Filipa Costa Simões

Strategic HR leader with 25+ years of experience leading HR operations, organizational development, and large-scale transformation initiatives across corporate and social sector environments. Proven ability to build and stabilize operational hubs, lead multidisciplinary teams of up to 60+ staff, and implement people and performance systems aligned with business objectives. Experienced in managing complex international environments, driving operational excellence, and partnering with senior stakeholders to deliver scalable organizational solutions.

Highly adaptable leader recognized with 3 promotions in 3 years at Bosch, demonstrating a unique ability to drive operational excellence (3.9/4.0 OPEx score) and manage large-scale reorganizations.

HR Manager – Global HR Operations - BOSCH

(2021-01)

• Strategic Hub Leadership: Led the setup and stabilization of a global HR operations hub supporting 800+ employees across Europe and North America, ensuring operational excellence and scalable service delivery.
• HR Process Transformation: Spearheaded the redesign of complex HR service processes, improving governance, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Team Development & Coaching: Directed a team of 10 HR specialists, focusing on removing roadblocks, on capability development, performance management, and service quality in a high-volume operational environment.
• Process Engineering: Implemented operational excellence frameworks, including KPI/SLA monitoring and root cause analysis, achieving a 3.9/4.0 OPEx score for quality and compliance.
• Transformation & Improvement: Led process transformation initiatives improving governance, scalability, and operational efficiency across HR service delivery.
• Scalability & Growth: Expanded service scope from an expected 60% to 90% coverage for the Netherlands group, demonstrating high standards and speed.
• Escalation & Audit: Served as the primary escalation point for complex cases; maintained rigorous internal controls and supported internal/external audits.
• Executive Partnership: Partnered with Centers of Excellence (COEs) in Rewards and Finance to align global processes with broader corporate HR strategy.

Human Resources Manager - EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF IRAQ

(2016-01 - 2021-12)

• Full-Cycle HR Management: Managed recruitment, payroll processing, employee exit processes, and absence management in accordance with the Portuguese labor laws.
• Regulatory Compliance: Navigated complex immigration and labor laws in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Executive Support: Provided strategic administrative and HR support to diplomatic leadership.

HR & Social Services Director - CENTRO PAROQUIAL DO ESTORIL (CPE)

(2001-01 - 2015-12)

• Large-Scale Team Management: Led a multidisciplinary department of 60 employees and 100 volunteers overseeing HR, education, and social services supporting over 1,000 beneficiaries.
• HR Infrastructure Development: Designed and implemented the organization's first internal Manual of Conduct and standardized performance evaluation systems.
• Strategic Career Management: Created a dedicated Welfare and Employment office to manage career development for both employees and the community.
• Budgetary Oversight: Managed budgets for multiple operation areas, ensuring financial sustainability for programs supporting over 1,000 people.

B.A. - Social Work (5-Year Degree) - Universidade Católica Portuguesa (1996-01 - 2001-12)

Course - HR for People Managers - University of Minnesota (via Coursera) (2021-01 - 2021-12)