Office 365
Marelise Rajah
Organisational Effectiveness Consultant
Sandton
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Summary
Experienced professional in organizational development and operations excellence with a strong history of enhancing organizational growth and efficiency. Skilled in fostering team collaboration, strategic planning, and driving performance improvement initiatives. Recognized for optimizing company processes and instilling a culture of continuous improvement. Demonstrated success in spearheading large-scale change initiatives, process optimization, and engaging stakeholders effectively. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive impactful culture initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
9
9
Certifications
Work History
Organisational Effectiveness Consultant
Nedbank Ltd (Retail & Business Banking Cluster)
12.2013 - Current
- Provide insightful recommendations based on best practices research, helping businesses and teams to achieve their desired outcomes more efficiently.
- Assess workforce capacity needs through skills gap analyses, guiding stakeholders toward selecting optimal staffing levels for sustainable growth.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and drive organizational change initiatives.
- Facilitate difficult conversations among team members, resolving conflicts while promoting mutual understanding and respect for diverse perspectives.
- Enable leadership development by creating customized leadership programs focused on enhancing competencies essential for success in senior roles.
- Lead cross-functional teams in the successful implementation of large-scale change initiatives that delivered measurable results on time and within budget constraints, e.g. Various strategic projects have been impacting and affecting over 500 branches, a contact center of just over 2,000 staff, and various cluster and business integrations consisting of restructures and streamlining processes and efficiencies, impacting a staff complement of between 8,000 and 15,000 at a point in time since 2015.
- Empower employees to take ownership of their professional development, cultivating a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Transform organizational structures to better align with evolving business objectives, resulting in improved efficiency and effectiveness.
- Enhance organizational efficiency by conducting comprehensive assessments, and implementing targeted improvement strategies.
- Conduct thorough analyses of competitive landscapes, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions about market positioning and expansion efforts.
- Boost stakeholder satisfaction rates with timely project delivery through effective planning and execution of consulting engagements.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement, delivering significant cost savings without compromising quality, or performance.
- Increase employee engagement by developing customized training programs tailored to individual, team, and business needs and goals.
- Strengthen company culture by designing initiatives that promote teamwork, inclusiveness, belonging and shared values.
- Improve communication within teams by facilitating workshops and designing collaborative processes.
- Streamline complex workflows, resulting in more efficient resource allocation, and reduced operational costs.
- Perform needs and cultural evaluations to strengthen improvements at all organizational levels.
- Formulate and implement training programs by applying learning principles and individual differences.
- Conduct in-depth research into Employee Value Propositions, and retention programs, and implement optimal solutions to drive organizational change and staff retention.
- Coordinated with multiple stakeholders to align on objectives and outcomes for large-scale facilitation projects.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Developed detailed people and culture plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project goals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Spearheaded the transition and change management process to remote work during the COVID pandemic, ensuring business continuity and employee safety. Specific attention was given to virtual facilitation and providing practical support on resilience, coping mechanisms, and personal safety.
Learning & OD Manager
Nedbank Ltd, CIB
02.2013 - 11.2013
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- 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.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Maintained a professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy, or upset, stakeholders and staff members.
- Coordinated onboarding processes for new hires, integrating them seamlessly into the workplace environment.
- Processed paperwork and hiring details for promotions and lateral position changes.
- Maintained accurate personnel records, ensuring privacy standards were met in accordance with relevant regulations.
- Conducted both interviews and exit surveys to verify compliance with HR best practices, and share trends with management.
- Coordinated new hire onboarding, completing background checks and reference checks to complete screenings.
Facilitator and Project Manager
Pro-Active Communications
08.2011 - 12.2012
- Enhanced program effectiveness by collaborating with colleagues to review and revise curriculum content regularly.
- Increased participant engagement by incorporating interactive activities and group discussions into sessions.
- Delivered high-quality training sessions, ensuring participants developed a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
- Built rapport with diverse groups of stakeholders by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural competence during facilitated sessions.
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment by addressing diverse needs and adapting facilitation techniques as needed.
- Contributed to improved team performance by facilitating workshops on communication, collaboration, and problem-solving techniques.
- Developed comprehensive workshop materials to improve participant understanding and engagement.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to gather feedback and implement improvements for future sessions.
- Promoted continuous learning within the organization by sharing best practices and lessons learned from various facilitation experiences.
- Served as a resource for trainees post-session completion by providing follow-up support via email or phone consultations.
- Enhanced team productivity by leading engaging training sessions focused on effective communication strategies.
- Improved client satisfaction by tailoring facilitation techniques to meet diverse group needs.
- Empowered participants to apply learned concepts in their professional and personal lives through practical application exercises.
- Coordinated with multiple stakeholders to align on objectives and outcomes for large-scale facilitation projects.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
- Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
- Developed comprehensive risk management plans, minimizing project delays and unexpected challenges.
- Negotiated with vendors for resources and materials, ensuring cost-effective programme execution.
- Developed mentorship program, connecting experienced professionals with newcomers to foster skill development and personal growth.
Learning Consultant
Santam Ltd
06.2008 - 07.2011
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, facilitating open communication channels for collaborative decision-making processes.
- Leveraged outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify the root causes of organizational challenges and develop effective solutions.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning within the organization by designing innovative, professional leadership development programs tailored to business needs.
- Optimized talent management processes by assessing current practices and recommending strategies for enhancing recruitment, selection, and development efforts.
- Facilitated team-building exercises to strengthen communication and collaboration among cross-functional teams.
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
- Educated staff on organizational mission, vision, strategy, and goals to help employees achieve success.
- Provided coaching and mentoring services to individuals seeking professional growth and career advancement opportunities within the organization.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a strong focus on quality assurance standards throughout all deliverables.
- Designed and delivered workshops on various topics, such as leadership development, conflict resolution, and time management.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to identify strategic goals and create actionable plans for achieving desired outcomes.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of training programs through data analysis, participant feedback, and observation, making adjustments as needed to improve outcomes.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Coordinated onboarding processes for new hires, integrating them seamlessly into the workplace environment.
- Processed paperwork and hiring details for promotions and lateral position changes.
- Maintained accurate personnel records, ensuring privacy standards were met in accordance with relevant regulations.
- Conducted job interviews and exit surveys to verify compliance with HR best practices, and share trends with management.
- Coordinated new hire onboarding, completing background checks and reference checks to complete screenings.
- Collaborated with management teams to establish clear succession plans for key roles within the organization.
Administrative Clerk
Santam Ltd
06.2008 - 10.2008
- Entered data into system and updated customer contacts with information to keep records current.
- Communicated with customers via phone and email to confirm company data, and respond to inquiries.
- Reduced errors in data entry tasks by maintaining accurate records and utilizing verification methods.
- Safeguarded sensitive information by maintaining strict confidentiality protocols when handling personnel files or company documentation.
- Increased customer satisfaction with prompt and courteous service while addressing inquiries and concerns.
- Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
- Utilized office management software to record and track customer information.
Education
MA - Thesis - Psychology
04.2001 -
- Thesis Statement: The role of Emotional Intelligence in Executive Derailment
B.Psych Honnours - Psychology
04.2001 -
- Internship in Vocational Psychology / Career Counseling, University of Stellenbosch, Completed 2004
B.Psych - Psychology
04.2001 -
Senior Certificate - Education
04.2001 -
Skills
Influencing and Negotiation skills
Development and delivery of world class training solutions
Analytical problem-solving
Proficient in handling multiple priorities
Strong interpersonal skills with a natural, effective and consultative style
Agility, adaptability and flexibility
Leadership development, coaching and mentoring
Strong attention to detail
Analytical thinking & Strategic planning and implementation
Strong relationship-building abilities
Cultural transformation initiatives (small, medium and large)
Management and facilitation of small, medium and large-scale change initiatives
Certification
Change Management, Prosci
References
References available on request.
Geographical Data
Date of Birth : 1982/09/07
Languages : English and Afrikaans
Willing to relocate : Yes
Current work format : Hybrid
LinkedIn : http://linkedin.com/in/marelise-rajah-3b2b2256
Accomplishments
- Recipient of Nedbank Top Achiever Award, 2021
- Recipient of RBB Achiever Award, 2016 / 2017 / 2018 / 2019 /2020
- Recipient of Top Team Member Award, 2014 / 2015
Additional Information
Accredited courses completed:
- Change Management (Prosci)
- Insights Discovery (Connemara)
- Belbin (Beatrix Brink)
- Depth Facilitation (Gaby Pimstone)
- Design Thinking (Sense to Solve)
- Banking Certificate: Foundation (Retail Banking Academy)
- Barrett I & II (Barrett Values Centre)
- Trauma Counselling (through vendor of University of Stellenbosch)
- Ideas4Results (BlockBuster Innovation)
- Competency-based Interview (SHL)
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
HybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionPaid sick leaveWork Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Software
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Organisational Effectiveness Consultant - Nedbank Ltd (Retail & Business Banking Cluster)
12.2013 - Current
Learning & OD Manager - Nedbank Ltd, CIB
02.2013 - 11.2013
Facilitator and Project Manager - Pro-Active Communications
08.2011 - 12.2012
Administrative Clerk - Santam Ltd
06.2008 - 10.2008
Learning Consultant - Santam Ltd
06.2008 - 07.2011
University of Stellenbosch - MA - Thesis, Psychology
04.2001 -
University of Stellenbosch - B.Psych Honnours, Psychology
04.2001 -
University of Stellenbosch - B.Psych, Psychology
04.2001 -
Paarl Gimnasium High School - Senior Certificate, Education
04.2001 -