Suzi Serfontein

Seasoned recruitment specialist, with knowledge and experience across the EU, UK, and US markets, working across internal, agency, 360 recruitment, and large-scale hiring. I've spent over six years building and scaling teams in high-growth environments, often juggling multiple vacancies while improving systems, processes, and outcomes behind the scenes. I also bring extensive experience recruiting for highly technical niche roles and make use of leveraging data, market research, and competitive intelligence to inform and influence hiring strategies.

My background experience is intentionally vast and varied. Aside from my career in talent acquisition, I also bring seven years in sales and marketing, six years as a general manager in the four-star hospitality sector, and experience as a luxury travel designer and accounts manager.

This mix has shaped how I work: commercially aware, people-focused, and operationally sharp, with a strong instinct for both detail and the bigger picture. Adaptability sits at the center of everything I do. I've stepped into new roles with minimal handover, learned new systems quickly, and delivered from day one.

When I don't yet have a skill, I go and build it. I'm motivated by challenge, comfortable under pressure, and trusted for my consistency. I show up, I learn fast, and I deliver—guaranteed.

Recruitment specialist at USA Global Marketing (2020-02 – 2021-08)

I ran full-cycle recruitment across a wide range of roles, building talent attraction and retention strategies that actually worked in competitive markets. I interviewed candidates, negotiated offers, and designed onboarding processes that helped new hires settle in quickly and confidently. Built and maintained a strong candidate pipeline using platforms like LinkedIn, Bamboo, Monster and other ATS systems, managed recruitment advertising budgets, and helped grow the department from the ground up.

I supported time-critical, bulk hiring roles across the US and UK markets, working both SA and US hours. I regularly reviewed systems, tools, and performance data to improve efficiency and outcomes, always looking for smarter ways to recruit and retain people.

Head of Recruitment Department - Global at USA Global Marketing (2020-08 – 2023-08)

Alongside my specialist role, I stepped into a leadership position where I managed global recruitment for various clients. I organized recruitment days, job seminars, and video testimonials, as well as designed marketing materials, banners, and branding for events, while also assisting with HR and payroll functions, including incentives and bonuses. I designed and rolled out onboarding and training processes for new hires, ensuring consistency without losing the human touch.

This allowed me to expand our team of 12 to over 225 permanent employees, 75 rotational contractors, and 25 on-call staff by the end of my tenure. Using data-driven tracking, I monitored performance, managed projects, and delivered campaigns on time and within budget. I built teams, coached recruiters, and focused on creating an inclusive, supportive culture where people could actually thrive, and my retention numbers spoke volumes.

Recruitment Resourcer at NSC Global (2023-08 – 2024-09)

This role focused on sourcing talent through multiple channels, managing job postings, screening applications, and conducting candidate assessments and checks. I adapted recruitment strategies to consistently meet and exceed KPIs while maintaining strong relationships with clients and candidates alike. I supported employee retention efforts, helped attract new clients, coordinated events and travel logistics, and wrote job adverts that strengthened employer branding.

I provided first-line support to candidates and clients, contributed insights during team meetings, stayed up to date with recruitment trends, and handled sensitive candidate information with discretion and care.

Talent Aquisition Partner at Bolt Talent Solutions (2024-09 – 2025-05)

This was a 6-month temp contractor-based role for the company. I partnered closely with hiring managers to understand their needs and deliver targeted recruitment solutions. I sourced and secured high-quality talent, focusing on both skills and long-term fit in a myriad of industries and roles—from real estate to medical, insurance, and finance.

I worked to improve candidate experience through clear communication and support throughout the process, contributed to employer branding initiatives, and used data-driven insights to optimize hiring outcomes. I managed onboarding processes to ensure smooth transitions and built strong, lasting relationships with both candidates and stakeholders.

Office Manager & Receptionist at Cecil Kilpin & Co (2025-06 – 2025-12)

This was a 6-month temp contract with the company. I managed front-of-house operations, acting as the main point of contact for clients and ensuring the office ran smoothly. I coordinated meetings, schedules, and appointments daily, streamlined office organization, and oversaw supplies, ordering and inventory.

I supervised support staff, facilitated communication across departments, and handled financial and administrative tasks with accuracy and discretion. I dealt with client inquiries professionally, provided full administrative support to the team, and managed the secure handling and distribution of highly confidential documents.

Senior Travel Designer // Office & Admin Manager at The Travel Café / Starry Starry Night – Route 62 & Cape Town (2026-01 – 2026-03)

This was a temp 3 month stand-in contract role with the company. This was 2 roles blended into one. Managed end-to-end travel planning and guest services, including large-scale weddings and excursions for groups of 150+ guests.

I created custom tracking systems to manage complex bookings. Meticulously planned each individual's holiday down to the hour. My role also covered weekly bookkeeping for multiple properties using SAGE, managing all of the social media and marketing, as well as designing brochures, pamphlets, and guest-facing materials.

I conducted property inspections across Cape Town, converted leads from email and Zoom consultations into confirmed bookings, and created tailored quotes and digital itineraries. Handled invoicing, payment follow-ups, and supplier communication and provided ongoing guest support. After trips, I gathered feedback, encouraged reviews, and maintained a strong lead database to drive repeat bookings and future sales.

Certifications – Udemy (2025-01)

Diploma – EdX & Alison (2024-01)