Manuela SANTONI
Lausanne,Switzerland
Summary
Extensive experience in Human Resources, with a proven track record in leading high-impact, international HR digital and IT transformation initiatives, leveraging enterprise platforms to drive business value in top-tier, industry-leading companies.
Recognized for my ability to bridge business and technology, I orchestrate cross-functional teams and steer the design and evolution of HR solutions, ensuring scalable and integrated outcomes.
Winner of the 2024 “Innovator Award” from SAP SuccessFactors, recognizing my leadership in driving HR digital transformation and orchestrating large-scale initiatives at SICPA.
I combine strong technical expertise with strategic leadership to lead enterprise transformation programs, bridging business and technology, orchestrating cross-functional teams, and delivering scalable, integrated HR solutions.
With over 25 years in HR consulting, I bring deep expertise in HR systems and end-to-end HR processes, combined with leadership in transformation, governance, and the design of scalable, integrated solutions.
Master’s degree in Economics and Business with highest honors (Maxima Cum Laude) complemented by a European scholarship for an HR specialization program.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
HR Business Relationship Manager
SICPA
Lausanne, Switzerland
2026.01 - Current
SICPA is a multi-billion Swiss technology company and global leader in authentication and security solutions, safeguarding the authenticity of banknotes, identities, and goods worldwide
- HR Business Relationship Manager leading enterprise HR digital transformation with full ownership of demand, value, budget, and governance
- Drive value-based transformation through structured demand management and prioritization using Value Management principles
- Act as a strategic bridge between HR and IT, enabling data-driven, value-focused investment decisions
- Define and govern global governance frameworks, aligning stakeholders on priorities, risks, and measurable business outcomes
HR Business Analyst Expert / Global HR Systems Product Owner
SICPA
Lausanne, Switzerland
2019.10 - Current
- Global HR Systems Product Owner, managing SAP SuccessFactors, SAP HCM, SAP Concur, and related HR applications across 35+ countries
- Define solution designs combining process modeling and technical feasibility to deliver scalable HR system implementations
- Lead HR Global Run & Support, managing 20+ external resources and overseeing budget and service performance to ensure seamless operations and integrations
Human Capital Solution Global Senior Expert
SAP
Milan
2011.04 - 2019.09
SAP is a global enterprise software leader, driving digital transformation with AI and data at scale, with revenues exceeding €30 billion.
- Led global HR digital transformation and Talent Management solutions, translating business needs into scalable processes later enabled through SAP SuccessFactors
- Partnered with top-tier global clients across high-tech, industrial, financial services, energy, and infrastructure, building strong on-the-ground expertise in complex, international environments
- Drove HR process innovation and standardization, leveraging SAP and SuccessFactors platforms as enablers of business-driven transformation
- Champion for Skills of the Future and People Agenda for US, Germany, Italy, China, India, Mena Region and others to harmonize and streamline processes increasing performance up to 20%.
Senior HCM Consultant
SAP
Milan, Italy
1999.03 - 2011.03
- - Developed expertise in end-to-end HR processes, aligning business needs with system capabilities to optimise service delivery.
- - Executed HR transformation and process reengineering projects using SAP HCM and Travel Management to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Advised on large-scale HR implementations, facilitating capability building and knowledge transfer.
Education
Master's Degree - Economics and Business, Magna Cum Laude
La Sapienza University
Rome, Italy 1992.01 - 1998.01
European scholarship - HR specialization program
Lombardy Region
Italy 1998.01 - 1999.01
Executive Leadership Program -
IMD
Lausanne, Switzerland 2022.01 - 2022.01
Skills
HR digital transformation leadership
Business alignment with IT
Transformation governance and value management
Cross-functional and global team leadership
Business-driven solution design
Data-driven decision making
Certification
- SAP HR & SuccessFactors certifications and continuous training, SAP 2000-2026
- Executive Leadership Program, IMD Lausanne- Switzerland 2022
- European scholarship for HR specialization program, Lombardy R. Italy 1999
LANGUAGES
English: Full Professional
Fluent
Italian: Native
Fluent
French: Intermediate
Upper intermediate
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Available upon request.
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Skiing, Travelling and cooking, Cross-cultural topics and gamification approaches
Accomplishments
- SAP SuccessFactors 2024 “Innovator Award” in driving HR digital transformation and orchestrating large-scale initiatives at SICPA - 2024
- · Master’s degree in Economics and business, Magna Cum Laude (110/110) – La Sapienza University, Rome- ITALY - 1998
Timeline
HR Business Relationship Manager
SICPA
2026.01 - Current
Executive Leadership Program -
IMD
2022.01 - 2022.01
HR Business Analyst Expert / Global HR Systems Product Owner
SICPA
2019.10 - Current
Human Capital Solution Global Senior Expert
SAP
2011.04 - 2019.09
Senior HCM Consultant
SAP
1999.03 - 2011.03
European scholarship - HR specialization program
Lombardy Region
1998.01 - 1999.01
Master's Degree - Economics and Business, Magna Cum Laude
La Sapienza University
1992.01 - 1998.01