Grace Palesa

Results-driven HR Manager and People Partner with 10+ years of progressive experience in industrial relations, labour law compliance, workforce planning, and strategic HR delivery. Proven track record managing end-to-end CCMA processes (conciliation and arbitration), designing legally defensible disciplinary frameworks, and embedding fair, consistent HR practice across multi-site retail environments. Deeply proficient in South African labour legislation (LRA, BCEA, EEA, OHSA, NMW Act, POPIA).

Recognised for translating HR strategy into measurable operational outcomes while maintaining procedural fairness at every level.

HR Manager – Inland Division - Sportsmans Warehouse (SWH) - Centurion, Atterbury, Menlyn, Woodmead, Polokwane, Zambezi, Modderfontein

(2026-04)

Key mandate: Drive HR strategy, IR compliance, flexi workforce governance, and people capability across seven branches (Centurion, Atterbury, Menlyn, Woodmead, Polokwane, Zambezi, Modderfontein).

• Designed and deployed a comprehensive Polygraph Management Framework — replacing an outdated LOC approach — incorporating a 6-dimension scoring system, position-sensitive tier classifications (Branch Manager, 2IC, Consultant, Admin), a corrective resolution matrix, and a 30/60/90-day monitoring scorecard anchored to the Goldplat Recovery precedent.
• Led disciplinary code reform, removing the internal appeal process in favour of direct CCMA referral, ensuring full LRA alignment and procedural fairness across all levels.
• Developed and implemented a 90-day HR Action Plan aligned to the FY27 Ops/HR Strategy: flexi workforce stabilisation, INSPIRED framework embedding, LRMG upskilling pipeline, succession planning, and a Quarterly Recognition Programme.
• Managed complex employee relations matters — distinguishing informal counselling from formal disciplinary escalation — with structured risk assessments and procedural fairness evaluations.
• Produced formal HR Intelligence Reports for senior leadership distribution, articulating the division's HR mandate, compliance framework, and strategic priorities.
• Built structured Employee Action Plans (FWWs, LOCs, Disciplinary Enquiries, PIPs) across five stores (NRD, POT, KDP, VDB, KEY).
• Led full Manpower data reconciliation — aligning headcount across all Inland branches and resolving staffing discrepancies across 179 staff.
• Oversaw Time & Attendance, payroll compliance, flexi workforce database, and youth recruitment initiatives division-wide.
• Designed and optimised a 19-slide Floor Manager Upskilling PowerPoint training programme covering ethical leadership, OOS reporting, stock loss, and the Service Portal.

Regional People Partner - Shoprite Group – OK Furniture

(2023-11 - 2026-04)

• Led regional People strategy execution aligned to divisional objectives and operational plans across the full employee life cycle.
• Managed industrial relations matters including preparation and attendance at CCMA conciliations and arbitrations.
• Partnered with the Divisional People Partner to oversee succession planning, talent management, and the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP/ATR).
• Guided and coached store managers and team leaders on HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Consolidated workforce capability requirements and developed regional workforce plans to meet business needs.
• Managed UIF, disability, death, and medical aid benefit claims; coordinated with payroll on all employee movements.
• Analysed People data and trends to diagnose issues and recommend evidence-based solutions to leadership.

Trainee Regional People Partner - Shoprite Group – OK Furniture

(2022-01 - 2023-11)

• Supported the Divisional People Roadmap, delivering HR services across the full employee life cycle.
• Contributed to career management, succession planning, and talent management initiatives.
• Assisted with recruitment, selection, and onboarding in line with organisational policies.
• Collaborated with People Solutions teams to resolve escalated people matters and surface regional data insights.

People Delivery Assistant - Shoprite Group – OK Furniture

(2021-01 - 2022-12)

• Managed end-to-end recruitment: shortlisting, interview scheduling, and offer preparation.
• Prepared and conducted CCMA conciliations; assisted HRBP with arbitration preparation.
• Processed new employee documentation, promotions, and transfers for payroll.
• Administered UIF, death, disability, and retirement claims through the labour department.

HR Operating Officer - Tiger Brands

(2017-08 - 2018-12)

• Served as SME on Oracle Fusion and Oracle Taleo for leave management and HR queries.
• Reviewed and developed HR reports and metrics; managed SLAs between HR Shared Services and Business Units.
• Trained new team members on HRIS systems and daily operating procedures.

HR Coordinator - Emerald Casino

(2016-07 - 2017-02)

• Coordinated full-cycle recruitment including screening, interview scheduling, and induction programmes.
• Supported employee relations activities; contributed to training manuals and the employee handbook.
• Contributed to the development and distribution of annual company-wide engagement surveys.

HR Intern - Emerald Casino

(2015-08 - 2016-06)

• Provided administrative support across recruitment, employee relations, and training coordination.
• Supported the Talent Manager with in-house training and leadership meeting administration.

Honours - Industrial Psychology & Labour Relations - University of South Africa (UNISA) (2020-01 - 2022-12)

Bachelor's Degree - Industrial Psychology & Labour Relations - North-West University, Vaal Campus (2010-01 - 2013-12)