Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Mmabatho Emily Makhajane

Johannesburg

Summary

I am a versatile and experienced professional with a strong background in human resources, learning and development, events management, and executive-level support. With proven experience as a Learning and Development Manager—including hands-on shipboard exposure—I am skilled in training large groups, coaching managers, analyzing training matrices, and designing targeted learning interventions to close skill gaps effectively. My HR expertise spans talent acquisition, employee relations, and the coordination and implementation of strategic HR initiatives. I have successfully managed events of various scales, and I am particularly proud of the innovative wellness days I’ve organized, which have enhanced team engagement and morale. In addition, I bring strong administrative capabilities, and I have provided high-level support to senior executives. Known for being a detail-oriented and dedicated team player, I excel in multitasking, fostering positive relationships, and communicating effectively with both colleagues and stakeholders.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Learning and Development Manager

Apollo (Regent Cruises)
Miami
01.2025 - Current
  • Prepare and facilitate professional service training for all ICS, SSSL departments.
  • Conduct customer service training jobs.
  • Facilitate basic supervision and management.
  • Performance Review Training – LMS Procedure.
  • Position-Based Training and Assessments.
  • Observe on-the-job training conducted by middle managers, and provide feedback and support.
  • Facilitates TOTM in cooperation with the F&B Director.
  • Coordinate and support new-hire familiarization.
  • Coordinate the Buddy assignment with the HODs.
  • Follow up on progress and integration with the new hire.
  • Welcome back, all returning crew, with information regarding departmental changes.
  • While the crew was on vacation related to ICS/SSSL procedures.
  • Support the Cross Training program.
  • Track and update cross-training progress in the LMS.
  • Participate in any guest activities as required, and display a role model image while being in guest and crew areas.

Learning and Development Manager

Carnival Cruise Lines
Miami
01.2023 - 12.2024

Learning Delivery.

  • Effectively plan, administer, and evaluate all company learning initiatives.
  • Actively liaise with departments to support approved training requests and visiting trainers.
  • Empower team members to improve their written and spoken English using onboard resources.
  • E-Learning Management: Administer and maintain an onboard e-learning environment diligently.
  • Support and facilitate supervisory and leadership programs effectively.
  • Manage onboarding processes for new hires and returning team members in line with established guidelines.
  • Drive and implement positive changes across all learning programs and initiatives.

Talent Development

  • Assist with department change requests through testing and pre-screening of shipboard team members.
  • Develop effective professional development plans in consultation with shipboard and shoreside leadership.
  • Support development plans for high-potential team members, as directed by leaders.
  • Maximize the use of available learning resources for employee development.
  • Assist with the onboard implementation of the competency framework (Professional Development Records).
  • Operations
  • Observe and uphold company, government, and flag state quality standards for programs and facilities.
  • Ensure compliance with all necessary regulations, and manage the reporting and scheduling of required classes.
  • Maintain thorough records and produce accurate, timely reports according to company guidelines.
  • Oversee the Learning Resource Center, including resource inventory and operating hours.
  • Actively comply with safety, security, environmental (HESS), and MLC requirements.
  • Prepare for and lead training-related audits, addressing deficiencies promptly.
  • Monitor and control the cost efficiency of L&D operations onboard.
  • Handle the setup and breakdown of training spaces, ensuring safety and housekeeping standards.

HR Support

  • Engage actively in drills, seminars, and training programs, as needed.
  • Contribute to employee engagement initiatives and welfare activities.
  • Work closely with the HR team to provide essential services to team members.
  • Assist with team member onboarding processes.
  • Deliver basic engagement functions in the absence of the Engagement Specialist.
  • Engage in special projects and duties as assigned by HR leadership.

HR Business Partner

JACARANDA FM
Johannesburg
06.2019 - 02.2024
  • Responsible for obtaining proper approval prior to commencing recruitment through the requisition process.
  • Advises line managers to complete an accurate job profile and any other relevant documentation.
  • Conduct internal and external recruitment to fill vacancies.
  • Shortlisting applications, arranging interviews, and conducting background checks.
  • Drafting of employment contracts.
  • Advise new employees of all benefits during sign-on.
  • Oversee onboarding of successful candidates by ensuring that all required documents are completed, signed, and returned to HR.
  • Develop and ensure an effective induction process for new recruits.
  • HR Documentation and Administration.
  • Collate all termination documents.
  • Coordinate and conduct all exit interviews.
  • Ensure that personnel records are kept accurate and to the required standard.
  • Liaise with the payroll department regarding any HR movements (termination, contract extensions, etc.).
  • Maintain employee records (contracts, remuneration details, banking details), and ensure that systems are updated accordingly.
  • Create files for new employees.
  • Ensure employee files are completed and in accordance with the engagement checklist.
  • Manage termination documents, and ensure that they are archived within a 3-month period.

HR Compliance & Reporting

  • Ensures effective communication on updated HR policies and procedures to line managers and staff.
  • Ensures all HR audit requirements are adhered to and provides auditors with the necessary files and documentation.
  • Develop up-to-date job profiles.
  • Aid with the legislative reports submitted.
  • Assists with the preparation, completion, and submission of the Employment Equity Plan (EE Plan).
  • Provide advice and problem-solving services to staff regarding operational HR best practices, policies, procedures, and legislation.
  • Act as an HR Representative in employment equity proceedings.

Skills Development

  • Ensure processes related to employee performance management are adhered to.
  • Partake in the transformation process to meet the BBBEE Skills Development score targets.
  • Manage, coordinate, and keep record of all Skills Development documentation.
  • Assists with the submission of the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) to SETA.

Employee Engagement & Wellness

  • Responsible for the coordination of health, safety, and wellness of employees.
  • Heading the Brand Experience Committee to facilitate employee engagement initiatives.
  • Plan and execute wellness days.
  • Brand Experience.
  • Responsible for the overall year plan of the activations.
  • Oversee the budget for the BX team.
  • Coordinate the selection of the BX team.
  • Manage the recognition and rewards process.

Trade Marketing Executive

JACARANDA FM
Johannesburg
06.2017 - 05.2019
  • Assist in coordinating trade event logistics that are trade-related.
  • Prepare the Trade Marketing annual calendar by identifying all relevant events, potential client workshop requirements, key account major celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.), and any other relevant occasions, and populating them onto a consolidated calendar annually.
  • Events Execution.
  • Managing the rollout of trade marketing activities by developing project plans, identifying required suppliers and resources, engaging with stakeholders, managing logistics, coordinating all participants, providing feedback, and managing client expectations as required in line with deadlines.
  • Prepare a trade marketing activity feedback report (PCA) by collecting input data.
  • Submitting station collateral to relevant stakeholders by forwarding approved collateral and confirming receipt.
  • Respond to queries by receiving requests, identifying solutions, and providing feedback as required.
  • Manage stakeholder relationships with all shareholders and integrated sales teams (regional agency and Mediamark) by responding, providing required information, recognizing, and celebrating special.
  • Reason for leaving: Internal Promotion.

Executive Assistant

Jacaranda FM
Johannesburg
01.2010 - 02.2013

Diary Management (team of seven managers)

  • Compile and collate reports and board packs.
  • Manage travel schedules and arrangements.
  • Assist with Visa applications.
  • Arrange station visits for VIPs and executive teams.
  • Minute taking in Strategic and Management meetings, and ensuring timely distribution, as well as follow-up on action items.
  • Maintain a reliable filling system for documents.
  • Organize GM/CEO events.
  • Daily and weekly briefs on managers' calendars.
  • Ensure correct submission of POs.
  • Manage the drivers and hospitality staff.
  • Set up telecons or video conferences.
  • Maintain a gift register for key stakeholders.

PA Duties

  • Diary Management.
  • Compile reports and board packs.
  • Manage travel schedules and arrangements.
  • Arrange station visits for VIPs and executive teams.
  • Minute taking in Strategic and Management meetings, and ensuring timely distribution, as well as following up on action items.
  • Welcome all new employees to the company.
  • Compile weekly and annual reports as per OPCO requirements.
  • Reason for leaving: Internal Promotion.

National Sales Trainer

Avon/Justine
Johannesburg
07.2007 - 12.2009
  • Directly report to the National Sales Manager.
  • Part of the training material development team.
  • Field training and new material implementation.
  • Monitoring of compliance with the Avon/Justine training methods.
  • Performance Management.
  • Sales Training.
  • Soft Skills Training.
  • Coaching and Master Coaching using SBI (Standard, Behavior, Impact)
  • Reports to the National Training Manager on field progress and developments.
  • Observing and accrediting District Managers on (AT1-T4).
  • Monitor monthly and quarterly training needs.
  • Sourcing out of training venues and seeing to the overall hospitality.
  • Compiling and submission of ROI reports.
  • Reason for leaving: Excessive travel requirements.

Implementation Consultant

Baoki Consortuim
Johannesburg
02.2006 - 02.2007
  • Conducted workshops to educate stakeholders on system functionalities and best practices.
  • Analyzed client feedback to identify areas for process improvement and optimization.
  • Managed project timelines and deliverables, ensuring alignment with client expectations.
  • Provided ongoing support to clients during the transition phase post-implementation.
  • Facilitated communication between technical teams and clients for seamless project execution.
  • Conducted product demonstrations to clients, providing detailed information on features and benefits of the software solution.
  • Facilitated training sessions with end users on how to use the software application correctly.

Education

BBA - Bachelor of Applied Social Science (HR & Pych)

South African College Of Applied Psychology
Johannesburg
01-2027

Diploma - Management Development Program Certificate: Busine

University Of Stellenbosch
Johannesburg
07-2022

Certificate - Project Management

Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
Johannesburg
08-2016

National Diploma - Diploma in Public Relations

GAUTENG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
Johannesburg
04-2005

Advanced Diploma - Advanced Diploma in Business IT

PC TRAINING COLLEGE
Johannesburg
04-2000

Skills

  • Employee training
  • Project management
  • Learning development
  • Recruitment processes
  • Team building
  • Customer service
  • Events management

Timeline

Learning and Development Manager

Apollo (Regent Cruises)
01.2025 - Current

Learning and Development Manager

Carnival Cruise Lines
01.2023 - 12.2024

HR Business Partner

JACARANDA FM
06.2019 - 02.2024

Trade Marketing Executive

JACARANDA FM
06.2017 - 05.2019

Executive Assistant

Jacaranda FM
01.2010 - 02.2013

National Sales Trainer

Avon/Justine
07.2007 - 12.2009

Implementation Consultant

Baoki Consortuim
02.2006 - 02.2007

BBA - Bachelor of Applied Social Science (HR & Pych)

South African College Of Applied Psychology

Diploma - Management Development Program Certificate: Busine

University Of Stellenbosch

Certificate - Project Management

Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)

National Diploma - Diploma in Public Relations

GAUTENG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

Advanced Diploma - Advanced Diploma in Business IT

PC TRAINING COLLEGE
Mmabatho Emily Makhajane