Melissa Grabiner

Senior Talent Acquisition Partner

Hi there - thanks for stopping by. 😊

👋 Follow me for daily tips on Job search advice, HR & Talent Acquisition wisdom, productivity tips and heartfelt inspiration.

✍️ 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: I collaborate with B2C and B2B brands through sponsored LinkedIn posts, promoting products and services that genuinely benefit my audience.

⭐️ 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: I serve as a trusted advisor to early-stage companies and partner with organizations to help optimize their Talent Acquisition strategies.

Please send me a message here or reach me at melissa@grabiner.us

🚀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘁: 
𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲.𝗶𝗼/𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿

Top 1% Job Seeker Coach & Advisor - over 500 Job Seekers Coached!

Whether you're struggling to get interviews, making a pivot, or trying to bounce back after a layoff, I offer straightforward help that actually get results. 

My offerings and how I will help you win: 

🔸 Resume rewrites that showcase your true value
🔸 LinkedIn profile makeovers to attract recruiters
🔸 Interview coaching & salary negotiation tips
🔸 Personalized job search strategy & mentorship
🔸 Networking support to help you open real doors

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗲:

I am an Entrepreneur, Content Creator and HR and Talent Acquisition professional with over 2 decades of experience. On LinkedIn, I am considered one of the biggest thought leaders having over 472,000 followers. 

I am Ranked #2 Female LinkedIn Creator Worldwide and Ranked #1 HR LinkedIn Creator in the USA.

In the past year, my posts have amassed 2.1 million engagements and over 194 million impressions. I have been a guest on over 60 podcasts and host various LinkedIn Live Events.

I have been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Market Watch, Fast Company, Indeed Business and was featured three times on the Times Square Billboard in New York City.

Additionally, I am also a multiple award-winning Global Senior Leader with blended HR and Talent Acquisition multi-industry experience. 

• Created and built a strategic Talent Acquisition Function from inception for one of the largest companies in the world.

• Eighteen years' experience managing over 35 direct reports with zero attrition.

• During my career oversaw all hiring activity for over 25,000 employees.

• Expert in building and executing full talent solutions and strategies for both large and small organizations. 

• Skilled at full life cycle recruiting for various roles across numerous levels and functions.

Senior Talent Acquisition Leader

Speaking from my own experience.....

I'm happy to announce that NO company, title or paycheck is worth your peace or health.

Choosing your well-being first is always the smartest career move you can make.

Let’s be real: job hunting can really mess with your head.

The waiting, the rejections, the ghosting, the self-doubt.

Here are 8 ways to build your confidence during the search:

1. Reframe Rejection 
↳ Every “no” is one step closer to your “yes.”

2. Track the Wins – 
↳ Keep a “confidence file” with wins.

3. Update Your Resume Like a Highlight Reel 
↳ Own your impact, not just your job titles.

4. Celebrate Small Steps 
↳ Applied to three roles today? That counts.

5. Reconnect with Your Network 
↳ Don’t isolate, reach out. Most people truly want to help.
 
6. Keep Learning 
↳ Take a course, read a book, attend a webinar. 

7. Speak Kindly to Yourself 
↳ Replace “I’m not good enough” with “I’m still becoming.” 

8. Protect Your Energy
↳ Rest isn’t quitting. It’s recharging so you can come back stronger.
 
Job seekers, sending love and light. 💘

🍀 Please share to motivate job seekers.
🍂 Follow me, Melissa Grabiner, for more like this.

I was laid off twice in five years.

And each felt like a punch to the stomach.

I made a decision that I was done letting a CEO decide my fate.

I started two small businesses, and I only wish I had done it sooner.

Here’s what I’ve learned along the way: 

💡 A layoff doesn’t define you. It often redirects you.

💡 You have more skills than any one job can contain.

💡 Reinvention isn’t starting over. It’s starting smarter.

💡 The best career move you can make is betting on yourself.

💡 Your network is your lifeline, invest in it before you need it.

💡 The things that feel like endings are often just your wake-up calls.

💡 Security doesn’t come from a paycheck, it comes from adaptability.

💡 Confidence grows when you take action, not when you wait for permission.

My layoffs didn’t end my career.

They gave me the power to redesign it, and I've never been happier. 🧡

"I'd give anything to have a job right now."

As a resume writer, I hear this from all of my clients. 

Job seekers are burnt out from:

💡 Being ghosted
💡 Long interview processes
💡 Getting rejected without feedback
💡 Job postings that disappear overnight
💡 Roles that turn out to pay far less than advertised
💡 Endless assessments and take-home projects with no follow-up
💡 Employers who want “10 years of experience” for an entry-level role
💡 Interviewing multiple times to be told they went “in another direction”

Job seekers are not asking for the world.

They are asking for fair hiring practices, to be treated with dignity and respect and to be given a chance.

🩷 Please share if this resonates.
🙏 Follow me, Melissa Grabiner, for more.

I'm not going to lie.
 
Being a mom who’s always worked outside the home has been HARD.
 
Trying to balance a career and motherhood was challenging even on the best of days. 
 
But somewhere along the way my sons were watching.
 
They’ve grown into kind, thoughtful and hardworking young men.
 
And as a mom, truly, what more could I possibly ask for?
 
To every working parent:
 
You may not always feel like you're getting it right.
 
But your presence, your effort and your love all add up.
 
One day, your child(ren) will look back and realize you were their greatest example. 💓

I hope this is your week.

❤️ To get the interview
❤️ To hear a response
❤️ To be given a chance 
❤️ To receive the job offer
❤️ To finally feel seen for the value you bring
❤️ To have something go right after so much waiting

If not, know that nothing last forever.

I was laid off twice in five years, and looking back, both layoffs ended up being the best thing that could have happened.

Because they pushed me into chapters I never would’ve stepped into on my own.

You might not see it yet, but something better can come from this moment too.

And if you know someone who’s struggling in silence, reach out. 

A message, a lead, a recommendation, or a little encouragement can change everything for someone else 💗 

🍀 Please share to inspire job seekers.
🍂 Follow me for more like this!

I've been laid off twice in the last five years.

Both reshaped me and only one made me feel human.

The first time:
↳ The conversation was transparent, and human.
↳ My manager cried when she and HR delivered the news.
↳ I was told face-to-face with respect, empathy and compassion.
↳ My manager gave me a glowing reference and we're still close today.

The second time:
↳ My manager couldn't even make eye contact.
↳ There was no humanity in the process. Absolutely none.
↳ I found out through a cold calendar invite with no explanation.

Here’s the truth: 

Layoffs happen. 

But humanity, respect and compassion should never be the parts that gets cut.

Energizer Holdings

Energizer Holdings responsibly creates products to make lives easier and more enjoyable. To do this, we lean into our culture as an organization – we win together, while serving each other, with a willingness to act boldly, all while doing right.

As a BDE I am responsible for Independent Grocery (IGA) Qld State based MSO Groups, Woolworths, Big W and Bunnings as well as Electrical Wholesalers.

Business Development Executive

Kenvue

Working within the Consumer Health division I am responsible for supporting Independent Retailers (IGA & Foodworks) by providing value and support to the consumers that choose our brands. It is incumbent on me to maintain the highest standards possible and uphold my commitment to the organisation that supports me to perform at my natural best.

Responsibilities include:
- Management of 4 Key Qld State based Multi-Site Operator Groups (M.S.O.'s).
- Implementation of State specific growth initiatives and monthly promotions.
- Execution of National promotions program inline with organizational expectations. 
- New product development initiatives.
- Health & Beauty Category efficiency assessments and execution.
- Managing state based promotions budget.

Territory Sales Manager, Independent Grocery

Working with State Key Accounts to build value within the Qld Pharmacy channel, I am responsible for an estimated $18 mil annual trade sales including a $1.2 mil promotional budget. Working closely with account buyers and category managers I grow my accounts to achieve a profitable outcome by managing category reviews, promotional plans and the day to day account queries as well as working closely with supply chain and operations to align business expectations.

Accounts include,
- Good Price Pharmacy 
- Pharmacy 4 Less
- Chempro / Chemist Outlet
- National Pharmacy 
- Ramsay Pharmacy

Key Account Manager, Pharmacy (9 Month Maternity Secondment)

Working within the Consumer Health division I am responsible for supporting Independent Retailers (IGA & Foodworks) by providing value and support to the consumers that choose our brands. It is incumbent on me to maintain the highest standards possible and uphold my commitment to the organisation that supports me to perform at my natural best.

Responsibilities include:
- Management of 4 Key Qld State based  Multi-Site Operator Groups (M.S.O.'s).
- Implementation of State specific growth initiatives and monthly promotions.
- Execution of National promotions program inline with organizational expectations. 
- New product development initiatives.
- Health & Beauty Category efficiency assessments and execution.
- Managing state based promotions budget.
- Assist with onboarding of new hires.

Achievements include:
- Achieved highest overall annual territory growth of 10% for 2022.
- Achieved an average of 20% overall growth across 4 key QLD MSO groups.
- Built highly effective MSO presentations that we’re shared with inter-state partners. 
- Assisted with preparation and delivery of national cycle presentations.
- Built an effective deal calculator model to assess ROI and deliver key focus brand deals with QLD MSO groups.

Territory Sales Manager, Independent Grocery 

Johnson & Johnson

Territory Sales Manager, Consumer Health, Independent Grocery

TCC Distributors

TCC Distributors provides a dedicated team of sales professionals, to facilitate in-store activities on behalf of our major client, Procter & Gamble, in IGA and Foodworks.

Responsibilities include, 
- Business development through the continued assessment of agreed POG's and core product ranging.
- Promotional activity implementation relevant to key MSO groups and compliance to Metcash activity.
- Compliance to agreed trading terms and issue resolution with regard to non-compliance.
- Effective territory management including regular outlet assessment to agreed ROI requirements.
- Display negotiation, implementation and follow-up to ensure effective use of agreed budgets.
- Product management and position compliance to flow and POG minimum agreed guidelines.

Achievements:
- $350k GIV increase from Dec 2019 - May 2020
- Improved ranging in 123 outlets by an average of 131 SKU's.
- Achieved new product distribution in 54 outlets by 582 SKU's.
- Greater than 100% to target achieved for 3 core KPI's.
- Increased case orders by an average of 1000 per month.
- Award nomination, Oral B segment analysis tool.

Business Development Manager (P&G IGA Dedicated Team)

Creative Activation

Creative Activation provides a dedicated team of sales professionals to facilitate in store activities on behalf of our major client, Procter & Gamble, in major retail chains including Woolworths, Coles & Priceline.

Responsibilities include,
- Negotiation of additional shelf space.
- Promotional activity implementation.
- Compliance reporting on national promotional activity and issue resolution to noncompliance.
- Territory management.
- Display compliance and additional display negotiation. 
- Product management and position compliance.
- Out of stock compliance reporting and resolution.

Sales Executive (P&G Corporate Dedicated Team)

Griffith University

To just be a manager is not enough. As industry professionals we all have a responsibility to nurture the next generation of leaders. Coaching and mentoring provides a vital link between experience and knowledge. People say there is no substitute for experience, but what is experience without the foresight of knowledge. Completing academic study to achieved my MBA qualification is my responsibility for the next generation. Graduated July 2019. Griffith University, MBA for Life. 

Subjects completed, 
- Corporate strategy and innovation.
- Business Law.
- Corporate Finance.
- Brand Strategy and Management. 
- Advanced Consumer Behavior.
- Economics.
- Integrated Marketing Communications. 
- Management Change Through Responsible Leadership.
- Accounting and Reporting.
- People Management.
- Marketing.
- Sustainability and Systems Thinking.

Selected as volunteer Mentor for trimester 2 and trimester 3.

MBA Student , Griffith Business School 

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation

BEING PART OF COMMONWEALTH GAMES HISTORY
Games Shaper at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games means being part of something bigger. Staff, volunteers and contractors came together as a diverse and united team to shape the best event in Games history.

Games Shapers showed the world how proud, vibrant, committed and friendly the Gold Coast and Queensland community is. We shape an unforgettable experience for everyone, from athletes and officials to fans from around the Commonwealth. 

Responsibilities include,
- Ticketing.
- Venue safety.
- Spectator services.
- Squash venue spectator management. 
- Table Tennis venue spectator management. 
- Games Family and VIP assistance.
- Team member collaboration.

Spectator Services TM

Groupe FILA France

Canson Australia , purchased by The Fila Group Italy, has been a supplier to the Australian art industry for over 20 years and occupied positions in the education; creative leisure and photographic fields. 

Responsibilities include,
- 80% improvement in business development through rebuilding the Queensland market.
- Decreased non-trading and inactive accounts by 60% through leveraging customer relationships.
- Increased the customer base by 40 new accounts by seeking new opportunities within retail.
- Plan, develop and execute strategic sales initiatives specific to the Queensland business focus.
- Review product margins and brand positioning in conjunction with the national strategic plans.
- Manage operational budgets in line with the state P&L expectations.
- Facilitating workshops as part of the companies back selling strategy to introduce new products.
- Attended regular industry events and trade shows to promote brand portfolios.

Regional Sales Manager

GNS Wholesale Stationers

GNS creates business efficiencies and cost reduction strategies for stationery retailers, resellers and independent suppliers by combining superior supply-chain solutions with our national warehouse network. 

Responsibilities include,
- Increased profitability by 15-20% by developing an Outlet Analysis tool for retailer performance.
- A 60% improvement in customer engagement by implementing a customer record card.
- Part of the QLD team selling 70% of the nations Parker Pen X-Mass deals sales executive initiative.
- 95% YTD budget, highest performing Business Development Manager for 2015-2016 FY.

Business Development Manager

The FMCG industry has experienced substantial restructure in the past few years. Having been involved with sales and marketing for over 25 years I have taken the opportunity, post redundancy, to focus on academic study. My decision is designed to complement my experience and develop new skills in the field of business management. What I plan to achieve through this journey is a more comprehensive understanding of business operations, business management and future operational sustainability.

It is my intention to re-enter the sales and marketing arena a wiser and more effective individual. I will take the knowledge gained through academia and use it as a positive influence towards development of "better business practice" and authentic leadership. Completed, Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, Articulating into the MBA program 2015

Career / Study Break

Highly skilled sales professional, MBA Graduate and Chartered Manager with a passion for leadership. Working with new hires and existing team members I lead from within to create an environment of perpetual learning. People leadership is my passion involving direct or indirect reports and I am dedicated to finding workable solutions that add value to my B2B customers and return on investment for my organisation. My mission is to become an influential people leader within my industry, to teach what I know about the art of selling and build a clear understanding of the importance of sustainable leadership within the emerging generation. 

As a Chartered Manager (CMgr) I am held accountable to the CMI code of conduct that ensures ethical leadership is a key focus within my leadership space. My commitment to a Continued Professional Development plan ensures my leadership capability remains fresh and relevant so I can offer maximum value to organisations that recognise the importance of authentic leadership.  

I am passionate about finding the right balance between value for my customers, sustainable growth for my organisation and the best offer for my consumers. Well versed and with sound commercial acumen, I build on my experience to add value to the people I am involved with, the team I am accountable too and the customers I am responsible for.

MY WHY - I inspire others to make a difference, to bring people together and help build a stronger future for ethical and sustainable leadership. What I offer is authentically, personal accountability and trusted leadership.

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The Battle

Melissa Grabiner

Gareth Sipple-Asher, MBA CMgr

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Melissa Grabiner's LinkedIn Performance

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