Carmen Schoenmetz

Strategic, data-driven executive with 15+ years of experience leading transformation, revenue growth, operations, and strategic initiatives across diverse industries (SaaS, technology, security printing, manufacturing and not-for-profit).

Adept at navigating complexity, aligning cross-functional teams, and driving measurable impact. Skilled in scaling businesses, building high-performance cultures, and guiding C-suite decisions through insight and structure. Combines an analytical mindset with high EQ and a bold yet thoughtful leadership style.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

  • Leading complex business transitions

  • Program & project management

  • Strong operations and execution skills

  • Data-driven decision-making

  • Cross-functional team alignment

  • Risk management and critical thinking

  • Growth & revenue diversification

Download PDF Resume

EXPERIENCE TIMELINE

CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER

JUNE 2023 - PRESENT

Canadian Physiotherapy Association | Toronto/Remote

A member-driven association supporting the physiotherapy profession and healthcare advancement.

    • Developed a strategic roadmap for membership growth and non-dues revenue diversification to strengthen organizational resilience

    • Led critical change management aligned with 5-year strategic plan; reorganized teams to improve collaboration and strategic alignment

    • Unified business development and membership functions into the Growth & Innovation Team, increasing operational efficiency and team cohesion

    • Directed the procurement and implementation of a new Association Management System (AMS), delivering improved data integrity and automation

    • Operationalized frameworks for member growth tracking and revenue forecasting, supporting strategic planning and leadership decision-making

    • Launched initiatives expected to drive a substantial increase in non-dues revenue within the next 3-5 years

    • Overhauled membership fee structure to ensure financial sustainability and transparency

CHIEF OF STAFF & Head of People and Culture

FEBRUARY 2022 - May 2023

Leap Tools Inc. | Toronto/Remote            

A SaaS start-up providing visualization tools for e-commerce and retail.

    • Served as strategic advisor to the CEO and founders, contributing to 25% revenue growth in 2022

    • Built Business Intelligence unit and implemented KPI tracking to align executive team on strategic goals

    • Optimized operations for 3x headcount growth over 5 years; improved cross-functional alignment

    • Scaled HR team from 2 to 8; increased total headcount from 110 to 150 in under 12 months

    • Developed framework for employee wellbeing, retention, and performance

NOVEMBER 2013 - DECEMBER 2021

Canadian Bank Note Company (CBN) | Ottawa

Providing technology solutions to prevent fraud in the secure solutions market.

Progressive Leadership Roles

    • Led post-acquisition integration and growth of a tech startup within CBN

    • Advisor to the founder and executive team; established annual strategy development and organizational structure

    • Launched a program management office and KPI systems to drive performance tracking

    • Introduced communication structures for transparent stakeholder management

    • Established a new senior management team and organizational structure

    • Developed the annual strategy process and leading the senior management team through it

    • Implemented program management function to track projects and continuous improvement initiatives

    • Managed CBN’s largest client relationship and operational portfolio

    • Turned around a strained key account into a profitable, long-term partnership

    • Increased revenue through improved operations and systems

    • Oversaw functions across R&D, Manufacturing, Procurement, Legal, QA, and Security

    • Launched two award-winning new products with new technical features

    • Founded the Lab Services department focused on advanced analytics and process quality

    • Streamlined in-process quality control in operations to reduce errors / waste significantly

OCToBER 2007 - OCTOBER 2013

Manager Production ExcellencE             

Giesecke & Devrient GmbH | Munich, Kuala Lumpur, Ottawa 

Global provider of secure payment and ID solutions.

    • Designed industry-first automated optical inspection system, increasing revenue by 35%

    • Led a global continuous improvement team, mentoring Six Sigma projects and optimizing global operations

EDUCATION

Diplom-Wirtschaftsingenieur (Dipl. Ing.), Business & Engineering

Technical University of Aalen, Germany
October 1999 – March 2004
Master’s in Business & Engineering

Comprehensive interdisciplinary program combining engineering principles with advanced business and financial management. Academic focus included strategic business management, corporate finance, process optimization, and operations planning. Gained a strong foundation in systems thinking, analytical problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration - skills that continue to inform and enhance my leadership approach in complex organizational environments.

SIGNATURE COMPETENCIES

  • DATA INFORMED DECISION MAKER

    Grounded in analytics and guided by insight, I leverage data to drive strategic choices that lead to measurable impact. Whether analyzing performance metrics or forecasting trends, I turn complex information into clear, actionable strategies. My approach balances intuition with evidence, ensuring confident, forward-thinking decisions.

  • PROCESS INNOVATOR

    I identify inefficiencies and design smart, scalable systems that streamline operations and enhance performance. With a keen eye for optimization, I lead process transformations that support growth and resilience. I believe in building frameworks that evolve with the business - reducing friction while boosting productivity.

  • EXECUTION STRATEGIST

    I move from vision to execution with focus and discipline. Known for getting things done, I align teams around clear goals, drive accountability, and ensure momentum from start to finish. I take pride in delivering outcomes that are not only timely - but transformative.

  • HUMAN-CENTRED LEADER

    Above all else, relationships are at the heart of everything I do. I lead with empathy, emotional intelligence, and a deep respect for diverse perspectives - creating cultures where collaboration thrives. My leadership style builds trust, unlocks potential, and inspires teams to perform at their best.

real world OUTCOMES

    • At Leap Tools, I built the company’s first Business Intelligence unit and implemented KPI tracking, aligning the executive team around clear strategic goals.

    • At CPA, I operationalized growth and revenue forecasting frameworks that enabled stronger, data-driven leadership decisions.

    • As VP at Canadian Bank Note, I launched a program management office and new KPI systems that streamlined performance tracking across the business.

    • Earlier in my career, I designed an industry-first automated inspection system at Giesecke & Devrient, driving a 35% revenue increase through operational excellence.

    • At CPA, I led the procurement and implementation of a new Association Management System, improving data integrity and automation.

    • I also turned around a strained $MM client relationship at Canadian Bank Note, ultimately growing revenue and strengthening long-term partnership value.

    • At Leap Tools, I scaled the HR team from 2 to 8 while growing headcount from 110 to 150 in under 12 months - introducing frameworks for wellbeing, retention, and performance.

    • At CPA, I unified business development and membership into a single Growth & Innovation team, fostering greater collaboration and cohesion.

Professional Development & Achievements

  • 2018 • IBNS Bank Note of the Year Award

    The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) Bank Note of the Year Award is an annual recognition given to an outstanding banknote issued in circulation during the previous year. The award, established in 2004, highlights banknotes with artistic merit, innovative security features, and a general circulating design. 

  • 2014 • Kepner-Tregoe certified facilitator for Critical Thinking

    I am a Kepner-Tregoe (KT) certified facilitator and am trained and certified by Kepner-Tregoe to guide and facilitate the use of the KT methodology in organizations. This methodology is a structured approach to problem-solving, decision-making, and risk management, focusing on critical thinking and systematic analysis. 

  • 2013 • PMP Certified Project Manager

    I am a Project Management Professional (PMP) certified project manager and have passed the rigorous Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This certification validates my expertise in managing people, processes, and business priorities within project environments. 

  • 2012 • Award Winner CEO Business network for top female managers

    Generation CEO was founded in 2007 as a German-speaking, international network of leading female managers and is considered one of the first support networks for female executives.

    The network now includes 262 experienced female managers and independent entrepreneurs with diverse, international backgrounds who work in numerous industries. 

  • 2008 • Certified Six Sigma Black Belt

    I am a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt professional who demonstrates expertise in applying Six Sigma principles and methodologies to lead teams in process improvement projects. I possess advanced knowledge of Six Sigma tools, techniques, and the DMAIC framework, enabling me to drive breakthrough improvements. Black Belts, like myself, are also skilled in change management, project management, and team leadership. 

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