Isaac Sihadi

With more than two decades of experience and a B-Tech in Human Resources as well as a B-Tech in Labour Relations as my highest qualification, I have built a career dedicated to strengthening people practices and driving organizational growth. My work has spanned diverse environments where shaping effective strategies around recruitment, development, and retention ensured stability and progress. Success has come not only from technical expertise but also from an ability to understand people and align their goals with the wider objectives of the business.

Throughout my career, I have focused on creating environments where individuals can thrive while organizations remain compliant, efficient, and future focused. Introducing innovative approaches to retention, guiding managers through complex employee matters, and building sustainable talent pipelines have all been part of my contribution. What sets me apart is a practical understanding of how to balance the needs of people with the demands of business, producing measurable improvements in culture, performance, and long-term results.

Director/Manager - VenZim Construction and Projects - Vereeniging, Johannesburg

(2015-01)

• Oversee overall company operations, including construction activities and the supply of goods and services, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and quality standards
• Manage full-cycle recruitment, including job profiling, candidate sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding across multiple business units
• Design and administer employee performance management systems, including coaching, and professional development plans
• Lead payroll administration and compliance with labour legislation
• Foster a positive workplace culture by promoting employee engagement, recognition programs, and conflict resolution strategies
• Coordinate staff training and upskilling
• Ensure health, safety, and regulatory compliance across all operational areas

Group Human Resources Practitioner (Generalist) - Institute for Security Studies - Pretoria, Gauteng

(2012-01 - 2014-12)

• Directed full-cycle recruitment and resourcing processes, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and fairness in hiring practices across multiple regions
• Partnered with senior management to diagnose organizational challenges, set strategic goals, and implement training and development programmes to strengthen employee capability, leadership, and overall organizational effectiveness
• Advised on transformation and employment equity initiatives, supporting diversity targets, and maintained accurate, policy-aligned job descriptions
• Addressed employee concerns proactively, resolving grievances and preventing potential disruptions through timely interventions
• Promoted a sound employee relations climate by providing labour relations guidance, monitoring divisional practices, coordinating ER initiatives, and representing the organization at CCMA and Bargaining Council proceedings
• Guided line management on people management practices, career paths, and performance interventions while ensuring compliance with labour legislation, HR policies, and internal procedures
• Conducted audits of HR processes and services, presented HR and exit interview reports to senior management, and provided coaching to line managers on effective HR practices
• Oversaw payroll administration in the absence of the HR Manager and processed HR financial documents in line with company requirements
• Coordinated HR operations across head office and satellite offices in Pretoria, Senegal, Kenya, and Ethiopia, including site visits to ensure consistent service delivery and compliance

Acting Human Resources Manager - Institute for Security Studies - Pretoria, Gauteng

(2011-10 - 2011-12)

• Advised the ISS Management Committee on organizational strategy for human capital development, ensuring alignment with the organization’s philosophy and long-term objectives
• Contributed to the design and implementation of HR strategy and policies, aligning them with current and future workforce needs
• Directed key HR interventions including career pathing, succession planning, and manpower planning to strengthen talent pipelines
• Managed employer–employee relations in accordance with the Labour Relations Act, related legislation, and recognition agreements, safeguarding compliance and positive relations
• Oversaw monthly payroll administration in line with financial policies and procedures

Human Resources Practitioner (Generalist) - Institute for Security Studies - Pretoria, Gauteng

(2008-10 - 2011-09)

• Managed end-to-end recruitment and resourcing processes, ensuring alignment with organizational policies, fairness, and procedural compliance
• Coordinated and reviewed training audits, conducted skills gap analyses with line managers, and formulated short-, medium-, and long-term training objectives
• Prepared and submitted workplace skills plans and annual training reports to the SETA while managing the skills development committee and consultative processes related to training, skills, and employment equity requirements
• Supported the design and delivery of induction and training programmes to meet the needs of a growing organization
• Advised on employee relations (ER) policies, coordinated ER training for line managers, and developed systems to provide effective ER support across the organisation
• Produced monthly ER reports for the HR Manager, monitoring issues and implementing follow-up actions
• Administered HR processes including probationary reviews, performance appraisals, action plans, employee terminations, resignations, and leave management
• Coordinated staff relocations in accordance with organizational policies
• Oversaw payroll administration in the absence of the HR Manager and processed HR financial documentation in compliance with organizational requirements
• Coordinated HR activities across head office and satellite offices in Pretoria, Cape Town, Kenya, and Ethiopia, including conducting site visits to ensure alignment and compliance
• Introduced “stay interviews” to strengthen retention strategies, resulting in a 47% reduction in employee turnover
• Represented the organization at career exhibitions across Gauteng universities, successfully attracting top talent and appointing 50 graduates as interns through these initiatives

Personnel Practitioner - South African Police Service - Pretoria, Gauteng

(2007-12 - 2008-09)

Assistant Personnel Practitioner and Labour Relations Officer - South African Police Service - Vaal Rand, Gauteng

(2002-11 - 2007-11)

• Developed comprehensive Labour Relations training materials and manuals; successfully trained senior management (Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, HR, Logistics, and Finance managers) as well as union shop stewards.

Personnel Officer - South African Police Service - Vaal Rand, Gauteng

(2001-07 - 2002-10)

Lecturer - Vaal Triangle Technikon - Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng

(2000-01 - 2001-06)

National Diploma - Law (Paralegal) - University of Johannesburg (2012)

B-Tech - Labour Relations - Technikon, SA (2002)

Diploma - Project Manager - Varsity College – Pretoria (2010)

B-Tech - Human Resources - Vaal Triangle Technikon (1999)

Assessor Certification - Assessment College (2010)

National Diploma - Human Resources - Vaal Triangle Technikon (1998)

Advanced Diploma - Labour Law - Rand Afrikaans University (RAU) (2004)

Grade 12/National Senior Certificate - Mpandeli Secondary School (1994)