ellenopuko

About Me

I am a seasoned Human Resource Expert with over 8 years’ hands-on experience delivering value and driving the human resource agenda across multiple countries. Over the years, I have enjoyed working as part of successful and dynamic teams, and formulating innovative people driven solutions to address business challenges. I have had the privilege to horn my skills and experience within the Transport & Logistics and Publishing Sector.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management (Human Resources) from Moi University, a Higher National Diploma in Human Resources Management from College of Human Resource Management and a Master of Science Degree from The University of Nairobi. I am a member of the Institute of Human Resource Management Kenya (IHRM) with a current practicing certificate.

I have a very strong commercial awareness with the ability to understand key business issues affecting enterprises, good analytical skills, with the ability to formulate innovative solutions and a sound knowledge of HR fundamentals with a deep understanding of the logistics industry having been a business partner supporting the business across the Eastern Africa Area.

I recently worked with Longhorn Publishers PLC as the Head of HR & Admin and I was involved in driving the culture transformation agenda to help the organization be the number one provider of innovative learning solutions in Africa. My career ambition is to drive success within any organization I work for, while growing and developing strong teams and leaders.

I see this role as an opportunity to learn, grow and develop my skills in the space of tech start ups.

Education

Masters of Science - Human Resource Management 2016

University of Nairobi

The programme provides for an in-depth examination of theory and principles in the human resource management and development functional areas. The program is a blend of several management disciplines such as organizational development and change, performance management, strategic human resource management, leadership, governance and ethics among others. The programme also provides students with the opportunity to share their work experiences and to apply learned skills in the workplace.

Bachelors of Business Management - HR Option 2012

Moi Univerity

Higher National Diploma in HR 2014

College of Human Resource Management

Work & Experience

Head of Human Resources & Admin

Longhorn Publishers PLC

10/01/2021 - 01/05/2022

A key member of the Leadership team; participated in driving strategic HR agenda and providing critical HR Direction for the organization and reporting to both the Board and the CEO. Key Responsibilities and Achievements  Provide strong HR consultancy, advice and coaching with regards to human capital matters to business leaders in order to effectively achieve business results  Manage labour relations and ensure a harmonious working environment, impacting positively employee engagement initiatives.  Provide Strategic HR Leadership in the Human Resources areas including Performance Management; Organization Design and Change Management; Talent Management; Learning and Development; Employee Engagement; Recruitment & Selection; Compensation and Benefits; HR Policy Development; Labour Relations, Employee Grievance & Discipline; HR Operations & Administrations; HR Analytics and reporting  Developed and implemented a reward and recognition policy for the business. This has increased productivity and created an environment where employees feel appreciated.  Drive the Culture Transformation Agenda as part of the initiative to make Longhorn a Great Place to work.  Ensure the right structures, policies and processes are in place to support delivery of business strategy  Manage staff resourcing and recruitment needs as per approved staff establishment.

Human Resources Business Partner - Eastern Africa Area

Maersk Kenya Ltd

07/01/2019 - 09/30/2021

Provide HR Generalist support to a team of business leaders across Eastern Africa Area including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan & Rwanda. Key Responsibilities and Achievements  Lead the implementation of HR Processes in the areas of Employee Engagement, Performance Management, Recruitment & Selection Talent Management and Training  Supported in Work from Home (WFH) Transition, developed WFH guiding framework for all employees in EAA, facilitated Let’s Talk Sessions – COVID 19 and My Career, Lets Talks session on WFH and Engagement across the area.  Implemented competitive Compensation & Benefits Plans that supported us in attracting and retaining high performers  Maintained a positive Employee Relations environment by proactively working with Line management on potential staff issues and proactively engaged with staff at all levels  Provided overall guidance to Line Managers on Employee Relations and Industrial Relations issues  Contributed to the business unit and organization profitability by developing and adhering to the Human Resources Department’s operating budget  Provided concrete and results focused advice to employees on General HR issues  Successfully implemented the reward and recognition framework within HSSE that supported APMT in driving a strong positive safety culture  Drove effective partnering with business leaders to keep and sustain high engagement scores across the area; supported leaders to implement employee engagement actions and lift engagement including monthly follow ups on action planning and supported leaders to facilitate engagement and team effectiveness sessions for teams  Launched the One Maersk Reward Project across Eastern Africa including aligning policies and benefits across countries and business units with the aim of creating a One Maersk experience across board.  Worked closely with business leaders to drive and sustain high employee engagement experience across the area  Drove the formulation and implementation of a Talent Management Strategy, manage the employee Development process and provide expertise and support to Functional Heads during annual talent reviews as well as to use the talent review outcomes to plan for future recruitment and career moves across Maersk.

Human Resources Business Partner - Kenya & Uganda

APM Terminals Kenya Ltd

02/01/2019 - 06/30/2019

Overall responsibility for Provision of Generalist HR Support to the Kenya and Uganda business leaders Key Achievements  Successfully handled Employee Redundancy processes during Project Marlin and GLPL JV liquidation  Provided HR Support to APMT IS & ML Integration, integrating culture, leading change, creating new org designs  Played a critical role in the integration of Maersk and APMT IS in in the Area and also in the liquidation of GLPL and the successful placement of a good number of staff into vacant roles in the Tally/LOC team.  Implemented and launched One Maersk Reward with the aim of creating consistencies on how we reward employees across the business; align policies and benefits with the aim of creating a one Maersk experience across the Maersk brands.  Worked closely with leadership team to improve employee engagement experience and sustain high scores Y/Y.  Provided day to day advice to managers on matters Employee Relations/Industrial Relations strategies, policies and processes

Human Resources Lead - East Africa

APM Terminals Kenya Ltd & Great Lakes Ports Ltd

10/01/2016 - 01/31/2019

Overall responsibility for Provision of Generalist HR Support to the Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania business leaders. Key Achievements & Responsibilities  Demonstrated “on the shop floor" HR visibility. Improved engagement and communication with all sections and on time reporting and feedback. All round connecting of the business through HR linkage  Set up a Works Council Committee that constituted of representation from each department and Senior Management Team to look into and address employee and welfare issues as they arise. This committee also played a key role in boosting our employee engagement levels in the business.  Developed Overtime Policy to ensure employees are consistently and correctly compensated for the time they put into their job duties and minimize incidents of overtime abuse, loss of productivity, health and safety risks among other issues.  Provided concrete and result focused advice to employees on General HR issues.

Human Resources Administrator

TNT Express Worldwide (K) Ltd

06/01/2015 - 09/30/2016

Key Responsibilities  Assist with managing the HR processes including new colleague on-boarding and paperwork, promotions/transfers/terminations, compliance and reporting, performance appraisals and compensation reviews.  Submit necessary forms for updating payroll system and SAP system for new hires/promotions/transfers/terminations etc.  Respond to employee questions about HR policies, procedures, etc.  Facilitate new hire orientation for new hires on company overview, HR processes, systems, rewards, etc.  Coordinate/track Learning and Development (L&D) initiatives and schedule different learning sessions.  Track leave of absences in systems and work with Benefits team on necessary updates  Identify and develop internal process improvements and system/policy enhancements.  Maintain a positive working relationship with colleagues at all levels.  Perform special projects and run ad hoc reports as assigned.  Administer annual employee engagement survey  Payroll Administration

Management Representative (CSR – QHSE)

TNT Express Worldwide (K) Ltd

02/01/2016 - 09/30/2016

Key Achievements & Responsibilities  As the Management Representative I effectively worked with Internal Auditors and CR Team to close off process gaps which led to the company getting recommended for Re-certifications to IMS (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001) standards  Ensured 100% compliance with the company’s health, safety and environmental standards, responsibilities as identified within TNT Express management systems.  Collected, checked and processed data required for monthly CSR reporting. Ensure accurate and timely submission of the reports (ENABLON)  Analysed reports from internal and external audits and provided the necessary follow ups to provide management with the relevant information on how to improve the functional QHSE management systems.  Acted as the SEIG Committee Chair and provided minutes in a timely manner.  Provided the necessary assistance to the CSR coordinator during key CSR events such as Relay for Life and Visit to Children homes.  Ensured processes needed for Quality, Environmental and Health & Safety Management systems are established, implemented, and maintained. (QHSE- ISO 9001-2015, ISO 14001-2015, OHSAS 18001 -2007)  Reported directly to the CGM on the performance of Integrated Management Systems through Internal Audits Reports and Management Reviews  Liaison with External Auditors on Surveillance Audits and Recertification Audits.

Assistant to Associates Management Team (Africa, Middle East & Asia)

TNT Express Worldwide (K) Ltd

09/01/2014 - 06/30/2015

Key Responsibilities  Provided executive administrative support to the leadership team across Africa, Middle East & Asia.  Duties included drafting of business correspondence, preparation of management reports and presentation materials, scheduling of appointments, travel itineraries, processing of all expense reimbursements, and event planning and coordination as needed

Human Resources Assistant

TNT Express Worldwide (K) Ltd

06/13/2013 - 08/31/2014

Key Responsibilities  Supported the HR Manager in the day-to-day running of the HR Department across all HR areas including filing HR records, payroll administration, candidate screening, employee benefits administration etc

Skills

HR Business Partnering
100%
Employee Engagement
100%
Employee Relations
80%
Strategy & Policy
70%
Talent Management
70%

Awards

Star Spot Awards 2020
Star Spot Awards at Maersk Kenya for successfully launching the One Maersk Reward Project across Eastern Africa Area; successfully supporting the Stay Ahead 2.0 Project; Data Clean up for leave in the SAP system.
Employee of the Year 2014
Nominated employee of the year in the TNT Express Worldwide “LONG SERVICE AWARD CEREMONY" Held at Eka Hotel on the 17th of January 2014.
Best Overall Student - Higher National Diploma 2014
Awarded Best Overall Student in the November 2013 KNEC Exams Series Higher Diploma –Human Resource Management College of Human Resource Management 17th Graduation Ceremony held on 6th June 2014