through strong business acumen and leadership. I went through a 10 week mentorship that provided exposure to all functional areas of the store, focusing on analyzing business trends while building relationships with executives, customers, and my sales team. The next rotation was a transitional assignment designed to hone the skills learned in the first 10 weeks of the program. I spent time in different merchandise areas of responsibility for the next three months. Following this rotation, I was placed as a Sales Manager where I continued to develop the following:o Manage a multi-million dollar business and drive the profitability of that departmento Lead and inspire a team of approximately 10 to 20 associates, creating a customer-focused environmento Analyze business trends and work with the district teams to influence merchandise selections
  • Jobtailor.Com
    Principal/Executive Recruiter/Sourcer/It Project Manager
    Jobtailor.Com Feb 1999 - Aug 2000
    Founder and principal consultant of a virtual executive search firm.Won runner-up U of W business plan competition.Successfully identified and recruited highly qualified individuals for key executive, management, and leadership positions. By aligning ourselves with major companies and organizations throughout several industries, our leading firm is able to effectively and quickly identify power executives who can provide the vision and strategy needed to propel companies to the next level.Built a proprietary virtual animated interviewing software and job board for job seekersSold in 2000

Chris Saffer Skills

Leadership Development Organizational Development Training Executive Coaching Coaching Leadership Management Recruiting Performance Management Human Resources Consulting Executive Management Staff Development Career Development Project Management Team Leadership Workshop Facilitation Program Management Executive Development Career Management Nlp Business Coaching Business Development Strategic Leadership Talent Acquisition Organizational Design Emotional Intelligence Executive Search Job Coaching Organizational Behavior Onboarding Culture Change Lean Thinking Lean Transformation Human Performance Lean Management Behavioural Change Coaching Staff Lean Six Sigma Lean Tools Applicant Tracking Systems Learning Management Systems Workforce Planning Business Process Improvement Strategic Planning Human Resources Information Systems Talent Management Employee Relations Employee Engagement Diversity And Inclusion

Chris Saffer Education Details

  • University Of Chicago
    University Of Chicago
    Organizational Leadership
  • University Of Washington
    University Of Washington
    Psychology And Business
  • Walla Walla Community College
    Walla Walla Community College
    Organizational Psychology
  • University Of Chicago
    University Of Chicago
    Organizational Leadership
  • University Of Chicago
    University Of Chicago
    Organizational Leadership

Frequently Asked Questions about Chris Saffer

What company does Chris Saffer work for?

Chris Saffer works for King County Metro Transit

What is Chris Saffer's role at the current company?

Chris Saffer's current role is HR Manager, Acting Head of HR.

What is Chris Saffer's email address?

Chris Saffer's email address is cs****@****ank.com

What is Chris Saffer's direct phone number?

Chris Saffer's direct phone number is +125358*****

What schools did Chris Saffer attend?

Chris Saffer attended University Of Chicago, University Of Washington, Walla Walla Community College, University Of Chicago, University Of Chicago.

What skills is Chris Saffer known for?

Chris Saffer has skills like Leadership Development, Organizational Development, Training, Executive Coaching, Coaching, Leadership, Management, Recruiting, Performance Management, Human Resources, Consulting, Executive Management.

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