Xavier Lawrence

• Manage a team of up to 18 members taking complete managerial responsibility for running the Science Centre. The primary responsibility of the Centre is to ensure we impact the local community in the fields of Mathematics, Science and Technology. The focus of the centre is to expose learners, students and community to latest developments in technology especially learners and community members from the poorer areas. Under my leadership the centre has drastically improved its footprint in the community with our programmes from Early Childhood Development to Tertiary levels.

• I fulfilled the role of two positions as HR Manager as well as Training manager in the absence of an HR Manager who was promoted. I fulfilled this function until I was seconded to the ArcelorMittal Foundation in 2017 to manage the Science Centre.

• I was responsible for the entire Training and Development division at the ArcelorMittal Saldanha Steel Works. This meant the management of the development plans for all staff from ordinary operators to senior staff including Engineers. I received recognition for the changes implemented since I started there.
• Managed new employee orientation training process for more than 500 employees each year.

• 005Independently managed the entire HR function
• Devised hiring and recruitment policies for approximately 500 employees.
• Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback.
• Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
• Reduced process gaps while supervising employees to achieve optimal productivity.
• Fostered positive work environment through comprehensive employee relations program.
• Instructed senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.

- Senior HR consultant to ArcelorMittal Management

• Increased client satisfaction by providing tailored consulting services and effective problem-solving strategies.
• Developed innovative strategies to address complex business challenges, resulting in increased profitability for clients.
• Developed custom solutions based upon clients' strict requirements.
• Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
• Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
• Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
• Collaborated with internal teams to develop customized solutions that addressed unique client needs.

• I have been contracted to assist in the design and implementation of HR projects and report directly to the HR Manager Vanderbijlpark works
• Assigned the responsibility to expedite the recruitment of external Technical candidates in order to address the backlog in vacancies. Improved the turnaround time from 3 weeks to 10 days.
• Was awarded for recruitment excellence

• Generalist Function:
• Initiate, plan, execute, co-ordinate the integrated Human Resource activities within the designated areas of responsibility
• Advise on, facilitate and execute the applicable IR practices and procedures relating to disciplinary cases; grievances; consultations; industrial action events, conflict and dispute resolution and union and employee forums
• Advising and facilitating corrective strategies on abnormal absenteeism/sick leave/overtime: tracking and info support; designing and guidance on corrective action; manage implementation of incapacity process
• Advising and facilitating implementation of employee relationship-building programs: monitor shop-floor morale; manage union representative enquiries and issues; handle change management initiatives; coordinate and/or conduct union/management forums
• Handling of terminations: process exit and clearing-out procedure; conduct exit interviews on resignations
• Advise on, coordinate, evaluate and implement manpower planning initiatives and activities
• Handling of disability cases
• Coordinate and control vacancy management and recruitment/ staffing process
• Maintain and advise on internal union governance structures at plant level
• Initiate and implement projects
• Identify, initiate and support CI initiatives within Human Resources
• Previous Function: Human Resources Consultant
• Employer: Mittal Steel SA.Ltd. (Iscor) Saldanha Steel Division Cape Town
• Period of employment: (June 2001 – May 2004)
• Responsibilities and Experience
• Employment Equity
• The development, promotion, implementation and monitoring of an integrated Employment Equity Strategy.
• Compile the necessary reports, ensuring statutory compliance.
• Responsible for the administration of the Employment Equity function.
• To ensure that Saldanha Steels’ EE targets are set, reviewed and met.
• Provide ongoing support to line and staff on EE issues.
• Investigate all EE related issues.
• Develop and conduct EE workshops throughout the company.
• Engage in an ongoing training needs analysis to derive training needs assessment for Employment Equity at Saldanha Steel.
• Facilitation of all other EE related activities.
• Recruitment: Interviewing panel for prospective employees
• Attending and facilitating IR issues such as disciplinaries and grievances.
• Counseling and guidance to new employees.
• Plan and present induction programme for new employees
• Plan, implement and monitor the value system of the organization.
• Support line management to achieve the set goals of the department.
• Training and Development Department: Steel making division
• Plan and coordinate all functional training
• Develop workplace skills plan for the department
• Jointly consult relevant stakeholders on their development paths.
• Update skills matrixes for the department.
• Plan and coordinate external training providers for training days
• Present all IR related information to the department.
• Monitor and update competency profiles of all steel making employees.
• Adjust salaries according to competency profiles in conjunction with managers.
• Do skills analysis to determine training needs and gaps
• Evaluate all training with focus on continuous improvement.
• Administer all administrative work.
• Change Management ‘Confo’ (Employee Participation Forum)
• Assisted in development of Saldanha Steels Change Management programme
• Member of the Steering Committee since inception
• Co-ordinate all election processes
• Consult various workgroups on their involvement in the forum.
• Employee Relations
• Facilitate disciplinary hearings.
• Render guidance and support to staff and management as may be required.
• Manage and develop training for supervisors and managers using the CIRIS Industrial Relations programme
• Present and develop Values workshops where the new company values are discussed and commented on throughout the company
• Manage the Drug and Alcohol Random Testing Procedure.

• Responsibilities and Experience
• I managed a team of process experts to deliver a quality service and product.
• Commissioning of the new Midrex Direct Reduction Plant
• Developed Training material for team members to learn the plant’s new equipment and technology.
• Manage the Achievement of production targets
• Control production costs
• Lead a production team by endorsing teamwork and cooperation.
• Ensure a safe working environment.
• Coordinate production/maintenance interface.
• Manage and monitor Training and development of subordinates
• Quality assurance
• Previous Function: Bursar: Millwright
• Employer: Mittal Steel SA. Ltd. (Iscor) Saldanha Steel Division Cape Town
• Period of Employment: May 1996 – December 1997

• Responsibilities: Primary Teacher Grades 5,6,7 Maths, Science, Geography, English
• Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
• Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
• Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.