Analysis Skills, Best Practices, Business Administration, Change Management, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Continuous Improvement, Corporate Planning, Cross-Functional, Due Diligence, Employee Relations, Employment Law, Finance, HRIS/HRMS, Human Resources, Human Resources Certification, Human Resources Planning, Industrial Relations, Leadership, Legal, Management Strategy, Matrix Management, Mergers and Acquisitions, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Risk Management, SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Time Management
Overview
The HR M&A Sr Manager leads the people-related aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures. This role partners closely with Corporate Development, Legal, Finance, IT, and business leadership to ensure effective HR due diligence, integration planning, TSA and post-close execution. The ideal candidate brings strong HR expertise, project management discipline, and the ability to operate in complex, fast-paced deal environments.
Responsibilities
Deal Strategy & Due Diligence
- Lead HR due diligence for M&A and divestiture activities, including workforce structure, compensation and benefits, labor relations, policies, compliance, and liabilities.
- Identify people-related risks, cost synergies, and integration considerations; clearly document findings and recommendations.
- Advise deal teams on HR-related transaction risks and mitigation strategies.
Integration & Separation Planning
- Develop and execute HR integration or separation strategies aligned with deal objectives and timelines.
- Lead planning for key HR workstreams, including:
- Organizational structure and workforce transition
- Talent and retention planning
- Compensation, benefits, and payroll alignment
- HR systems, data, and process integration
- Policies, compliance, and employment contracts
- Coordinate Day 1 readiness activities to ensure seamless employee transitions.
Change Management & Communications
- Partner with Communications and Leadership to support change management strategies and employee messaging.
- Support consistent, compliant, and timely employee communications throughout the transaction lifecycle.
Stakeholder Management
- Serve as the primary HR point of contact for M&A-related activities.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, Finance, IT, Corporate Development and external advisors.
- Influence senior leaders with data-driven insights and practical solutions.
Governance, Tools & Continuous Improvement
- Establish and maintain HR M&A playbooks, templates, and best practices.
- Track progress against milestones, risks, and dependencies.
- Drive post-integration reviews and incorporate lessons learned into future transactions.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field.
- 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including direct involvement in M&A and divestitures.
- Strong knowledge of core HR disciplines (total rewards, employee relations, payroll and HR operations).
- Proven project management skills in complex, cross-functional environments.
- Experience managing confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or Master’s degree in HR, Business, or related field.
- Experience supporting global or cross-border transactions.
- Familiarity with employment law considerations across multiple jurisdictions.
- HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent).
- Previous experience in a matrixed, multinational organization.
Key Competencies
- Strong execution capability
- Influencing and stakeholder management
- Analytical and financial acumen related to people costs
- Clear, concise communication at all organizational levels
- Ability to thrive amid ambiguity and tight deadlines
C
Celanese International Corporation