Melanie Bernard-Fryer

Summary

Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence. Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Brings fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions.

Overview

32

years of professional experience

2

Certifications

3

Languages

Work History

Principal Consultant

BDO Auditors and Advisory Services

01.2014 - Current

Company Overview: International
Manage people management strategies, focusing on performance and talent management to sustain success
Major achievement: advised municipalities on HR, SCM, and governance, leading to unqualified audit reports
Directed HR strategies for a portfolio of 15 clients, increasing employee engagement by 25% within 12 months
International
Managed large-scale projects, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
Facilitated change management initiatives, helping organizations adapt smoothly to new systems and processes.
Led cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality results on complex assignments.
Delivered exceptional presentations for C-level executives, showcasing project progress and results.
Collaborated with subject matter experts to develop best practices and industry-leading methodologies.
Developed comprehensive strategies with key stakeholders to drive organizational growth and success.
Implemented innovative solutions to address challenges and enhance business performance.
Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing optimal terms and conditions while reducing costs.
Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.

HRBP and Policy Advisor

Creasy Mining Group

05.2022 - 08.2024

Chief of Staff to the Chairperson, enhancing workforce engagement by 25% through strategic guidance and collaboration
Recommended updates to current legislation, regulations and policies.
Spearheaded the development of new policies by identifying gaps in existing frameworks or emerging needs within the community served by the organization.
Offered strategic recommendations for updates to institutional programs and policies, factoring in current political climate and trends.
Reviewed legislative and regulatory documents, analyzed implications and shared findings.
Helped conceive and oversee grassroots support or opposition for proposed changes.
Identified, evaluated and developed solutions to remove roadblocks to change.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address complex policy challenges, ensuring comprehensive solutions.
Conducted thorough quantitative and qualitative analyses to support evidence-based policymaking.

Team Lead Lecturer (PT)

University of Johannesburg

01.2021 - 12.2022

Company Overview: Johannesburg
Lectured business executives in Supply Chain Management and Anti-Corruption
Mentored over 50 executives annually, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate
Johannesburg
Influenced positive change within the organization through strategic thinking, innovation, problem-solving abilities, and consistent leadership style.

Technical Advisor

Gauteng Provincial Treasury

01.2019 - 12.2020

Company Overview: Johannesburg
Stabilized municipalities under administration as part of an EU-funded program
Implemented data analysis workflows leading to a 25% improvement in budget allocation efficiency
Johannesburg
Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, ensuring optimal integration of new technologies and systems.
Communicated project status to stakeholders, authoring reports to provide up-to-date overviews of ongoing progress.
Contributed technical oversight to assist team project fulfillment.
Optimized IT infrastructure by strategically planning and executing necessary upgrades and maintenance work.
Standardized technical operations reporting parameters to reduce wasted and redundant effort across multidisciplinary teams.
Advised project managers on simultaneous technical workstreams, aiding in alignment of broader business goals.
Conducted regular audits for compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, minimizing exposure to fines or penalties resulting from noncompliance.
Analyzed audit findings to detect operational weaknesses for referral to management as potential areas of development focus.

Executive Head: Organisational Design and Learning and Development

Road Traffic Management Corporation

05.2013 - 05.2014

Company Overview: South Africa
Spearheaded organizational redesign initiatives, improving operational efficiency by 25%
Enhanced employee engagement scores by 15% through targeted learning initiatives
South Africa
Developed innovative solutions to complex problems, resulting in improved organizational performance.
Mentored junior staff members for accelerated career growth, developing future leaders within the organization.
Optimized operational efficiency by redesigning processes, systems, and workspaces for increased productivity.
Interviewed, recruited and trained new onboarding candidates.
Assisted in employee appraisals, promotions and terminations based on performance reviews.
Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within budgetary constraints and deadlines.
Implemented cost-saving measures through reevaluation of supply chain management practices.
Cultivated high-performance organizational culture, aligning employee goals with corporate objectives and rewarding excellence.
Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.

HBRP Policy Advisor

Department of Public Works, Health and Education

01.2010 - 12.2013

Company Overview: South Africa
Developed strategic policy initiatives that led to a 25% increase in operational efficiency
Resolved employee relations issues and performed complex HR audits
South Africa
Drafted high-quality policy documents, resulting in increased clarity and understanding for decisionmakers.
Modeled data and presented findings to leadership and opinion groups.
Streamlined policy development process for improved efficiency and stakeholder engagement.
Influenced legislative outcomes through persuasive communication with policymakers and stakeholders.
Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to advance organizational goals and policy priorities.
Advised senior leadership on potential implications of proposed policies or regulations for the organization''s mission or operations.
Coordinated efforts across departments to promote a cohesive approach to addressing critical policy issues.
Delivered political subject matter expertise to government representatives and civic officials.
Developed and maintained strong working relationships with industry lobbyists, elected officials, regulators and government staff to advocate effectively for legislative and regulatory policy goals.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Companies Registration Office (CIPC)

01.2008 - 12.2011

Company Overview: Pretoria
Increased operational efficiency by 25% through streamlined processes and automation
Implemented a new operational framework enhancing decision-making and resource allocation
Pretoria
Oversaw day-to-day operations to keep organization running smoothly while meeting business goals.
Streamlined operations by implementing efficient processes and systems, leading to increased productivity and cost savings.
Formulated strategic plans aligning with overall company vision; setting achievable short and long-term goals to drive growth and profitability.
Enhanced company reputation by establishing strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders.
Ensured regulatory compliance by developing policies in line with industry best practices to mitigate risks associated with legal or ethical violations.
Mentored team members by sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and providing constructive feedback; fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the organization.
Guided teams through periods of significant change by providing clear communication and decisive leadership during transitions.
Optimized supply chain management strategies; reducing lead times while maintaining product quality standards for increased customer satisfaction rates.
Championed the adoption of new technology solutions to streamline operations, automate manual tasks, and improve overall efficiency levels.
Spearheaded major organizational restructuring efforts, resulting in a more agile and responsive team structure.
Negotiated high-value contracts with major suppliers, securing favorable terms that resulted in significant cost savings.
Drastically reduced employee turnover by developing comprehensive talent management and employee engagement strategy.

Deputy Director-General (DDG) and Chief of Staff

Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA)

11.1999 - 12.2004

Company Overview: South Africa
Directed strategic initiatives across departments, enhancing organizational efficiency by 30%
Collaborated with other department heads to ensure smooth functioning of organizational activities.
Developed strategic plans to achieve organizational goals, ensuring alignment with company''s mission and vision.
Managed budgets and financial resources effectively, optimizing resource allocation for maximum impact.
Liaised between organization and affiliates and managed networking relationships with funders, partners and vendors.
Implemented technology solutions that improved workflow efficiency and reduced operational costs.
Optimized team productivity by providing ongoing training and support for staff members.
Modernized operations with strategic process improvements.
Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to facilitate successful collaborations on joint projects.
Developed thought leadership around specific topics and emerging practice areas in support of budget, financial and operational goals.
Oversaw project management efforts, ensuring timely completion of projects within allocated budgets and scope.
Formulated and executed strategic initiatives to improve product offerings.
Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.

New Business Development Director: HR

Anglo American

06.1993 - 09.1999

Company Overview: International
Managed Learning and Development interventions across the Anglo-American Group
International
Negotiated and closed long-term agreements with new clients in assigned territory.
Completed and submitted monthly and yearly reports to support executive decision making.
Led successful trade show exhibitions that resulted in significant lead generation and networking opportunities within the industry.
Optimized proposal development process, resulting in higher success rates in securing new contracts.
Increased client base by implementing strategic business development initiatives and fostering long-lasting partnerships.
Cultivated a strong network of industry contacts, leading to increased collaboration and referral opportunities.
Provided market feedback to company leaders regarding competitive offerings, prospect needs, and product development ideas.
Established clear performance metrics for the Business Development team that encouraged accountability and fostered a results-oriented work environment.
Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.

Education

LLM - International Laws

John Moores Liverpool University

with Merit

Postgraduate Qualification - Organisational Design and Development (OD)

UNISA

with merit

BA (Ed) - Ed

University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg

04.2001 -

Skills

Transformational Leadership

Change Management

Employee and Industrial Relations

Stakeholder Engagement

Policy Implementation

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

Organisational Development

Strategic Planning and Execution

Research and Analysis

Training and Development

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

HR Management Information Systems (Workday, SAP HR)

E-learning Platforms (Blackboard, VLE)

Digital transformation

Strategic planning

Organizational development

Project management

Strategic development

Proposal development

Analytical thinking

Process improvement

MS office

Cultural awareness

Budget management

Certification

Project Management, EU, Brussels

Additional Information

Excellent presentation and communication skills.

Affiliations

ACFE

Timeline

HRBP and Policy Advisor - Creasy Mining Group

05.2022 - 08.2024

Team Lead Lecturer (PT) - University of Johannesburg

01.2021 - 12.2022

Technical Advisor - Gauteng Provincial Treasury

01.2019 - 12.2020

Principal Consultant - BDO Auditors and Advisory Services

01.2014 - Current

Executive Head: Organisational Design and Learning and Development - Road Traffic Management Corporation

05.2013 - 05.2014

HBRP Policy Advisor - Department of Public Works, Health and Education