CJ Gardelli
Scheme Relations Manager
Johannesburg,GP
Summary
Accomplished professional with 20+ years of leadership experience in Human Resources, Operations, and Client Relations. Known for delivering results in high-pressure environments by aligning HR initiatives with broader business goals.
Skilled in developing people-centric strategies, improving operational efficiencies, and fostering collaborative cultures. Holds an MBA and created the Basilio Model—a cutting-edge HR Operating Framework to enhance organizational performance. Expert in stakeholder engagement, change management, and cross-functional leadership.
Excels in fast-paced environments, using creative, data-driven approaches to solve complex challenges. Strategic partner to senior leadership and mentor to emerging professionals, bringing integrity, vision, and energy to every role.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
2
2
Language
Work History
Scheme Relations Manager (Bank HR Services)
Bankmed (South Africa)
10.2017 - Current
- Lead stakeholder engagement strategy between the scheme and employer groups.
- Manage HR-related communications and operational support.
- Provide insights for performance and service improvement in collaboration with Bank HR Services.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
- Achieved significant cost savings by renegotiating contracts with key vendors, without compromising service quality.
Founder
The Management Doctor
04.2014 - 2025
- Deliver strategic HR consulting and leadership development programs.
- Creation of policies
- Creation of RIM
- Provide business coaching, change management, and organisational transformation solutions.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues.
- Achieved long-term sustainability for the organization through responsible decision-making processes grounded in ethics.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations while maintaining ethical business practices at all times.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction, providing exceptional service and promptly addressing inquiries and concerns.
Founder/Owner
Cape Town Compass
06.2015 - 02.2020
- Cape Town Compass was a specialized service provider to the South African film and advertising industry, offering experienced chaperones and bodyguards to ensure the safety, welfare, and logistical support of talent and high-profile production individuals during production.
- The company operated in alignment with local film regulations and industry best practices, contributing to smooth, secure, and professional on-set environments.
Fund Manager Medical Aid
Thebe Ya Bophelo
10.2016 - 05.2017
- Oversaw fund operations and stakeholder management.
- Streamlined operational processes within the fund management team, resulting in increased productivity and cost savings.
- Presented regular reports the clients detailing fund performance metrics and strategic recommendations.
- Evaluated transactions and reporting for adherence to applicable regulatory guidelines and data integrity.
- Maintained full compliance with industry regulations, ensuring the utmost integrity in all aspects of fund management operations.
Various Senior Roles
Metropolitan Health
01.2006 - 12.2015
- HR Business Partner, Communications Manager, Medicine Risk Manager, Client Services Manager, HR Manager.
- Led HR operations and employee engagement initiatives.
- Managed multidisciplinary teams and ensured SLA compliance.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
Head of Human Resources
Performance Based Outsourcing
02.2005 - 08.2006
- Oversaw full HR function and talent acquisition strategy.
Various Management & Sales Roles
Dialogue Group | Onboard Media | Princess Cruises | Anchor Care | Unity Press | Electric Express
01.1996 - 12.2005
Education
MBA - Business And Human Resources
MANCOSA
Johannesburg 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing Management - Honours
MANCOSA
Cape Town, South Africa 04.2001 -
Diploma - Human Resources Management
Damelin
Cape Town 04.2001 -
Undergraduate Degree - Marketing Management
False Bay College
Cape Town, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Human resources management
Operational efficiency management
Strategic decision-making, planning and implementation
Strong project management skills
Proven leadership abilities
Business process analysis
Able to build quick rapport and solid relationships to achieve goals with Internal and External Stakeholders
Ability to influence others and lead a dynamic and diverse team
Analytical thinking and ability to analyze reports
Technical understanding of the Operations environment and technologies
Skilled in resolving conflicts
Organizational change management
Accomplishments
- Achieved an A for my MBA thesis whereby I created a new HR model
- Created the first Reward and Recognition programme and Metropolitan Health [MMI]
- Achieved the highest operational SLA at Metropolitan Health [MMI]
- Excellent record at the CCMA with no losses to date
Certification
[Area of certification] Training - Train the Trainer
Timeline
Scheme Relations Manager (Bank HR Services)
Bankmed (South Africa)
10.2017 - Current
Fund Manager Medical Aid
Thebe Ya Bophelo
10.2016 - 05.2017
Founder/Owner
Cape Town Compass
06.2015 - 02.2020
Founder
The Management Doctor
04.2014 - 2025
Various Senior Roles
Metropolitan Health
01.2006 - 12.2015
Head of Human Resources
Performance Based Outsourcing
02.2005 - 08.2006
MBA - Business And Human Resources
MANCOSA
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing Management - Honours
MANCOSA
04.2001 -
Diploma - Human Resources Management
Damelin
04.2001 -
Undergraduate Degree - Marketing Management
False Bay College
04.2001 -
Various Management & Sales Roles
Dialogue Group | Onboard Media | Princess Cruises | Anchor Care | Unity Press | Electric Express
01.1996 - 12.2005