Jill Maunder
Jill Maunder is a seasoned Human Resources Executive and Independent Consultant with over 25 years of leadership experience in high-tech and biotech industries. Her career includes executive roles such as Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Officer for global, publicly traded companies, as well as Co-Founder and Managing Partner of an HR consulting firm serving clients from emerging startups to multi-billion-dollar enterprises. Jill is recognized for her strategic approach to HR leadership, organizational transformation, and executive development, consistently aligning people strategies with business objectives to drive sustainable growth and shareholder value.
Throughout her career, Jill has built and led global HR organizations through periods of rapid expansion, mergers, and acquisitions—guiding teams from due diligence to seamless integration. She has designed and implemented innovative HR programs focused on leadership development, talent retention, and cultural alignment across international operations. Her expertise extends to executive coaching, organizational development, change management, and succession planning, making her a trusted advisor to C-suite executives and corporate boards on matters of executive compensation and long-term talent strategy.
In addition to her corporate accomplishments, Jill is an active thought leader and speaker, having participated in panels and industry events such as the Mass Biotech Council and the MIT Sloan School’s Women in Business and Technology forum. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire and the Harvard Business School Key Management Program, Jill continues to leverage her experience to help organizations and leaders unlock their full potential and thrive in today’s competitive, fast-changing business environment.
• University of New Hampshire
• Harvard Business School
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to following my passion for helping people and being open to where that path led me. I originally wanted to pursue social work, but after taking a facilitation skills course and becoming a teaching assistant, I discovered a love for developing and supporting others. That experience shaped my college studies and ultimately guided me into a rewarding career in Human Resources, where I’ve been able to combine my people-focused values with strategic business impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my father, who was an engineer and one of my earliest inspirations. I had always excelled in math, and during my senior year, he showed me one of the first IBM computers and suggested I consider a career in technology. When I told him I wanted to pursue social work instead, he simply smiled and said, *“You are so smart—you can be anything you want to be and do anything you want to do.”* Those words have stayed with me throughout my career, reminding me that confidence, curiosity, and belief in yourself can open any door you choose to walk through.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to be persistent and never give up. Challenges are inevitable, but perseverance and confidence in your abilities will set you apart. Always approach your work from the perspective of what you bring to the table—focus on the value you can create and how your skills can help move the business forward. When you think and communicate from a business standpoint, you gain credibility, influence decisions, and position yourself as a true strategic partner.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, collaboration, and making a lasting impact. I’m especially proud of helping a high-tech company grow from a startup to over $700 million in revenue through strategic leadership and acquisitions. Working closely with the CEO—a Ph.D. in Physics from MIT who became both a mentor and mentee—was incredibly rewarding. I also take pride in influencing the company to hire its first woman Vice President of Engineering, reflecting my commitment to diversity and inclusive leadership.