HR M&A Lead

Job DescriptionThe RoleThe HR M&A Lead leads the people strategy across the full lifecycle of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures — from pre-deal due diligence through post-close integration. Acting as the bridge between Corporate Development, executive leadership, and the HR function, this role ensures that every transaction realizes its intended talent value proposition while delivering a smooth, human-centered experience for employees on both sides of the deal.This is a high-visibility, cross-functional role suited to an HR professional who thrives in ambiguity, moves quickly, and can balance strategic influence with hands-on execution.Key responsibilitiesDue Diligence (Pre-Deal)Lead HR due diligence on acquisition targets, including review of compensation structures, benefit plans, equity programs, employment agreements, labor relations, and HR compliance risksAssess cultural compatibility between organizations and surface people-related risks and liabilities that could affect deal valuation or structureProvide analysis and recommendations to Corporate Development and executive leadership on the HR implications of potential transactionsIntegration Planning & ExecutionDevelop comprehensive HR integration plans covering organizational design, workforce planning, retention strategies, and Day 1 readinessHarmonize compensation, benefits, and equity programs across combined entitiesIdentify key talent and design retention programs (stay bonuses, role mapping, development opportunities) to minimize regrettable attritionManage organizational design work to identify deal synergies and address redundancies with fairness and legal rigorOversee integration of HR systems (HRIS, payroll, benefits administration), policies, and practices post-closeChange Management & CommunicationsDesign and execute employee communication strategies that build trust and reduce uncertainty throughout the transactionEstablish two-way communication channels (Q&A forums, pulse surveys, feedback sessions) to keep employees informed and heardLead cultural integration efforts, aligning values, ways of working, and leadership behaviors across organizationsProgram Management & GovernanceDrive execution against deal milestones; track progress, escalate roadblocks, and hold cross-functional teams accountable for deliverablesDefine post-close integration milestones and talent KPIs/metrics to measure integration successPartner closely with HRBPs, Total Rewards, Legal, Finance, Tax, IT, and the Integration Management Office throughout each transactionBuild and maintain HR M&A playbooks, tools, and templates to create scalable, repeatable institutional capabilityProvide periodic updates to senior leadership on progress, risks, and recommendationsSuccess Measures (First 12–18 Months)On-time, compliant Day 1 execution for all assigned transactionsRetention of identified key talent above target thresholdsEmployee engagement/sentiment scores maintained or improved through integration periodsDocumented, reusable HR M&A playbook adopted across the functionQualificationsQualifications8–10+ years of progressive HR experience, including HR Generalist or HR Business Partner roles with broad responsibilities2–5+ years leading the HR/people workstream for mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures, including complex or international transactions (in-house or consulting)Deep knowledge of employment law, benefits, compensation, and compliance considerations in transactionsStrong program/project management skills with the ability to run multiple workstreams simultaneouslyExceptional communication and stakeholder management skills; able to influence without authority across executive, functional, and acquired-company audiencesComfort operating in ambiguous, fast-paced, confidential environmentsExpertise across acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures, including due diligence and carve-outsExperience with cross-border/international deals and global employment considerationsBackground in organizational design, total rewards, or change managementFamiliarity with HRIS migrations and systems integration (e.g., Workday)EducationBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, Legal, or a related fieldMaster's degree, MBA, or HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) PreferredAdditional DetailsThis job has a full time weekly schedule. It includes the option to work remotely. Applications for this job will be accepted until at least August 25, 2026 or until the job is no longer posted.The full-time equivalent pay range for this position is $210,528.00 - $328,950.00/yr plus eligibility for bonus, stock and benefits. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, a recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for a preferred location. Pay and benefit information by country are available at: Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and merit-based employer that values individuals of all backgrounds at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases. Agilent Technologies, Inc., is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive in the workplace where everyone is welcome, and strives to support candidates with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance with any part of the application or interview process or have questions about workplace accessibility, please email View email address on click.appcast.io or contact View phone number on click.appcast.io. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please visit Required: OccasionalShift: DayDuration: No End DateJob Function: HRSummaryLocation: US-CA-Santa ClaraType: Full time