HR Project & Program Specialist - Americas

Company Description

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain, from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines. We leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve customers and consumers worldwide. Structured as a matrix organization with six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company operates in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

Job Description

The HR Project & Program Specialist will assist the HR Program lead while also working independently to drive the success of the implementation and transformation of the Shared Business Services (SBS) model within the HR function. This position involves taking a strategic approach to align and integrate global applications, processes, and systems, directly supporting the broader HR strategy. The role demands a strong focus on project coordination, risk and resource management, stakeholder engagement, and change management to ensure the successful deployment of the SBS model. Additionally, the specialist will drive operational efficiency, consistency, and the continuous improvement of HR practices. Following implementation, the role may transition into an SBS Process Owner, responsible for sustaining and optimizing HR process performance within the SBS model.

• SBS Implementation & Transformation: Actively support and drive the implementation of the SBS model within the HR function, ensuring alignment with the broader SBS program and HR objectives Lead the transformation of business processes and the integration of new systems/technologies where applicable. Collaborate with relevant teams to execute change management strategies and ensure smooth transitions.
• End-to-End Project Coordination: Independently manage the entire lifecycle of assigned projects, ensuring alignment with global HR strategies and the SBS program and tracking progress against timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Proactively monitor and drive project delivery from initiation through operationalization.
• Global Application/Process Design: Collaborate with stakeholders to design and implement new global applications, tools, and processes, ensuring that HR practices are standardized across regions and aligned with the SBS model to improve operational efficiency and consistency.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a key liaison between HR, SBS teams, external consultants (if applicable) and other stakeholders to ensure alignment on goals, timelines, and deliverables within the context of the SBS program. Provide regular updates to leadership on project status, issues, and next steps.
• Risk & Resource Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, anticipating the need for cross-functional resources to meet project requirements. Mobilize resources as necessary and collaborate across teams to resolve obstacles, ensuring smooth project execution.
• Problem Resolution: Proactively identify and resolve project-related issues using issue-based problem-solving techniques, root cause analysis, and collaborative discussions to find optimal solutions while minimizing impact on timelines, budgets, and the overall SBS program goals.
• Support HR SBS Program Lead: Assist the Program Lead and external consultant (if applicable) in preparing project plans, schedules, and presentation materials. Track and monitor key milestones for SBS initiatives, ensuring objectives are met and progress is maintained.
• Communication & Status Reporting: Develop and present clear, concise project status reports and updates, ensuring timely communication and supporting the effectiveness of HR functions and initiatives within the SBS framework.
• Knowledge Sharing & Collaboration: Collect and share knowledge across the HR team, leveraging insights from team insights to enhance project execution and support continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Experience in HR project management, HR processes, or HR transformation within a Shared Services environment, with at least 4 years focused on managing projects and programs.
• HR Operations & Process Excellence: Strong expertise in HR operations, global service delivery models, and process optimization. Skilled in aligning HR processes and systems with business goals and global strategies. In-depth knowledge of HR policies, compliance, and regulatory requirements. Experience in process reengineering and operational excellence, applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies to optimize workflows and improve business outcomes.
• Project & Program Management: Demonstrated success in leading end-to-end HR transformation projects, including process centralization, technology enablement, and employee lifecycle optimization (hire-to-retire). Extensive experience managing complex, multi-regional projects and collaborating with stakeholders across geographies and functions. Proficient in leading projects using Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid methodologies. Strong skills in project governance. issue-based problem solving, and root cause analysis.
• Technology Integration & Tools: Experience with major HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday), HR tech integrations, and performance measurement frameworks. Proficient in tools like JIRA, MS Project, and Power BI for tracking and reporting.
• Change & Stakeholder Management: Skilled in leading change initiatives and driving adoption across all organizational levels. Proven ability in managing stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and securing buy-in during HR transformations.
• Leadership & Communication: Effective leader with experience managing cross-functional teams and engaging senior stakeholders. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills paired with excellent communication capabilities to convey complex HR concepts to diverse audiences.

Additional Information

• English fluency essential; 
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; 
• Professional HR or project management certification is strongly preferred.