Jane Okonkwo
Cardiff
Summary
Experienced and proactive HR generalist with a strong background in strategic and operational HR management. Demonstrated commercial awareness and a proven track record of successfully partnering with operational managers to achieve key business objectives. Exceptional communication skills, known for flexibility and the ability to build collaboration and trust to drive results that contribute to the bottom line. Extensive experience in various organizational settings, including single-site roles, stand-alone positions, SMEs, and large corporations.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of HR
Elim Housing Association
03.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: A social housing organization that manages over 800 homes in England and Wales
- Spearheaded the development of a successful People & Culture strategy for 2023/2024 resulting in considerable progress towards improved employee engagement, honing their potentialities, and fulfilling our business goals
- Enhanced employee engagement in the survey by 22% through revising pulse survey questions
- Reviewed and enhanced clarity of performance management system, including goal setting and appraisal process
- Developed a comprehensive board-approved proposal with recommendations on salary reviews, increased salaries, and improved employee benefits as part of company-wide benchmarking exercise
- Ensured that a larger number of colleagues have access to mental health first aid assistance by expanding the team of first aiders from two to five
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity by signing up for disability confident scheme, being a signatory to the Race at Work charter, and supporting EDI groups with employee training
- Facilitated smooth employee relations through collaboration with managers in addressing various issues such as discipline cases, absenteeism, conflicts, and downsizing while adhering to established protocols
- Reviewed and updated Elim's HR policies and procedures to align with current legislation, enhancing overall compliance
- Played an integral role in producing papers for both the OLT and the Board as part of my service on the People and Culture Board sub-committee
- A social housing organization that manages over 800 homes in England and Wales
- Maintained current knowledge of industry regulations and legislation to amend policies and promote compliance.
HR Manager
Climar Industries Ltd
09.2021 - 02.2023
- Company Overview: A manufacturer and installer of bespoke galvanized steel fencing with 13 managed territories and 39 franchisees across the UK
- Achieved seamless HR documentation, improved sickness and absence management through successful migration of the company to new HR software
- Effectively slashed recruitment costs from £2,000 to only £400 on a monthly basis and saved the company an impressive amount of £19,200 per year
- Facilitated the implementation of a strategic 2-year training plan aimed at bridging skill gaps among managers and department heads
- As a direct outcome, turnover rate was reduced by an impressive 5% through initial training on recruitment and selection
- Implemented first-ever performance management process and appraisal for company, enhancing transparency and objectivity of promotions and pay reviews
- Organised a strategy session resulting in the formulation of the company vision, mission and core value statements
- Managed and resolved over six ER issues, effectively mediating disputes between employees and managers to minimize the company's expenses on Employment tribunals
- Introduced industry benchmarked compensation schemes, systematically aligning each role with appropriate pay band
- Introduced 'Ask HR' as a means of gathering feedback, enhancing communication and strengthening workplace interactions
- A manufacturer and installer of bespoke galvanized steel fencing with 13 managed territories and 39 franchisees across the UK
- Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations and diminished financial discrepancies through expert program management.
Senior Manager, Human Capital Optimization
Federal Inland Revenue Service
07.2017 - 08.2019
- Company Overview: A public sector organization responsible for assessing, collecting and accounting for tax and other revenues accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria
- FIRS has over 8,000 staff across Nigeria and over 160 staff in the Human Capital Management Department across 36 states of Nigeria
- Oversaw the review of company's organizational structure to align with the creation of new roles emerging from department consolidation
- Initiated succession planning process to create a pool of trained employees for senior positions within the company
- A public sector organization responsible for assessing, collecting and accounting for tax and other revenues accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria
- FIRS has over 8,000 staff across Nigeria and over 160 staff in the Human Capital Management Department across 36 states of Nigeria
Manager, Policy and Performance Management
Federal Inland Revenue Service
01.2015 - 07.2017
- Directly managed the execution of HR policies by supervising a team responsible for the assessment and management performance reviews for over 8,000 staff
- Managed the development and implementation of a performance appraisal system based on the Organisation's core competencies, core values, and key performance indicators
- Coached and mentored Heads of Units and Departments on the new appraisal system introduced
- Pioneered the use of online appraisal forms, leading to decreased hours spent on inputting records from traditional paper-based forms
- Identified the need for an updated HR Policy Handbook; obtained management approval and supervised a team in implementing the necessary changes
- Introduced a weekly Policy Mailshot email to enhance communication about policy changes for all staff
Deputy Manager, Employee Relations, and Discipline
Federal Inland Revenue Service
09.2010 - 12.2014
- Oversaw team of 5 tasked with managing employee relations and resolving disciplinary issues
- Executed meticulous investigations, compiling reports for review by the Disciplinary Committee and Board of Directors, offering policy-compliant recommendations
- Decreased the overall time involved in managing disciplinary cases by developing and implementing a user-friendly database
- Provided guidance to Unit and Department heads on the disciplinary process, leading to a 30% reduction in cases forwarded to the team
- Negotiated effectively with both the Union and Management to address issues related to lateness and absence management, resulting in the organization introducing staff bus routes in concerned areas
- Achieved staff of the year honour in 2014 within HCMD among 150 colleagues for outstanding accomplishments, earning a double-door fridge as recognition
- Chosen to be part of the ISO committee (TC 260) that focused on standardizing Human Resources internationally and required frequent international travel
Senior Manager, Human Resources
Geometric Power Limited
10.2007 - 07.2010
- Company Overview: A pioneer independent electricity generation and distribution company in Nigeria
- A pioneer stand-alone HR Manager, reporting to the Executive Director, and responsible for all HR activities in the company
- Joined as part of a team of 15 responsible for growing the company and supported the growth to over 300 staff
- Set up all HR processes and policies from scratch
- Enhanced organizational structure by introducing comprehensive guidelines through a state-of-the-art employee handbook
- Designed and implemented company-wide orientation program to cultivate a positive outlook towards organizational goals
- Pioneered in formulating and deploying an unbiased performance administration strategy which ensured transparency
- Managed end-to-end recruitment cycle resulting in increased headcount of 300 individuals to support organizational goals
- Established and standardized welfare programs aimed at improving staff motivation and promoting effective management-employee relations
- Initiatives included providing gym benefits to the management team and organizing regular aerobics sessions
- A pioneer independent electricity generation and distribution company in Nigeria
Education
Master of Science - Occupational Safety, Health, and Well-being
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff, United Kingdom06-2022
M.Sc. - Management of Strategic Human Resources
University of Glamorgan (Now South Wales University)
Pontypridd, United Kingdom11-2006
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Arts
University of Uyo
Akwa Ibom State01.2002
Skills
- Retention strategies
- Diversity and inclusion
- Employee engagement
- Organizational development
- Performance Management
- Workforce engagement
- Employee Relations
- Policy development
- HR budget management
Certification
- Chartered Member, CIPD UK
- Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (Nigeria)
- Graduate Member, Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH)
Volunteer Roles
- Member, CIPD Code of Conduct Panel of Investigators
- Member, Governing Body Moorland Primary School, Cardiff
Timeline
Head of HR
Elim Housing Association
03.2023 - Current
HR Manager
Climar Industries Ltd
09.2021 - 02.2023
Senior Manager, Human Capital Optimization
Federal Inland Revenue Service
07.2017 - 08.2019
Manager, Policy and Performance Management
Federal Inland Revenue Service
01.2015 - 07.2017
Deputy Manager, Employee Relations, and Discipline
Federal Inland Revenue Service
09.2010 - 12.2014
Senior Manager, Human Resources
Geometric Power Limited
10.2007 - 07.2010
Master of Science - Occupational Safety, Health, and Well-being
Cardiff Metropolitan University
M.Sc. - Management of Strategic Human Resources
University of Glamorgan (Now South Wales University)
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Arts
University of Uyo
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