Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Professional Development
Other
Tools And Platforms
Areas Of Interest
Timeline
Generic
Karen J. Linares Sandoval

Karen J. Linares Sandoval

Industrial/ Organizational Psychologist
Guatemala,GU

Summary

Strategic and performance-driven Program Manager for over 18 years, with a proven track record of leading complex client programs across global markets. Expert in supplier management, root cause analysis, cross-functional coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Adept at streamlining operations, driving efficiency, and delivering results aligned with client expectations and corporate objectives.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
4021
4021
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
2
2
Languages

Work History

Program Manager

Intertek
02.2020 - Current
  • Manage the execution of client programs within the assigned market and region, collaborating with local teams and key suppliers to meet performance indicators established with the client
  • Monitor program activity progress through regular reporting and analysis.
  • Support supplier advancement through the root cause analysis (RCA) process, ensuring timely identification and resolution of underlying issues.
  • Effectively leverage and strengthen partnerships with global managers, as well as providing oversight and support with external monitoring firms.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders to streamline processes and drive efficiency.

Operations Manager for Central and Caribbean Countries

Intertek
08.2017 - 01.2020
  • Managed audit operations across Central America and the Caribbean, ensuring adherence to quality standards and consistency in office practices.
  • Supervised a team of seven auditors, overseeing their performance and maintaining compliance with APSCA qualification requirements.
  • Effectively managed departmental budget aligning with senior leadership targets; implemented targeted cost-control measures recognizing a 5% reduction in operational and administrative costs, achieved and maintained effective service margins.

Regional Program Manager for AstraZeneca (Americas)

Intertek
05.2015 - 01.2020
  • Developed, implemented and managed the social responsibility audit program for AstraZeneca across the Americas region, ensuring alignment with corporate standards and regional compliance requirements.
  • Managed all client communications with AstraZeneca’s headquarters in the UK, ensuring timely compliance verification and the development of actionable plans for continuous improvement.

Regional Project Coordinator (Americas)

Intertek
05.2015 - 05.2017
  • Managed regional audit operations, training initiatives, and report quality, collaborated with operational teams to provide technical support and ensure seamless program execution.
  • Facilitated a 'Train the Trainer' knowledge sharing to empower team members with the expertise needed for the effective execution of all audit programs across the region.
  • Delivered and provided technical training and provided strategic leadership to drive regional business development, positioning the company for sustained growth.
  • Managed key client accounts including Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, AstraZeneca, and other high-profile partners, ensuring strong client relationships and successful project outcomes.

Senior Social Responsibility Coordinator for Central and Caribbean Countries

Intertek
10.2006 - 05.2015
  • As the liaison between clients, facilities, and auditors to ensure the efficient and timely execution of audits (compliance, security, quality, etc.)
  • Prepared and delivered reports (in English) to clients ensuring clarity and accuracy.
  • Provided support to facilities, auditors, and clients as needed, ensuring smooth coordination and resolution of any issues.

Education

Industrial/ Organizational Psychologist -

Rafael Landivar University

Bilingual Executive Secretary -

Colegio De Señoritas El Sagrado Corazón

Skills

  • Client Program Management
  • Supplier & Vendor Relations
  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
  • KPI/Performance Monitoring

Certification

Train the Trainer Certification ACAPE (Mexico), 08/01/18

Professional Development

  • Complete Excel - From Beginner to Advance Certificate by Udemy, 06/01/23
  • Seminar on Emotional Intelligence, as a tool to resolve labor and personal conflicts, 05/01/19
  • Introduction to Internal Auditor ISO 9001:2015, 09/01/18
  • Global Supplier Management (GSM) Training, 01/01/17
  • Coca-Cola Train the Trainer, 04/01/16
  • McDonald's Train the Trainer, 02/01/15
  • Wal-Mart Fire Safety Training, 08/01/14
  • McDonalds and Coca Cola Train the Trainer, 03/01/14
  • Fair Labor Association (FLA) 2012 SCI Assessor Training, 02/01/12

Other

U.S. Visa through 2029

Tools And Platforms

  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Power BI
  • Salesforce
  • RizePoint

Areas Of Interest

  • Sustainability
  • Human Rights

Timeline

Program Manager

Intertek
02.2020 - Current

Operations Manager for Central and Caribbean Countries

Intertek
08.2017 - 01.2020

Regional Program Manager for AstraZeneca (Americas)

Intertek
05.2015 - 01.2020

Regional Project Coordinator (Americas)

Intertek
05.2015 - 05.2017

Senior Social Responsibility Coordinator for Central and Caribbean Countries

Intertek
10.2006 - 05.2015

Industrial/ Organizational Psychologist -

Rafael Landivar University

Bilingual Executive Secretary -

Colegio De Señoritas El Sagrado Corazón

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Karen J. Linares SandovalIndustrial/ Organizational Psychologist