HAPPY CHOWDHURY
Strategic HR & Compliance Executive | ESG Transformation Authority | Expert In Employee Engagement & Organizational Culture
Dhaka,18
Summary
Accomplished HR and Compliance leader with over 13 years of experience in the apparel and garment industry, specializing in sustainability, regulatory compliance, and fostering people-centric workplaces across six countries. Skilled in auditing, delivering training, supplier onboarding, performance management,project management, and cultivating ethical workplace cultures. Recognized with three Best Employee and Best Team Awards for leading successful initiatives with more than 25 global brands, including Primark, Target Australia, Next, and American Eagle.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
6
6
Certificates
3
3
Languages
Work History
Senior Manager Compliance
Simple Approach Limited (PDS Multinational)
02.2014 - 07.2025
- Directed a compliance team to make workflows more efficient, reducing audit completion time by half. Facilitated audits that reached a 75% compliance rate with international standards. Improved training programs, which boosted team proficiency scores by 50%. Promoted ESG principles in daily work, leading to a 15% increase in environmental performance.
- Led onboarding initiatives for more than 350 factories, enabling them to meet global compliance requirements and satisfy buyer expectations from over 25 international partners.
- Oversaw audits to ensure compliance with BSCI, SEDEX, WRAP, RMG Sustainability Council, and ESG frameworks. Achieved a 95% audit pass rate, reducing corrective actions and strengthening compliance outcomes.
- Developed and monitored Corrective Action Plans to resolve compliance issues and maintain regulatory alignment.
- Improved communication between teams to make audit coordination smoother and encourage departments to work together.
- Integrated ESG frameworks into operations and authored customized Codes of Conduct for buyers, reinforcing sustainability and ethical practices.
- Designed and delivered training programs that improved team knowledge of compliance policies and enhanced audit readiness.
- Advised senior leadership on regulatory requirements, providing actionable strategies to ensure compliance and manage risks.
- Guided departments through ESG framework integration by establishing clear communication channels and conducting targeted workshops. Addressed resistance, helping teams adopt new approaches and reinforcing the ability to lead dynamic, cross-functional groups effectively.
- Developed and implemented risk-mitigation strategies to reduce noncompliance, safeguard the company’s reputation, and build stakeholder trust.
- Improved compliance systems by identifying process enhancements and aligning operations with international standards.
- Managed recruitment, performance evaluations, promotions, and transitions for a team of 12. Advanced two team members into leadership roles and three into senior audit positions, demonstrating a practical approach to coaching and career development.
Auditor Compliance
Takko Holdings GmbH (Brand Liaison Office)
04.2013 - 01.2014
- Oversee social compliance, investigation audits in manufacturing units to ensure adherence to ethical and regulatory standards.
- Planned and conducted factory assessments focused on labor conditions, wages, health and safety, and grievance procedures.
- Prepared and reviewed audit reports detailing noncompliance issues, root causes, and recommended corrective actions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to strengthen audit processes and enhance compliance outcomes.
- Guided suppliers in conducting risk assessments, performing gap analyses, and implementing policy procedures
Welfare & HR Compliance
Cotton field (BD) ltd
09.2012 - 02.2013
- Planned workforce needs to support production and operational goals.
- Handled talent acquisition, screened candidates, and supported onboarding.
- Managed employee relations, resolved grievances and conflicts, oversaw exit processes, and administered compensation, benefits, and incentive programs.
- Collaborated with coworkers from different backgrounds to achieve goals and solve product and service issues.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Education
MBA - Human Resources Management
Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology
Dhaka, Bangladesh 04.2001 -
BBA - Human Resources Management
Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology
Dhaka, Bangladesh01-2012
Higher Secondary Certificate Examination (HSC) - Science
Mollartek Udayan Bidyalaya,
Uttara ,Dhaka, Bangladesh. 04.2001 -
Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSC) - Science
Mollartek Udayan Bidyalaya
Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 04.2001 -
Skills
Performing Audit
Audit supervision
Corrective action plans
Strategic planning
ESG integration
Stakeholder engagement
Vendor/supplier performance management
Legal knowledge & Research
Operations management
Teamwork and collaboration
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 12 staff members.
- Achieved 90% compliance pass through effectively helping with team monitoring and supplier development .
Additional Information
- Led welfare initiatives such as Amader Kotha and Moner Kotha to enhance employee engagement, improve grievance handling, and promote an ethical workplace culture.
- Implemented programs including ETI Welfare, FWF Fair Wear Foundation, fire safety (Janbomora Janabo Mora), Sudokkho skill development, and Her Project, focused on women's hygiene.
Certification
- SA8000'5 Day Basic Auditor Course
Timeline
- Certificate of TOT on Grievance Mechanism
06-2023
- Chemical Management ZDHC
09-2017
- ISO 9001 2015 QMS System Auditor Lead Auditor training
11-2016
- Awareness Course On GOATS & OCS Certificate
09-2016
- Certificates of Bangladesh Labor Law & Labor Rule
06-2016
- SA8000'5 Day Basic Auditor Course
02-2016
Senior Manager Compliance
Simple Approach Limited (PDS Multinational)
02.2014 - 07.2025
Auditor Compliance
Takko Holdings GmbH (Brand Liaison Office)
04.2013 - 01.2014
Welfare & HR Compliance
Cotton field (BD) ltd
09.2012 - 02.2013
MBA - Human Resources Management
Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology
04.2001 -
Higher Secondary Certificate Examination (HSC) - Science
Mollartek Udayan Bidyalaya,
04.2001 -
Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSC) - Science
Mollartek Udayan Bidyalaya
04.2001 -
BBA - Human Resources Management
Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology
Language
Bengali: First Language
Native or Bilingual
English: B2 Upper Intermediate (B2)
Professional Working
Hindi: A2 Elementary (A2)
Limited Working
Key Achievements
- Training Delivery: Facilitated onboarding and orientation for suppliers, factories, and internal teams in Bangladesh and internationally, ensuring compliance readiness.
- Conducted performance goal-setting workshops and KPI-based reviews for team of 12, improving accountability and audit outcomes.
- Delivered training on grievance mechanisms, labor law, ESG frameworks, and brand Codes of Conduct to strengthen workforce awareness.
Awards
- Best Employee of the Award, PDS Multinational Ltd
- Best Ethical Team Award, PDS Multinational Ltd
Expertise
Audit & Compliance -
- Social Compliance Audits and Certifications: SEDEX, BSCI, WRAP, and more than 25 Customer standards.
- Organic & Recycling Certifications: OCS, GOTS, RCS, GRS
- Sustainability and Labor Programs: Cascale (SLCP, FEM), Better Work, RSC, and NIRAPON. Advanced sustainable and labor best practices.
- Environmental and Scope Certifications: Oeko-Tex, ZDHC, and Clean Chain. Supported sustainable sourcing and environmental compliance.
Key Achievements
- Training Delivery: Facilitated onboarding and orientation for suppliers, factories, and internal teams in Bangladesh and internationally, ensuring compliance readiness.
- Conducted performance goal-setting workshops and KPI-based reviews for team of 12, improving accountability and audit outcomes.
- Delivered training on grievance mechanisms, labor law, ESG frameworks, and brand Codes of Conduct to strengthen workforce awareness.
Awards
- Best Employee of the Award, PDS Multinational Ltd
- Best Ethical Team Award, PDS Multinational Ltd