Emily Ratliff

Director-Level HR Leadership

• Led the design and implementation of enterprise-wide HR strategies for fast-growing, entrepreneurial clients, integrating talent, culture, and operations to support business goals
• Acted as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on workforce planning, succession, and organizational effectiveness
• Provided hands-on HR leadership while maintaining a strategic, executive-level perspective
• Partnered with managers across the organization, taking a hands-on approach, and getting to know team members to build trust and engagement

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Strategy

• Directed full-cycle recruiting for all levels of the organization, from entry-level roles to executive leadership for both internal stakeholders and clients
• Led executive search efforts, including role scoping, candidate assessment, interview coordination, offer negotiation, and onboarding
• Coordinated and facilitated interview processes across departments, ensuring a consistent, high-quality candidate experience

HR Infrastructure & Compliance

• Built HR infrastructure from the ground up, including policies, employee handbook, HR systems, and governance processes
• Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws; mitigated organizational risk through proactive policy design and training
• Oversaw vendor selection and implementation of HRIS, benefits, and payroll solutions

Culture, Engagement & Change

• Shaped and reinforced company culture by defining and implementing core values, focusing on the employee experience and engagement initiatives
• Led change management efforts during organizational transitions, including scaling, restructuring, and leadership changes
• Partnered with leadership to address complex employee relations issues with a balanced, business-focused approach

Executive Advisory & Operational Excellence

• Translated business strategy into actionable people initiatives in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments
• Provided hands-on HR leadership while maintaining a strategic, executive-level perspective
• Developed metrics and reporting to inform leadership decisions and track HR effectiveness

• Served on the executive team of a fast-growing, entrepreneurial company, leading HR strategy, operations, and employee experience for 750 employees across 23 office locations
• Managed the HR department in all aspects of HR, including payroll, benefits, employee relations, compliance, recruiting, training, and management coaching
• Led HR integration and onboarding for 15 acquisitions, successfully transitioning 500+ employees on payroll, benefits and company culture
• Oversaw the “Dream On” program, reducing turnover from 100% to 30% and establishing a best-practice model adopted by other companies
• Achieved external recognition for workplace excellence, including Delaware News Journal Top Workplaces (#3, 2011–2012) and Great Place to Work “We Love Our Workplace” video contest (#1, 2012)

• Sourced and interviewed candidates for high-level financial roles, including CFO and Controller.
• Managed candidate pipeline to maintain a steady flow of qualified applicants.
• Coached candidates on interview techniques to enhance performance and readiness.
• Collaborated with clients to fulfill both contract and direct-hire staffing needs.