Kelly Fenech

Dedicated People & Culture Manager with over 6 years of experience in strategic people management, employee relations, and performance management. Proven expertise in transforming HR teams and processes, having navigated complex environments to improve organisational performance. Successfully managing HR operations for a global organisation of 560+ employees across different locations including Malta, UK, Gibraltar, Sweden, Poland, and ROW; enhancing efficiency and driving team development.

Strong ability to provide advice on performance issues and foster a positive workplace culture, aiming to support business growth and employee engagement.

People & Culture Manager - ComeOn Group - Saint Julian's, Malta

(2024-04)

• Rebuilt and stabilised the Malta HR team during a transformative phase, following the departures of key departmental leaders while supporting the Global HR Team across multiple regions (UK, Gibraltar, Sweden, Poland, ROW).
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of 8 to 9 across People Partnering, Talent Acquisition, People Operations, and Facilities, driving capability, accountability, and professional growth.
• Act as a trusted advisor to Executive Leadership and senior stakeholders on complex employee relations matters, providing strategic, risk-aware guidance on performance management, disciplinary actions, and organisational decisions.
• Oversee employee relations matters end-to-end, including disciplinary processes, grievances, performance management, terminations, appeals, and conflict resolution, ensuring fairness, consistency, and legal compliance.
• Drive employee engagement, culture, and retention initiatives that strengthen employee experience and align people strategy with business objectives.
• Provide coaching and practical guidance to managers at all levels on leadership capability, people management, policy application, and decision-making.
• Develop, review, and implement HR policies, procedures, and governance frameworks in line with employment legislation, regulatory standards, and organisational needs.
• Oversee People Operations for a workforce of 560+ employees, including payroll governance, organisational changes, and continuous optimisation of HR processes to support efficiency and business growth.
• Lead continuous improvement and innovation initiatives, leveraging AI tools such as Gemini, AI Studio, and Antigravity to automate reporting, enhance productivity, and streamline operations.
• Provide oversight and quality assurance on People & Talent Partner outputs, ensuring clear, consistent, and legally sound documentation.
• Produce and interpret people's metrics, dashboards, and management reports quarterly to identify trends, mitigate risks, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including insurance providers and other third parties supporting operational and compliance needs.
• Help, assist and participate in the completion of the ISO27001 or other Information Security Standards implementation and future ongoing recertifications.

People Partner (Marketing & CRM) - ComeOn Group - Saint Julian's, Malta

(2022-09 - 2024-03)

• Acted as the primary point of contact for over 160 employees within the Marketing and CRM departments, fulfilling multiple critical functions.
• Facilitated the induction and onboarding processes for new team members.
• Delivered ongoing support to newly hired employees throughout their probationary period, providing constructive feedback in conjunction with their managers.
• Convened regular meetings with managers to offer guidance and coaching, ensuring the execution of best HR practices.
• Addressed performance, grievance, and disciplinary issues, assisting managers in implementing appropriate actions.
• Conducted stay and exit interviews, gathering insightful feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborated with People Ops Managers, the Director of People & Culture, and other team members on various people-related initiatives and projects.

Human Resources Coordinator/Junior HR Partner - Red Acre Ltd - Saint Julian's, Malta

(2021-10 - 2022-09)

• Served as the HR Partner for the Operations Department (100 employees).
• Provided support and advisory services to departmental managers.
• Sourced and screened qualified candidates for open roles.
• Managed tracking software throughout all stages of recruitment.
• Cultivated relationships with hiring managers and potential candidates.
• Facilitated internal progression opportunities.
• Promoted internal communications via channels such as the Company newsletter.
• Conducted employee engagement surveys and analysed outcomes.
• Managed work permits and assisted in the relocation process.
• Executed employee mediation.
• Oversaw onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Conducted exit interviews and skip-level meetings, presenting analysis to management.
• Executed disciplinary actions when required.
• Fostered team-building initiatives across operations.
• Monitored absenteeism.
• Managed the transition of the HRIS, including system configuration, data migration, and training for employees and managers.

Junior Recruiter - Red Acre Ltd - Saint Julian's, Malta

(2020-10 - 2021-09)

• Sourced candidates for various open roles across the company.
• Coordinated interview schedules with HR and departmental managers.
• Supported the HR team with daily administrative tasks, benefits management, and the publication of the weekly company newsletter.

Shift Leader - Red Acre Ltd - Saint Julian's, Malta

(2020-02 - 2021-09)

Customer Support Agent - Red Acre Ltd - Saint Julian's, Malta

(2019-11 - 2020-01)

Shift Manager - Net Ent Ltd. - Saint Julian's, Malta

(2016-04 - 2019-10)

Bachelor's - Work and HR (Hons.)(Melit.) - University of Malta (2025-11)