Dr Job Mpele
Cape Twon,South Africa
Summary
Dynamic professional with expertise in ethical decision-making, relationship-building, and strategic partnership formation. Understanding of business processes and principles, backed by commercial knowledge, extensive human resources experience and legal skills.
Offering strong leadership and strategic thinking with solid background in commercial and human resources management and team coordination.
Driven professional with knack for fostering positive workplace environments.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Commercial Director
RFG Foods (Pty) Limited
Western Cape, South Africa
2019.03 - Current
- Ensured that front-line sales teams are supported with well-coordinated administrative operations.
- Strategised cross-promotions with new and existing partners to expand sales and marketing opportunities.
- Conducted extensive market and consumer research for informed decision-making.
- Cultivated strategic initiatives to accelerate commercial growth and best-meet company objectives.
- Developed pricing structures based on historical and current trends, competitor activities and supply chain data.
- Assessed competitor activity and devised effective counter-strategies.
- Developed new market strategies to boost brand visibility.
- Grew annual profit by over 15% with targeted sales and marketing strategy.
- Identified growth opportunities, resulting in expanded company footprint across different channels in Africa.
HR Director
RFG Foods (Pty) Limited
Western Cape, South Africa
2006.01 - 2019.02
- Conducted workforce planning and benchmarking to meet company needs.
- Provided strategic direction for human resources management team.
- Improved business HR policies by guiding and collaborating with managers and the Executive team.
- Implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering a more inclusive workplace.
- Led annual salary reviews, talent reviews, succession planning and performance management.
- Managed complex employee relations casework including dispute resolutions and integration of workforces from acquisitions.
- Advised managers on the HR legal requirements and best practice, ensuring legal compliance.
- Organised staff development programmes for enhancing individual capabilities.
- Developed successful HR strategies by implementing employee-centric policies.
- Analysed data and information to identify issues and create tailored solutions.
- Led high-performing teams and developed organisational leadership capacity.
HR Manager
RFG Foods (Pty) Limited
Malkerns, Eswatini
2023.06 - 2025.12
- Achieved harmonious workplace environment with effective conflict resolution strategies.
- Improved business HR policies by guiding and collaborating with managers.
- Collaborated closely with senior leadership team on strategic HR decisions.
- Provided expert HR advice to line managers to tackle obstacles such as conflict resolution, pay disputes and under-performance management.
- Coordinated employee engagement initiatives for improved staff morale.
- Facilitated training programmes to enhance employee skills.
- Conducted workforce planning and benchmarking to meet company needs.
- Used staff survey findings to implement enhanced working conditions and practices.
- Fostered a diverse and inclusive work culture by promoting equal opportunities.
- Negotiated beneficial terms with benefit providers, ensured cost-effective packages.
- Monitored evolving regulatory changes and parameters to maintain operational compliance.
- Created succession plans and promotion paths for staff.
- Educated line managers on policy and process changes for implementation.
Commercial and HR Manager
Coca-Cola Eswatini
Matsapha, Eswatini
1998.01 - 2022.12
- Managed full recruitment lifecycle of job adverts, applicant vetting and new employee onboarding.
- Streamlined HR procedures, resulted in more organised operations.
- Negotiated employment contracts for expatriates, to secure fair terms for both parties involved.
- Delivered consistent and reliable service through overall administration, planning, coordination and evaluation of HR functions.
- Led annual salary reviews, talent reviews, succession planning and performance management.
- Addressed employee conflicts, following corporate procedures for timely resolution.
- Enhanced recruitment processes for improved talent acquisition.
- Produced sales and performance reports and delivered to senior management and stakeholders.
- Developed contingency plans to minimise supply chain disruptions, resulting in changes of supply points into the market.
- Strengthened profit opportunities through targeted customer relationship development, continually meeting sales objectives.
- Built rapport with new and existing customers globally, from diverse cultural backgrounds to maximise sales opportunities.
- Partnered with R and D department for continuous improvement in product features.
- Managed risk within the supply chain effectively addressing any potential issues proactively.
HR Manager
Johannesburg Consolidated Investments (JCI)
Johannesburg, South Africa
1995.01 - 2025.12
- Developed bonus and incentive programmes to drive employee performance.
- Implemented HR policies and procedures for legal compliance.
- Educated line managers on policy and process changes for implementation.
- Maintained precise, detailed staff and company records for thorough reference.
- Conducted workforce planning and benchmarking to meet company needs.
- Maintained open communication channels with employees, fostered trust within teams.
- Led change management initiatives for smoother transitions.
- Collaborated closely with senior leadership team on strategic HR decisions.
- Liaised with department managers to identify staffing needs.
- Achieved harmonious workplace environment with effective conflict resolution strategies.
- Managed employee accommodation and canteen services.
HR Officer
Eswatini Beverages
Matsapha, Eswatini
1992.01 - 1994.12
- Facilitated successful team-building activities resulting in improved inter-departmental communication.
- Provided expert HR advice to line managers to tackle obstacles such as conflict resolution, pay disputes and under-performance management.
- Fostered positive work relationships through open communication channels with employees at all levels.
- Ensured accurate, efficient HR administration focused on recruitment, payroll and benefits support.
- Organised training courses for staff development and skill enhancement.
- Planned, organised and managed recruitment and selection processes, consistently meeting budget targets and recruitment goals.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on employment law; ensured compliance across all departments.
- Reviewed staff welfare facilities periodically to ensure physical well-being of employees at workplace.
- Achieved organisation objectives with the help of strategic planning sessions.
Education
Doctorate (DBA) - Business Administration
Swiss School of Business and Management
Switzerland 2023.01 - 2024.12
Masters (LLM) - Law
University of Liverpool
Liverpool United Kingdom 2016.02 - 2018.06
Masters (MBL) - Business Leadership
University of South Africa
South Africa 2010.02 - 2013.11
Bachelor of Arts - Law
University of Swaziland
Eswatini 1988.08 - 1992.11
Management Development Program (MDP) - Business Management
University of South Africa
UNISA 1996.02 - 1997.09
Skills
- Ethical decision making
- Relationship-building
- Proactive self starter
- Strategic partnership formation
- Brand building
- Effective customer communication
- Business development
- Product development lifecycle
- Sales strategy development
- Negotiation proficiency
- Business planning
- Market research analysis
Other positions held
- Director and Chairman - South African Vegetable and Canner's Association
- Director - Business Chamber Eswatini
- Director - Fairtrade South Africa
Timeline
HR Manager
RFG Foods (Pty) Limited
2023.06 - 2025.12
Doctorate (DBA) - Business Administration
Swiss School of Business and Management
2023.01 - 2024.12
Commercial Director
RFG Foods (Pty) Limited
2019.03 - Current
Masters (LLM) - Law
University of Liverpool
2016.02 - 2018.06
Masters (MBL) - Business Leadership
University of South Africa
2010.02 - 2013.11
HR Director
RFG Foods (Pty) Limited
2006.01 - 2019.02
Commercial and HR Manager
Coca-Cola Eswatini
1998.01 - 2022.12
Management Development Program (MDP) - Business Management
University of South Africa
1996.02 - 1997.09
HR Manager
Johannesburg Consolidated Investments (JCI)
1995.01 - 2025.12
HR Officer
Eswatini Beverages
1992.01 - 1994.12
Bachelor of Arts - Law
University of Swaziland
1988.08 - 1992.11