Kim St John
Operations Leader: People | HR | Payroll | Finance | Real Estate & Facilities | Insurance Technology
Summary
As a senior business leader with 20+ years of experience, I have successfully transformed organizations across healthcare, diagnostics and pathology, software, professional services, tourism/travel and non-profit industries. I have supported organizations ranging from 50 to 12,000 employees across the U.S. My track record displays operational excellence, strategic vision, and business impact through people-centric approaches.
Experience
FJA-US, Inc.
Insurance TechnologyDirector of Operations (HR-People | Payroll | Finance | Real Estate & Facilities)
Feb 2024 – PresentOversee all general operations, including human resources, payroll, accounting, finance, real estate and facilities for FJA. I keep the company running smoothly by managing any initiative that requires attention.
Avero Diagnostics
Molecular Diagnostics / Clinical Diagnostics / Anatomic PathologyChief Human Resources Officer
Jan 2022 – Feb 2024Rapid Scaling & Revenue Contribution
- During first year, organization scaled from 150 team members to over 500 team members.
- Hired a record 115 lab positions within 6 weeks, expanding testing capacity and revenue by 20%.
- Implemented ADP TotalSource PEO that enabled rapid growth for multiple business units, resulting in increased revenue and enhanced compliance.
- Established careers page and standardized recruitment and onboarding processes — enhancing compliance, efficiency, and candidate experience, and enabling the effective onboarding of 650+ new hires and 150+ M&A employee transfers.
- Established best-practice HR foundation operations, including digitization, policy and process, improving compliance, efficiency, and employee experience.
- Rebuilt payroll operations and systems, streamlining processes to boost compliance, accuracy, and efficiency.
Compliance & Cost Savings
- Effective vendor management and negotiations resulting in cost savings of up to 30%.
- Successfully managed complex employee relations matters, extensive investigations, and complaints.
- Conducted HR/payroll due diligence for multiple mergers and acquisitions, successfully managing staff transition and integration activities post-sale, including change management.
Team
- Implemented effective leadership coaching and development programs, resulting in more confident, engaged, and capable leaders.
- Promoted a collaborative relationship between HR and operational department leaders — transforming HR from perceived gatekeeper to trusted partner.
- Built and developed a proficient HR/payroll team to enhance support and ensure business continuity.
Senior Director of Human Resources
Oct 2020 – Jan 2022FJA-US, Inc.
Insurance TechnologyDirector of Operations
Apr 2017 – Oct 2020Finance & Administration
- Streamlined accounts payable and accounts receivable processes with the four-eye principle, improving efficiency and preventing fraud for positive audit results.
- Rectified overdue and inaccurate business tax filings, established compliance procedures, and implemented budgeting processes for strict adherence.
- Reviewed and optimized commercial business insurance policies for uninterrupted business continuity.
- Managed corporate office optimization, space buildout, and relocation within budget and timelines.
- Proficient in vendor management, contract reviews, and negotiations for timely and budget-compliant services.
HR & Payroll
- Established HR and payroll operations, systems, and programs, aligning with business needs and ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Implemented HRIS and payroll platforms for self-service, robust reporting, and reduced manual data entry.
- Designed talent acquisition strategies for successful hiring in high-demand markets.
- Created onboarding and mentorship programs for efficient integration and engagement.
- Rebuilt trust in a challenging role, becoming a trusted advisor and fostering a more productive work environment.
- Developed compensation and benefits structures to attract and retain top talent; transitioned to partially insured benefits, enhancing coverage and reducing costs.
- Implemented a performance review system based on core values and job role definitions, with an online platform for efficient management and record-keeping.
IT
- Collaborated with onsite and international IT teams to plan infrastructure requirements, ensuring business continuity and regulatory compliance.
- Orchestrated projects involving software and network hardware upgrades, ISO certification preparation, security measures, bandwidth enhancements, and VOIP implementation.
Director of HR
Apr 2014 – Apr 2017Vive Family Support
Adolescent Behavioral HealthHuman Resources Director
Apr 2013 – Apr 2014VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tourism & Travel / Non-ProfitHuman Resources Director
Jan 2006 – Apr 2013Human Resources Manager
Aug 2004 – Jan 2006Stolle Machinery Company LLC
ManufacturingSenior HR Generalist & Payroll Administrator
May 2003 – Aug 2004Intrawest
Tourism & TravelHR & Office Administrator
Nov 1999 – May 2003Licenses & Certifications
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) — HRCI · Issued Jan 2008 · Expired Dec 2017
- SHRM – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) — SHRM · Issued May 2015 · Expired Dec 2018
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR) — HRCI · Issued Dec 2003 · Expired Jan 2008
- Workplace Mediation — Employers Council
- Developing Executive Presence — LinkedIn Learning · Issued Jul 2020
- Become a Chief of Staff — LinkedIn Learning · Issued Jun 2020
Skills
HR & People
Human Resources (HR) · Strategic Human Resources Leadership · HR Strategy · HR Operations · HR Consulting · HR Policies · Talent Acquisition · Talent Management · Talent Planning · Workforce Planning · Employee Relations · Employee Engagement · Performance Management · Onboarding · Compensation & Benefits Programs · Compensation Management · Benefits Administration · Benefits Management · Labor Relations · Labor and Employment Law · Legal Compliance · Conflict Resolution · Workplace Mediation · Employee Learning & Development · Leadership Development · Organizational Development · Staff Retention
Operations & Finance
Business Operations · Operations Management · Operational Efficiency · Finance · Payroll · Budget Management · Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting · Real Estate & Facilities · Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) · Restructures · Change Management · Project Management · Data Analysis · Office Administration · Organizational Strategy
Systems & Technology
HRIS · ADP Workforce Now · ADP TotalSource PEO · ADP Pay & EZLaborManager · Paychex HR Online · Oracle Taleo · SAP Concur · TriNet PEO · Software Systems · Software as a Service (SaaS) · Professional Employer Organization (PEO)
Leadership & Interpersonal
Strategy · Leadership · Team Management · Relationship Building · Strategic Partnerships · Communication · Decision-Making · Problem Solving · Interpersonal Skills · Analytical Skills · Policies & Procedures Development