Vukile Vuks Cele
HR/ER Management Professional
Malvern
Summary
Results-driven Human Resources Professional experienced in enhancing operations and resolving challenges. Built strong relationships with key stakeholders to advance organizational objectives while focusing on quality retention in HR administration, payroll, and recruiting.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
HR Generalist
VITAFOAM AND RESTONIC
01.2021 - 06.2023
- I was responsible for two factories based on one site which are subsidiaries of the Kap Group of Companies. I reported to the Operations Manager. There were two Trade Unions on site, which are, SACWU and NUFAWSA
- 1. Talent Acquisition
- Recruitment and selection of both weekly and monthly paid employees
- Ensured that the recruitment process was in line with the EE Plan
- Handled the onboarding process for all new employees
- 2. Payroll
- Uploaded new employees on Sage 300 People and submitted take on documents to Payroll and updated employee information on the platform
- Ensured that weekly paid employees were paid accurately as per the Furniture Manufacturers Bargaining Council rates
- Oversaw and managed payroll queries with the Payroll Department/Wage Clerk
- 3. HR Administration
- Ensured that accurate record of employee information was kept (including onboarding records)
- Processed all types of terminations and ensured that the distribution of benefits in cases of death were as per Section 37C of the Pension Funds Act
- Kept organograms updated whenever there were changes in department structures
- Monitored attendance records (absenteeism) and obtained time and attendance records to assist Management in addressing and taking corrective action with offending employees.
- Drafted overtime exemption applications to the Department of Labour/Bargaining Council after consultation with Management, Shop Stewards and Union Officials
- Ensured adherence to the declaration of Short Time by consulting with Shop Stewards/Union Officials and issue notices
- Compiled monthly and quarterly reports with a variety of information including but not limited to headcount, new hires, terminations, status of vacant positions, disciplinary hearings, union membership, CCMA and Bargaining Council disputes etcetera
- 4. Employee Relations
- Coordinated and chaired Management and Shop Stewards meetings including any meetings where Union Officials were involved. Ensured that accurate minutes are taken
- Advised Management on employee relations issues to ensure adherence to company policies and labour legislation
- Provided HR advice and support to all employees
- Ensured that grievances are heard and resolved speedily and amicably
- As part of IR strategy by myself, I ensured that there were robust relationships with employees including Shop Stewards, Management and Union Officials whilst business goals were being achieved. This also included ensuring that company polices are applied fairly and consistently
- Assisted Management in drafting of accurate charges regarding warnings to be issued to employees
- Advised Management on investigations of misconduct, compilation of evidence including documents to be used at disciplinary hearings
- Assisted Management in ensuring that charges are drafted accurately in connection with the alleged misconduct
- Assisted Management in preparing for disciplinary hearings, including procedures to be followed in the entire disciplinary process, evidence to be led as well as leading witnesses. Ensured that accurate record of minutes were kept
- Managed the entire declaration of disputes process (by employees) by ensuring that they were in compliance with the CCMA/Bargaining Council rules
- Compiled bundle of documents and preparing witnesses for the CCMA/Bargaining Council Arbitration hearings. This involved the entire process of representation of the employer including presenting closing arguments orally or in writing
- Compiled the monthly and quarterly employee relations reports
- Drafted Personal Policies and Procedures including the Disciplinary Policy and Procedures
- Participated and executed the company restructuring exercise (Section 189 of LRA) from inception to finality which resulted in the company achieving its business objectives
- Participated in wage negotiations
- 5. Employee Engagement
- Driven plant communication processes and support to Management to improve employee morale by communicating important notices/change management initiatives to employees through meetings with Shop Stewards/employees/Union Officials
- Facilitated meetings with all employees for Management to address them on matters that are of importance to the business
- Facilitated the Employee Engagement Surveys/Initiatives and formulated project teams to address issues that came out as concerns that needed to be addressed arising out of the surveys
- 6. Compliance
- Provided training to Management and employees on relevant new labour legislation and amendments to current legislation (this included other legislation like POPIA)
- Represented HR when there were Department of Labour Inspections regarding compliance to labour legislation
- Presented of relevant company policies and procedures (as a refresher) to all employees when the factory reopened in January after shut down.
- Responsible for the whole process of Employment Equity including the formulation of Employment Equity Plans and its submissions
- Chaired the Employment Equity and Skills Development Committee meetings
- 7. Performance Management
- Assisted Management in setting performance targets and advised on what action needed to be taken in case of poor performance
- Assisted Management in implementing performance management initiatives
- Drafted new and updated employee job profiles (job descriptions) for all employees
- 8. Learning and Talent Development
- Facilitated and assisted Management in identifying training needs and skills gaps including which training initiatives were to be undertaken including learnerships
- Drawn training budget for Management’s approval
- Drawn development plans as per succession plans
- Preparing and submitting WSP and ATR
- Facilitated employee relations initiatives, enhancing communication and resolving workplace conflicts effectively.
- Administered employee benefits programs, ensuring compliance with regulations and improving overall employee satisfaction.
- Conducted training sessions on company policies, fostering a culture of compliance and employee awareness.
- Streamlined onboarding processes, reducing time-to-hire and improving new employee integration experiences.
HR Manager
DEFY APPLIANCES (Pty) LTD
04.2014 - 05.2019
- Oversaw functions of the Human Resources department in the following HR KPI’s:
- Represented HR and the company in disciplinary, appeal and CCMA/MEIBC arbitration hearings. Prepared for arbitration hearings through compilation of bundle of documents and preparing witnesses. Resolved disputes and conflicts by conducting dispute meetings with NUMSA, UASA and MEWUSA trade unions. Processed applications to the Bargaining Council (MEIBC) for example regarding declaring of short time/layoffs during/after extensive consultations with the three trade unions. Managed and resolved disputes referred to the CCMA and the Bargaining Council (MEIBC) through constructive engagements with trade unions.
- Streamlined communications between the workforce and management by conducting focus groups (started at the Distribution Centre) for the entire factory. Assisted management in identifying and solving workplace conflicts as well as maintaining productive relationships through provision of general IR advice.
- Updated HR Executive, Factory General Manager, and Head of Manufacturing by compiling and presenting monthly IR reports.
- Assisted employees in achieving their goals by overseeing the formulation and implementation of their career and development plans. Supported Management in evaluating employee performance through development of performance improvement plans.
- Oversaw the Wages Department and signed off payroll.
- HR Projects
- Established a New Top Loader Washing Machine Department by employing people with plastic moulding skills to operate the machinery that was relocated from China, with tight deadlines to commission the plant. Worked collaboratively with Engineers.
- Recruitment & Selection
- Managed the entire recruitment and selection process, which involved shortlisting, interviewing, and identifying successful candidates for both weekly and salaried staff for all positions at the factory.
- Learning & Development
- Enhanced skills of interns and apprentices by facilitating internal training through the Maintenance Department. Cultivated robust relationships with TVET Colleges, providing training to their apprentices including providing the Tool Room as a facility for those who wanted to prepare for Tool Making Trade Tests. Liaised with Merseta (Metal and Engineering Seta) to obtain funding for training of Interns, Apprentices, and internal employees. Compiled and presented the Training Report to Shop Stewards and Skills Development Committee. Collation and submission of WSP and ATR Reports. Chaired Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as Skills development Committee meetings.
- Employee Wellness
- Managed the Clinic, Canteen and Gym Facilities. Facilitated the holding of commemorative events pertaining to the factory productivity attainments. Facilitated the holding of World Aids Day, Long Service Awards and annual Sports Day.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Saved money for back pay in re-instatement of employees by ensuring that almost 99% of cases referred for arbitration at the CCMA and the Metal Engineering Industries Bargaining Council received favorable awards.
- Recognized by Management to chair focus group meetings for the entire factory due to success at meetings held at the warehouse that assisted employees in meeting their productivity targets.
- Recognition from Management for managing to meet deadlines in recruiting employees with plastic molding skills to establish the Top Loader Washing Machine Manufacturing department at the factory.
- Subsidiary of Arcelik Group of Companies from Turkey
- Developed and implemented comprehensive employee relations strategies, enhancing workplace communication and trust.
- Led conflict resolution initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment and improving team dynamics.
- Conducted regular employee engagement surveys, identifying areas for improvement and driving actionable feedback.
- Mentored HR team members on best practices in employee relations, promoting a culture of continuous learning.
HR Business Partner
NESTLE SOUTH AFRICA (Pty) LTD
06.2007 - 03.2014
- (Responsible for Supply Chain- Logistics, Sales, Customer Services and two Call Centres – Longmeadow Distribution Centre)
- Performance Management
- Assessed and improved performance of low ratings employees through development of innovative performance improvement plans. Checked the quality of both performance objectives and development plans.
- Assisted management in monitoring their subordinates in terms of their career progression within the organisation using the talent grid. Devised and implemented development plans for high performers.
- Workforce Planning
- Contributed towards the development of workforce plans in accordance with the approved budget for the previous year and the current year. Updated Head Office regarding the movements within the Supply Chain Department.
- Employee Relations
- Ensured swift resolution of disciplinary related matters by delivering advice to management. Represented the company at the CCCMA. Compiled and submitted monthly employee relations report to Head Office. Drafted Employment Equity Plans. Handled restructuring by using Section 189 of LRA. Participated in wage negotiations with FAWU.
- Recruitment & Selection
- Directed and optimised the recruitment process, ensuring alignment with workforce plan. Oversaw recruitment from middle to senior management.
- Processed all administrative e-forms, including recruitment, promotions, transfers, terminations, overtime and sent information to Manila where salaries and wages were processed.
- Strategy Formulation and Implementation
- Participated in meetings where the HR Strategy for Nestle South Africa was formulated and was responsible for its implementation.
- Ensured compliance of the Distribution Centre with labour legislation with regards to overtime and weekly rest periods. Drafted personnel policies and procedures. Chaired Employment Equity (Diversity, Equity and skills development committee meetings. Compiled and submitted Employment Equity Plans. Facilitated BBBEE meetings. Represented HR whenever there were external auditors
- Key Accomplishment:
- Worked as an IR consultant and HR business partner, overseeing four factories and Distribution Centre and their Mossel Bay factory without even a single work stoppage or strike due to professional collaboration with Shop Stewards and union officials of FAWU.
- Analyzed employee feedback and performance metrics, driving strategic improvements in HR programs and policies.
- Coordinated recruitment efforts, streamlining processes and enhancing candidate experience to attract top talent.
- Facilitated performance reviews and development plans, aligning individual goals with organizational objectives.
- Supported change management initiatives, helping teams adapt to new policies and procedures seamlessly.
- Led employee relations initiatives, fostering a positive workplace that enhanced collaboration and morale.
- Developed and implemented HR policies, ensuring compliance and promoting a fair work environment.
- Advised management on conflict resolution strategies, effectively mitigating workplace disputes and enhancing productivity.
- Conducted training sessions on employee engagement practices, resulting in improved retention and job satisfaction.
HR Business Partner
Nestle South Africa (Pty) Ltd Mossel Bay Factory
06.2007 - 01.2008
- Performed all HR Generalist functions.
- Led employee relations initiatives, fostering a positive workplace that enhanced collaboration and morale.
- Developed and implemented HR policies, ensuring compliance and promoting a fair work environment.
- Advised management on conflict resolution strategies, effectively mitigating workplace disputes and enhancing productivity.
- Conducted training sessions on employee engagement practices, resulting in improved retention and job satisfaction.
Employee Relations Specialist
NESTLE SOUTH AFRICA (Pty) LTD
10.2006 - 05.2007
- Managed employee relations for four factories: Ice Cream, Infant Food, Maggi, and Cremora and Waters.
- Facilitated conflict resolution processes, ensuring compliance with labor laws and organizational policies.
- Developed and implemented employee engagement strategies that enhanced workplace morale and productivity.
- Facilitated training sessions on employee relations best practices, enhancing open communication and employee understanding of policies.
- Partnered with HR teams to analyze employee feedback, implementing strategies that improved retention and satisfaction levels.
Education
Certificate - Employee Relations
Wits Business School
Johannesburg, South Africa01-1996
B.Com - Industrial Psychology and Economics
Walter Sisulu University (Univ. of Transkei)
Umthatha01-1985
Skills
Talent acquisition
Recruitment strategy
Employee onboarding
Conflict resolution
Grievance resolution
Workplace investigations
Disciplinary hearings
Workplace relations
Union negotiations
Additional Experience
- Senior Manager ER/HR | Ithala Development Finance Corporation, Limited (Parastatal), Durban, 2005
- Human Resources Officer | Umzimkhulu Lime Company, Port Shepstone, 1992
- Resigned to join Ithala
- Senior Human Resources Officer | Frame Group (Textile), Jacobs and New Germany (Durban), 1991
- Resigned to join Umzimkhulu Lime Company, company was restructuring
- Human Resources Officer, | South African Breweries, Butterworth - Eastern Cape, 1987
- Resigned to further my career
- Labourer | Marburg Clothing Manufacturers, Port Shepstone, 1981
- Resigned to further studies
Timeline
HR Generalist
VITAFOAM AND RESTONIC
01.2021 - 06.2023
HR Manager
DEFY APPLIANCES (Pty) LTD
04.2014 - 05.2019
HR Business Partner
NESTLE SOUTH AFRICA (Pty) LTD
06.2007 - 03.2014
HR Business Partner
Nestle South Africa (Pty) Ltd Mossel Bay Factory
06.2007 - 01.2008
Employee Relations Specialist
NESTLE SOUTH AFRICA (Pty) LTD
10.2006 - 05.2007
Certificate - Employee Relations
Wits Business School
B.Com - Industrial Psychology and Economics
Walter Sisulu University (Univ. of Transkei)