Onalenna Tanamai
Corporate Services Manager
Johannesburg
Summary
Risk management professional prepared to excel in this role. Proven ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, ensuring organizational resilience. Strong focus on collaborative teamwork and delivering results under changing conditions. Adept at developing risk management strategies, conducting thorough analyses, and implementing effective controls. Recognized for reliability, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Extensive exposure to finance, human resources management, corporate services, and executive-level leadership has cultivated a well-rounded strategic and operational capability. Holds a bachelor's degree in Fiscal Studies from the National University of Science and Technology and a National Diploma in Human Resource Management from the University of Cape Town, providing a robust academic foundation. Currently pursuing studies in Risk Management through MANCOSA while finalizing a Diploma in Interior Design, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and the ability to blend analytical insights with creative solutions for organizational growth and empowerment.
Overview
3
3
Languages
4
4
Certifications
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Development Manager
EASTIC Technocentric Varsity
10.2025 - Current
- Generated and secured over R82 million in private sector sales, training contracts, and strategic partnerships since January 2022.
- Successfully led EASTC's strategic expansion into the private sector market, significantly increasing corporate client engagement and reducing reliance on traditional funding streams.
- Drove substantial growth in enrollment for private funded accredited programmes, contributing to increased revenue and institutional sustainability.
- Developed and implemented a revised pricing strategy aligned with industry benchmarks, improving competitiveness while maintaining program quality and profitability.
- Played a leading role in the establishment of EASTC Technica School in 2023, with a further three technical schools currently in the development pipeline for 2027.
- Conceptualised and launched the inaugural EASTC Business Breakfast in 2023, creating a platform for stakeholder engagement, business development, and strategic collaboration.
- Established a strategic partnership with Standard Bank, resulting in the donation of furniture and resources to support learner development and institutional growth.
- Facilitated and supported the implementation of a Solar Installation and Renewable Energy Training Programme in partnership with the Gauteng City Region Academy and the City of Johannesburg, advancing green skills development and youth employability.
- Industry: Higher Education, Training & Skills Development
- Reason for leaving: Growth and exposure to new challenges
General Manager
Leafy Space
11.2023 - 09.2025
- Reporting to the CEO, I was responsible for managing 6 departments, both operational and administrative functions for a 7C construction and maintenance company.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
- Additionally, I was responsible for strategic planning, resource allocation, and fostering a safe, productive work environment for all employees.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive business growth, develop client relationships, and secure new opportunities.
- Financial & Budget Management
- Facilities Management & Oversight
- Human Capital Management
- Stakeholder & Client Relationship Management
- Risk Management & Business Continuity
- Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
- Reporting & Executive Administration
- Industry: Construction and Maintenance
- Reason for leaving: Promotion within the groups of company
Business Development Manager
Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training College
01.2022 - 10.2023
- Responsible for helping EASTC to air better brand recognition and financial growth by coordinating with company executives and sales & marketing team to review current market trends in order to propose new business ideas that can improve revenue margins.
- Identify and secure new business opportunities within the public, private, and development sectors.
- Establish and maintain strategic relationships with corporate, government departments, municipalities, SETAs, funding agencies, and industry stakeholders.
- Lead stakeholder management, proposal development, contract negotiations, and partnership management.
- Drive the growth and promotion of accredited programmes, artisan training, occupational qualifications, learnerships, and skills development initiatives.
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging opportunities and support strategic decision-making.
- Develop and implement pricing and market penetration strategies to improve competitiveness and sustainability.
- Facilitate employer partnerships for learner placement, work-integrated learning, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.
- Coordinate strategic events, industry engagements, and business networking initiatives.
- Industry: Higher Education, Training & Skills Development
- Reason for leaving: Promotion within the groups of company
Human Resource Manager
Tefla Group
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Full HR Generalist for R350m Civil engineering & CE and Facilities Management company with a national footprint and 1973 employees.
- First HR Manager for a rapidly growing company which had been outsourcing HR functions from consultants. Transitioned HR from fully outsourced to a full comprehensive function in the company focused on best-in-class HR policies, HRIS technology, training and support of strategic business goals.
- Responsible to plan, lead, direct, develop, and coordinate the policies, activities, and staff of the Human Resource (HR) department, ensuring compliance and implementation of the organization's mission and talent strategy. The HR function was also merged with the Corporate Services function in 2020 which included managing the risk register and ensuring compliance across the company.
- Provided HR Leadership in a period of rapid growth with over 300% increase in annual turnover. Currently supporting efforts to build a fully-fledged training and development department.
- Have a 99% success rate with IR and CCM cases to date.
- Introduced company EVP that is an extension of the recruitment and benefits policy of the company.
- Re-invented and implemented new recruitment, staffing and workforce development programmes to meet advancements in operations and management.
- Developed industry standard contracts to suit different sectors in the construction industry and also EPWP.
- ISO 9001 and 14001 certification
- HR Policy Development
- Training and Development
- Compensation and Benefits Administration
- HRIS Implementation & Buildsmart
- Conflict Resolution
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Employment Law Compliance
- Industry: Construction
- Reason for leaving: Promotion within the groups of company
Creditors Controller & Office Administrator
GauFlora CC
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Prepared payment vouchers, executed payments, and performed bank reconciliations as a creditor and payments clerk.
- Worked in Partnership with HR Consultants to create, implement and manage HR Policies, Strategies and Services as well as run office admin and creditors portfolio.
- Collaborated with HR consultants to create and manage HR policies and strategies.
- Managed creditor accounts for over 40 suppliers, overseeing reconciliations and maintaining supplier relations.
- Prepared payroll for staff and salary administration.
- Submitted UIF claims and managed employee leave.
- Involved with recruitment, termination and benefits administration.
- Industry: Construction & Maintenance
- Reason for leaving: Promotion within the groups of company
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Risk Management
Mancosa
04-2027
Certificate - Strategic Leadership
Gibbs School of Business
01-2021
ND - Human Resources Management
University of Cape Town
01-2019
Bcom Degree - Fiscal Studies
National University of Science and Technology
Zimbabwe01-2015
Diploma - Interior Design
The Interior Design Institute
Skills
Strategic planning
Enterprise risk management
Exposure assessment
Project Management
Quantitative analysis
Corporate governance
Policy design
Records management
Compliance reporting
Critical thinking
Continuous improvement
Data-Driven decision making
Microsoft Office (With Advanced Excel)
BuildSmart
Asycuda
TaRMS
Sage
Pastel
AutoCad
SketchUP
Affiliations
Associate Member of Institute of Internal Auditors (SA)
Certification
Legal Liability
Timeline
Business Development Manager
EASTIC Technocentric Varsity
10.2025 - Current
General Manager
Leafy Space
11.2023 - 09.2025
Business Development Manager
Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training College
01.2022 - 10.2023
Human Resource Manager
Tefla Group
01.2017 - 01.2021
Creditors Controller & Office Administrator
GauFlora CC
01.2015 - 01.2017
Diploma - Interior Design
The Interior Design Institute
Bcom Degree - Fiscal Studies
National University of Science and Technology
ND - Human Resources Management
University of Cape Town
Certificate - Strategic Leadership
Gibbs School of Business
Post Graduate Diploma - Risk Management
Mancosa