Russell van der Haer
Project Manager
Cape Town
Summary
Accomplished professional with over 25 years of experience in recruitment, project management, and education across various industries, including education, mining, business, and electronics. Extensive expertise in full-cycle recruitment, HR generalist support, employee relations, and organizational growth initiatives. Proven track record in leading large-scale projects, such as the Qatarisation 2030 vision, where 800 Qataris were fast-tracked into management roles. Adept at managing multicultural teams, resolving conflicts, and mentoring professionals to reach their full potential.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Assistant - Virtual Assistant
Various
01.2022 - Current
- Monitored 100 emails, organized inbox, and messages for supervisor.
- Set up daily Zoom meetings , invited guests and disseminated agendas.
- Elevated client experience by providing timely customer support via phone calls, emails, and live chat platforms.
- Conferred with customers by telephone, chat or email to provide information.
Virtual Assistant
Alyssa Nobriga Institute
06.2024 - Current
- Assisting Program Manager: Helping with planning, execution, and oversight of program activities on ongoing basis.
- Project Coordination: Managing timelines, schedules, and deliverables to ensure smooth running of program.
- Team Support: Assisting 18 team members, providing them with necessary resources, and ensuring clear communication within team.
- Reporting and Documentation: Preparing reports, tracking progress, and maintaining records.
- Stakeholder Communication: Liaising with internal and external stakeholders, such as clients, partners, or vendors, to ensure program goals are met.
General Manager
Qatar Skills Academy
08.2018 - 06.2021
- Doubled turnover of company in 18 months
- Lead recruitment initiatives across various sectors, successfully placing over 500 academics and 250 specialist consultants in South Africa and Qatar
- Managed full-cycle recruitment processes, including talent acquisition, onboarding, and retention strategies
- Provided HR generalist support, including employee relations, performance management, and organizational development
- Facilitated workshops and training programs, including public speaking and leadership development, for corporate clients and university students
Executive Assistant to HNWI
Artan Holding
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Served as Executive Assistant to a High Net Worth Individual (HNWI), managing operations of 13 businesses within a single holding company
- Oversaw business operations, project management, and client relations, ensuring efficient and profitable operations
- Implemented SOP's for divisions within the group including leave, incentive schemes and talent development
General Manager & Project Lead – Qatarisation 2030 Vision
Qatar Skills Academy
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Spearheaded the recruitment and development of 800 Qatari nationals, fast-tracking them into senior management positions as part of Qatar’s national vision
- Designed and implemented conflict resolution training programs to enhance workplace harmony and productivity
- Managed a team of multicultural professionals, ensuring seamless collaboration and effective conflict resolution
- Conducted workshops on effective public speaking, a mandatory module for the Qatarisation program participants
Franchise Owner & Facilitator
Damelin Campus Witbank – Education Franchise
01.1996 - 08.2018
- Owned and operated an education franchise, recruiting and mentoring hundreds of corporate facilitators to deliver high-quality training programs
- Accumulated over 5,000 hours of paid facilitation, specializing in public speaking, leadership, and professional development workshops
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Electronic Data Processing
Durban University of Technology
Durban, South Africa 01.1983 - 12.1985
Skills
Interviewing
Onboarding
Project planning
Stakeholder management
Workshop facilitation
Leadership training
Extensive experience working in diverse, multicultural environments
Certification
Damelin Diploma – Project Management
References
Llewelynn Greeff
+44 7515 394387
llewelynn@gmail.com
Peter Geach
+27 82 5707 732
peter.geach@live.com
Timeline
Assistant - Virtual Assistant
Various
01.2022 - Current
General Manager
Qatar Skills Academy
08.2018 - 06.2021
Executive Assistant to HNWI
Artan Holding
01.2018 - 12.2020
General Manager & Project Lead – Qatarisation 2030 Vision
Qatar Skills Academy
01.2018 - 01.2020
Franchise Owner & Facilitator
Damelin Campus Witbank – Education Franchise
01.1996 - 08.2018
Some College (No Degree) - Electronic Data Processing
Durban University of Technology
01.1983 - 12.1985
Virtual Assistant
Alyssa Nobriga Institute
06.2024 - Current
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