Derryl Thomson
Human Resources Executive
Sandton
Summary
Results-driven Human Resources Leader with 15+ years of experience in organisational development, talent management, change management, and HR business partnership. Proven ability to align HR strategies with business goals to drive transformation and improve organisational effectiveness. Demonstrated success in leading teams through complex change initiatives, fostering employee engagement, and building high-performance cultures across multiple industries. Expert in performance management, HR compliance, succession planning, workforce planning, and stakeholder management. Adept at developing and implementing HR policies, employee relations programs, and training initiatives to support business objectives. Recognised for empowering teams and leaders to achieve measurable business results.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Human Resources and Transformation
Masana Petroleum Solutions Pty Ltd
08.2019 - Current
- Directed HR strategy and organisational transformation, integrating workforce planning and talent management to align with business goals.
- Championed leadership development, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives that fostered a culture of high performance and innovation.
- Oversaw change management and culture transformation projects, resulting in improved operational efficiency and employee retention.
- Ensured HR compliance with labor laws and regulatory requirements; managed employee relations to maintain a positive and inclusive workplace.
- Revitalised performance management systems, leveraging HR analytics to drive productivity and inform executive decision-making.
- Implemented diversity and inclusion strategies and led cross-functional collaboration through effective internal communications.
- Managed HR budgeting, resource allocation, and financial controls to support strategic priorities.
- Reported HR metrics and transformation outcomes to executive leadership and board committees.
Human Resources/Industrial Relations Consultant
Various Companies
09.2017 - 08.2019
- Chairing disciplinary hearings to ensure compliance with procedural fairness.
- Conducted arbitrations to resolve disputes effectively and maintain workplace harmony.
- Facilitated skills development consultations to enhance employee capabilities.
- Advised on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) compliance and strategies.
- Provided guidance on employment and outsourcing contracts to mitigate legal risks.
- Executed comprehensive labour law consulting services to support client operations.
- Managed daily human resources queries, offering solutions to enhance employee satisfaction.
- Acted as a change facilitator in the Future Fit Programme, driving organisational adaptation.
- Drafted job profiles and aligned them with mapping processes for accurate role definition.
- Investigated industrial relations matters to provide actionable insights.
- Guided managers on employee-related issues, fostering a supportive management approach.
Human Resources Manager/Consultant
Kantar (Pty) Ltd
05.2017 - 10.2017
- Managed daily human resources operations and resolved complex employee relations issues, supporting a positive workplace culture.
- Oversaw learnerships and workforce development initiatives to enhance organisational capability and competitiveness.
- Implemented performance management and compliance systems, providing advisory support to senior management.
Consultant
DTE Consulting
01.2016 - 04.2017
- Delivered human resources services consulting to various clients, tailored to their unique needs.
- Provided expert advice on industrial relations matters.
- Executed BBBEE consulting services, aiding clients in compliance and strategy.
- Developed human resources policies that aligned with best practices and legal requirements.
Country Human Resources Manager
Chemetall (Pty) Ltd-Speciality Chemical Manufacturing
10.2012 - 12.2015
- Reported at executive level, ensuring alignment of human resource strategies with business objectives.
- Managed the human resource department, overseeing all functions and operations.
- Facilitated the budgeting process in line with guidelines from the German parent company.
- Held accountability for human resource budgets, optimising resource allocation.
- Directed remuneration and benefits administration for the South African office.
- Oversaw transition and communication processes during acquisitions, ensuring smooth integration.
- Led projects aimed at reducing costs and increasing profit margins in alignment with strategic development.
- Ensured job descriptions aligned with the country organisational charts and German business strategy.
- Executed data analysis and research to formulate strategic plans for the South African region.
- Managed performance management processes, enhancing employee effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented strategy papers reflecting recommendations for BBBEE objectives.
- Oversaw industrial relations and recruitment processes aligned with company objectives, including BBBEE.
- Implemented and managed an internal communication strategy to enhance information flow.
- Led change management processes to support organisational transformation.
- Managed the skills grant process and skills development initiatives.
- Implemented and oversaw the Learnership Programme, contributing to workforce development.
- Assisted with expatriate relocation requirements, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks.
- Served as a Union Negotiations Trustee on the Company Provident Fund.
- Represented the company on Employers Association Committee for the Chemical Industries (NaSCEA).
Country Human Resources Manager
Wipro Technologies – IT Company Outsourcing
09.2011 - 06.2012
- Recruited staff to fulfil company requirements, enhancing team capabilities.
- Drafted policies to ensure compliance and best practices within HR.
- Liaised with third-party vendors to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.
- Assisted with the implementation of BEE policies from an HR perspective.
- Led HR team during due diligence for tenders, ensuring compliance and readiness.
- Facilitated expatriate relocation requirements, streamlining transition processes.
Human Resources Manager/Business Partner
Gijima Holdings
10.2007 - 08.2011
- Oversaw the recruitment process for the account, ensuring alignment with client needs.
- Managed all human resources risk associated with the account.
- Facilitated skills development and succession planning, fostering talent growth.
- Drafted job descriptions and performance contracts to define roles and expectations.
- Assisted with employee wellness programmes, promoting a healthy workplace.
- Trained and oversaw the performance management process to ensure consistency.
- Established and facilitated the Employment Equity committee at the account level, promoting diversity.
- Reported to clients on HR matters to ensure transparency and alignment.
- Supported change management initiatives to drive organisational effectiveness.
- Ensured compliance with client Absa standards in the financial services industry.
- Acted as HR Business Partner to the strategic account, aligning HR strategy with business goals.
- Managed financial controls, including budgeting for the human resources department on the Absa account.
- Reported to executive level, providing insights on HR performance and strategy.
- Managed contract/outsourcing costing from a human resources perspective.
- Implemented a compliance framework for outsourcing contracts to mitigate risk.
- Oversaw HR budgeting aligned with business objectives.
- Guided outsourcing pricing from a HR perspective, ensuring market competitiveness.
- Conducted feasibility studies of outsourcing contracts from a HR perspective.
- Created and designed 'The Hype', a change management initiative to enhance engagement.
- Developed strategic awareness of HR across the organisation.
- Instituted a 'people process' for succession planning on the outsourcing account.
Education
Masters of Business Administration - Organisational Leadership
Milpark Business School
Johannesburg, South Africa12.2013
Advanced Diploma in Labour Law - Labour Law
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa03.2003
Accreditation in Human Resource Management - Human Resource Management
University of London(UK)
Johannesburg, South Africa11.1998
B. Iuris - Law
University of Kwa Zulu Natal
Durban, South Africa12.1994
Skills
HR Strategy
Timeline
Head of Human Resources and Transformation
Masana Petroleum Solutions Pty Ltd
08.2019 - Current
Human Resources/Industrial Relations Consultant
Various Companies
09.2017 - 08.2019
Human Resources Manager/Consultant
Kantar (Pty) Ltd
05.2017 - 10.2017
Consultant
DTE Consulting
01.2016 - 04.2017
Country Human Resources Manager
Chemetall (Pty) Ltd-Speciality Chemical Manufacturing
10.2012 - 12.2015
Country Human Resources Manager
Wipro Technologies – IT Company Outsourcing
09.2011 - 06.2012
Human Resources Manager/Business Partner
Gijima Holdings
10.2007 - 08.2011
Masters of Business Administration - Organisational Leadership
Milpark Business School
Advanced Diploma in Labour Law - Labour Law
University of Johannesburg
Accreditation in Human Resource Management - Human Resource Management
University of London(UK)
B. Iuris - Law
University of Kwa Zulu Natal