Charles Nkandu

Human Resources Business Support Professional

Lusaka, ZM.

About

Highly accomplished Human Resources business support professional with over 15 years of progressive experience, including 13 years in HR management across multinational companies and the banking sector in Zambia. Proven leader in driving robust performance management, talent acquisition, compensation, and employee relations, consistently fostering motivated workforces that align with business goals. Adept at navigating complex labor legislations and cultural diversities to optimize HR effectiveness and strategic organizational growth.

Work

Bollore Transport & Logistics & Zalawi Haulage LTD

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Country Human Resource Manager

Zambia

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Summary

Managed comprehensive HR functions for over 700 employees across two entities, reporting to matrix entity MDs and the Regional Office in Johannesburg.

Highlights

Oversaw all Human Resource functions for 700+ employees across two entities, ensuring strategic alignment with regional and local objectives.

Managed a team of 6 HR professionals, enhancing their performance through effective reviews and designing engagement strategies that boosted team productivity.

Successfully managed relations with two unions, fostering a mutual working environment and ensuring adherence to all employment contracts and incentive programs.

Developed and managed annual HR budgets and projections, providing critical controls and advice for optimal recruitment and organizational fit.

Keda Zambia Ceramics Company Limited

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Lead HR Consultancy & Head of Local Team

Zambia

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Summary

Spearheaded the initial setup of the HR Department for a 900-employee organization, establishing foundational HR policies and systems.

Highlights

Established the entire HR Department for a planned 900-employee organization, drafting and attesting all employment contracts and disciplinary codes with the Ministry of Labour.

Led the recruitment and onboarding of 50 long-term employees and 200 general workers, ensuring a robust talent pipeline for the new site.

Formulated comprehensive HR policies, including Compensation & Benefits, payroll with statutory deductions, recruitment, and performance management, optimizing operational efficiency.

Developed and implemented a COVID-19 workplace policy, ensuring zero transmission on the new site and safeguarding employee health and safety.

DHL International (Zambia & Malawi)

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Head - Human Resources

Zambia

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Summary

Provided strategic HR leadership and generalist services across Zambia and Malawi, supporting Senior Management Teams and a headcount of nearly 200 employees.

Highlights

Spearheaded the certification of DHL International Zambia Limited as a Top Employer by the Top Employer Institute, enhancing employer brand and talent attraction.

Provided comprehensive HR support to two countries (Zambia & Malawi) for a headcount of nearly 200 employees without dedicated HR support staff, demonstrating high efficiency.

Identified, drafted, and implemented Conditions of Service for non-represented employees, standardizing employment terms and improving employee satisfaction.

Managed all aspects of employee relations, including successful union negotiations and efficient disciplinary case handling, fostering a harmonious work environment.

Finance Bank Zambia PLC

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Human Resource & Training Manager

Zambia

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Summary

Managed HR and training functions for the bank, focusing on staff cost optimization, payroll administration, and employee development.

Highlights

Secured approval for a K1,500,000.00 investment in training and development, the largest in the bank's history, significantly boosting employee motivation.

Optimized staff costs within HR to align with business performance and budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

Administered payroll and all staff benefits, including gratuity and pension schemes, ensuring accurate and policy-compliant remuneration for all employees.

Created an efficient employee management structure across the country by establishing HR branch management, with each HR team member responsible for specific branches.

Cristal Hotels Group - Abu Dhabi, UAE

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Manager - Human Resources & Training

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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Summary

Managed HR and training for a 250-employee hotel brand with 35 nationalities, focusing on cultural integration and pre-opening HR implementation.

Highlights

Led cultural change initiatives and managed diversity for a 250-employee hotel with 35 nationalities, fostering an inclusive workplace.

Identified, planned, and implemented training programs to address specific needs, enhancing staff capabilities and service quality.

Oversaw HR administration and policy implementation, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency for the hotel.

Executed pre-opening HR implementation across all departments for new hotels, ensuring seamless staffing and operational readiness.

IHG (Intercontinental Hotels - Lusaka)

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Manager - Training & Development

Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia

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Summary

Directed all training and development functions for over 300 employees, enhancing technical skills and reinforcing learning initiatives.

Highlights

Managed the full training and development function for 300+ employees, improving technical and soft skills across the organization.

Implemented new standard modules of training, aligning practices with industry norms and enhancing professional development.

Organized, formulated, and prepared annual training plans and calendars for all departments, ensuring systematic skill enhancement.

Evaluated training effectiveness to ensure direct business impact, contributing to improved employee performance and service quality.

Taj Hotels & Resorts - Taj Pamodzi, Lusaka

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Manager - Learning & Development

Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia

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Summary

Managed all training and development functions and business analysis for 350+ employees, focusing on high-level performance and an energetic workforce.

Highlights

Drove high-level performance for 350+ employees by managing all training and development functions and conducting business analysis.

Designed and implemented global Taj Hotels standard operating procedures, ensuring consistent service excellence and efficiency.

Implemented key service training programs, transforming guests into brand ambassadors through exceptional service delivery.

Managed comprehensive recognition and reward programs, fostering an energetic and motivated workforce.

Education

Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA)

Durban, South Africa, South Africa
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Management

Languages

English

Certificates

Business Management / Business Excellence (Strategic Planning)

Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces – Corporate Office

Curriculum Development

Technical, Education, Vocational & Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA)

Teaching Methodology

Technical and Vocational Teachers College (TVTC)

Skills

Human Resources Management

HR Strategy, HR Administration, Employee Relations, Talent Management, Performance Management, Compensation & Benefits, Payroll Administration, Recruitment & Onboarding, Training & Development, Policy Implementation, Labor Law Compliance, Disciplinary Management, HRIS.

Leadership & Management

Team Leadership, Cross-functional Collaboration, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Budgeting, Stakeholder Management, Change Management, Diversity & Inclusion.

Business Acumen

Business Support, Operations Alignment, Cost Optimization, Business Performance, Policy Formulation.

Communication & Interpersonal

Negotiation, Stakeholder Engagement, Cross-cultural Communication, Mentoring, Coaching.

References

Mr. Mutale Mwila

Country Manager / Managing Director, DHL International Zambia Limited | mutale.mwila@dhl.com | +260 965 000 507

Mrs. Beatrice Mwila

Director, Finance Bank | beatricemwila@yahoo.co.uk | +260 96 6754747

Mrs. Stella Ngulube Kalwiji

Head Human Resource & Administration, PCi Zambia, Lusaka | ngulubestella@yahoo.co.uk +260 95 5 853380

Charles Nkandu