Sean Dixey, Sphr Email & Phone Number

Seattle, Wa, Us

Head of HR and first HR leader for a privately held, clinical stage biotechnology company developing technologies for real-time, high-resolution visualization of cancer cells, for use in fluorescence guided surgery. Hired to establish the HR function in anticipation of Blaze’s commercial launch and rapid growth. Support a hybrid workforce in 4 states. As an HR department of one, serve as a strategic business partner to senior management while building from scratch, right-sized, scalable, cost-effective, and culture appropriate HR operations infrastructure, programs, and policies. Responsible for talent acquisition, talent management, organizational development, HR technology, comp/benefits, employee relations, leave administration, training, and compliance.Highlighted Projects & Accomplishments:• Established recruiting, hiring, and onboarding processes that supported a 34% employee growth rate in my first 12 months at Blaze. This marked the company’s highest rate of growth to date, comprised primarily of new, highly technical, and specialized positions in a competitive market.• Researched, selected, and implemented new workforce management technologies and payroll system (Rippling). Rolled out integrated HRIS, Payroll, Onboarding, Time & Attendance, Applicant Tracking System (ATS), Learning Management System (LMS), Employment Verifications, Background Checks, Benefits Administration, and COBRA Administration. Improved HR process efficiency while improving employee experience at an annual cost savings of 30% compared to Blaze’s prior Paychex payroll-only solution.• Formulated/executed a new strategy for employee performance management, organizational assessments, and promotion and compensation evaluations without utilizing a traditional employee review process.• Created a cross-functional competency matrix to standardize and calibrate expected competencies for multiple levels across diverse departments and roles.

Supplied multiple clients with HR expertise on a consulting basis, advising them on “people solutions” aimed at enhancing organizational capability and improving business outcomes. Initiated and lead programs/projects from initial strategy development through final execution. Key areas of support included strategic workforce planning, HR audits, executive coaching, regulatory compliance, policy/procedure development, employee relations, organizational development, employee training & development, performance management, compensation & benefits administration and benchmarking, and full cycle recruiting.Highlighted Projects & Accomplishments:• Completed 50+ projects, serving a diverse range of company sizes/industries that include public sector, private sector, and non-profit organizations in the areas of professional services, management consulting, technology, advertising, construction, engineering, manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, gaming, assisted living, public utilities, and port authorities—and spanning both union and non-union environments• Gained extensive skills in workers compensation, cost containment, disability case management, ergonomic evaluation, and return-to-work programs during a series of projects supporting client companies dealing with state-fund workers compensation, retrospective rating, self-insured, and long-term disability challenges• Supplied fractional and/or interim HR leadership when circumstances warranted, stepping in to hold HR leadership roles until suitable permanent replacements could be identified/hired

Woodinville, Washington, Us

InVantage3 was created as an initiative to re-scope and re-brand Infrastructure Group Services (IGS). Concurrently, I sold my share of the business to a remaining partner.

Woodinville, Wa, Us

Founded a managed services and business process outsourcing firm to provide integrated HR, accounting, and information technology services and solutions to clients in WA, OR, CA, AZ, and CO. Led all aspects of human resources for multiple consulting, engineering, architecture, land development, technology and software clients. Planned, developed, managed, and delivered professional services and programs, covering the full spectrum of HR. Responsible for total rewards, employee relations, HR operations, talent acquisition, onboarding, workforce planning, organizational development, talent management, regulatory compliance and payroll services. Developed procedures and workflow for managing HR processes, as well as a scalable service delivery framework.Highlighted Projects & Accomplishments:• Provided executive leadership to the firm, helping establish lean business processes in addition to handling all dedicated HR management functions - contributing to 9+ years of strong profitability• Maintained a 100% client retention rate, via exceptional service delivery, quality & client relations management• Reduced staffing requirements by 42% over a 2-year period, while improving service delivery, transactional efficiency, and profitability, streamlining workflow, implementing process improvements, and integrating HR, IT & Accounting functions• Saved over $1 million in benefit premium costs, by creating an ERISA multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) that allowed client enterprises to purchase insurance as a group without common control. Provided access to otherwise unavailable benefits programs. Realized a 20% savings in premium costs year over year. Acted as fiduciary, plan sponsor & administrator• Designed, implemented, and administered a multiple employer retirement plan (MEP), that improved administrative efficiency, reduced cost, and created a value-added service offering for clients

Seattle, Washington, Us

Head of HR for a fast-growing consulting, land use planning, civil engineering, and landscape architecture firm serving Fortune 500 clients. Reported to the executive team and supported 100 employees in 7 offices and 4 states. Hired to support rapid business growth and to improve valuation as a precursor to sale. Served as a strategic business partner to senior management. Responsible for all aspects of HR including talent acquisition, talent management, total rewards, employee relations, organizational development, training, and compliance.Highlighted Projects & Accomplishments:• Improved the organization’s recruiting success, employment brand, and labor market exposure, supporting a 60% employee growth rate over a 2.5 year period; this growth was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal and Zweig White Hot Firm List, with PACLAND named one of the 100 fastest-growing private firms in WA and one of the 100 fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and environmental firms in the country• Exceeded company record for recruiting/hiring by 50% over a two-year period (2005-2006) and created a highly efficient candidate tracking and reporting system to improve transparency and accountability• Interfaced with an international, 3,500-employee firm (NYSE:TRR) that acquired PACLAND, assisting with the alignment/integration of HR strategies and exploration of potential synergies• Advised executive team on HR function design following a subsequent buy-back, a splitting of PACLAND into 9 independent business entities, and their second sale to new owners

Initially hired as consultant and rapidly promoted to positions as Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager, and Head of HR, Accounting, and Administration—reporting directly to the President. Provided leadership in talent management, payroll, employee relations, and training for two sister companies spanning 125 total staff. Directly supervised 6 accounting and human resources staff, as well as 5 administrative branch support employees.Highlighted Projects & Accomplishments:• Prepared and managed a $5M general cash-basis budget and held responsibility for finance and business management, operations, cash flow, and matters affecting capital expenditures• As Branch Manager, managed and developed 17 vocational rehabilitation consultants and administrative support staff—and directed continued expansion in key Eastern Washington locations • As Assistant Branch Manager, helped oversee a staff of 15 employees, while managing a full consulting load and training/supervising vocational rehabilitation consultant interns • Performed assessments, ergonomic evaluations, job analyses, labor market surveys, and job placement services; consistently attained Top 5 ranking out of 70 consultants company-wide for performance

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Psychology

Masters-Level Course Work