Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Joseph M. Fernando

Joseph M. Fernando

Abu Dhabi

Summary

Dedicated senior-level human resources leader recognized by peers to recruit and develop high-performance HR consulting teams. Adept at developing and building strategic alliances with organizational leaders to support key business initiatives. Advanced knowledge in providing total client solutions for actuarial, compensation, health and welfare, pension and retirement and HR outsourcing services.

Overview

39
39
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
7
7
Certifications

Work History

Human Resources Director

Sodexo|Kelvin
Abu Dhabi
04.2018 - Current
  • Followed programs closely to assess effectiveness and make proactive changes to meet changing demands.
  • Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
  • Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
  • Addressed employee conflicts with appropriate urgency, following all corporate procedures.
  • Developed succession plans and promotion paths for staff.
  • Conducted exit interviews to better understand reasons why employees were separating from company.
  • Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communications.
  • Handled on-boarding process for newly hired employees and distributed all paperwork.
  • Monitored administration of benefits program to maintain compliance with employee insurance program.
  • Developed incentive program for hiring of and retaining of employees.
  • Provided immediate updates to entire employee pool when policies and procedures were altered.
  • Directed job fairs to bring in local talent for long term and seasonal positions.
  • Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
  • Led and strategically directed team of human resources professionals.
  • Created user-friendly employee handbook that was much easier to update and maintain than prior manual.
  • Collaborated with entire human resource department to discuss new ways to recruit top talent.
  • Processed employee claims involving performance issues and harassment.
  • Conducted company-wide town hall meetings to convey updates.
  • Recruited and hired key leadership positions to strengthen management team.
  • Maintained and developed job descriptions, onboarding handbooks and training programs.
  • Implemented behavioral performance management system to define expectations and identify areas for improvement.
  • Coordinated and worked with management on performance evaluations, supervisory practices, dispute resolution and employee accountability.
  • Managed integration, configuration and administration of HR systems.
  • Designed and implemented employee engagement strategies to improve morale, retain talent and maintain business continuity.
  • Developed comprehensive interview guides to improve candidate quality and evaluate personal compatibility.
  • Drafted and implemented policies, procedures and employee handbook for over 3500 employees.
  • Selected insurance, disability and workers' compensation programs to meet employee needs.
  • Aligned departments with organizational processes, implementing HR directives accordingly.
  • Implemented formal performance management guidelines to reduce inconsistencies and increase productivity.
  • Provided guidance to district managers to implement strategies for short-and-long-term business needs.

Human Resources Director

Sodexo|Socat
Musacat
12.2008 - 08.2018


  • Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
  • Orchestrated daily HR functions supporting 3000 employees with team of 12(two HR generalists) and served as the HR Business Partner to the entity leadership team of high performing business unit.
  • Assimilated 4 major takeovers (PDO, SQU, SQUH, Healthcare Units) into the culture, business and performance processes in various locations.
  • Improved compensation programs that was proven to drive annual revenue growth by 15% by devising an enhanced commission structure that rewarded for firm-wide sales into major accounts.
  • Streamlined talent management, leadership development and performance-based compensation processes across the company.
  • Traveled all over the country with senior leadership (road shows) to connect with employees in developing a desirable place to work, based on employee engagement survey results.
  • Served as a HR Strategic Business Partner and advisor to the sales senior team on all people related deals.
  • Partnered with Zone / Regional HR directors to identify key attributes, development assignments and performance metrics to ensure high potential candidates grow in progressive roles.
  • Implemented a high potential development feedback system that showcased talent to senior leadership
  • Participated in the HR Taskforce that developed a human resources projects to be implemented across the region. Implemented regional salary guidelines on payroll & benefits.
  • Co-facilitated annual succession planning and organization review sessions with the management team and developed tools and assignments to revitalize the high-potential sales leader program.
  • Advised on change management initiatives transitioning from flat to matrix organization (Transformation exercise)
  • Instituted and facilitated a 360-degree feedback session for senior leaders, including self which involved subordinates and manager-level feedback to create executable developmental plans.
  • Followed programs closely to assess effectiveness and make proactive changes to meet changing demands.
  • Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
  • Addressed employee conflicts with appropriate urgency, following all corporate procedures.

Human Resources Manager

Sodexo|Tariq Al Ghanim (TAG)
Kuwait
07.2005 - 07.2008
  • Implemented performance reviews and motivational strategies to elevate HR team results.
  • Designed high-performing strategies and executable solutions to support organizational design, performance management, recruitment, compensation, leadership development and employee engagement.
  • Managed workforce deployed in Iraq, especially into our Defense contracts in war zone.
  • Mobilized high volume MOH contracts in a very limited timeframe with the fullest satisfaction of the clients
  • Reduced the cost per employee, especially those who were deployed to Iraq Operations
  • Introduced Employee motivational, reward & recognition schemes
  • Introduced HR Dashboard & metrics that eventually deployed across the region where one did not exist prior.
  • Introduced Monthly Newsletter as a management communication to all sites
  • Motivated employees through special events and incentive programs.
  • Used technologically relevant digital systems to manage payroll and benefits programs.
  • Streamlined HR efficiencies, coordinated new hire orientations and provided onboarding and training for 2000 new employees.

Asst Human Resources Manager

Jumeirah International - The Jumeirah Beach hotel, Wild Wadi, Burj Al Arab, Emirates Tower
Dubai
04.1999 - 05.2005
  • Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Worked as deputy to the HR Heads in various units, lead the taskforce team for pre-opening recruitment for Wild Wadi, Burj Al Arab and Emirates Tower Hotel
  • Worked in central HR department and two properties, namely Burj Al Arab & The Jumeirah Beach Hotel
  • Responsible for the whole HR operation and reporting to the HR Director.
  • Handled the Man Power Budget to control the recruitment, promotion and transfers of the departments and keep the Manpower & Payroll Budget on line while considering the business demand, requirement and forecast of the SBU (Strategic Business Unit)
  • Liaised with the manpower suppliers / Head Hunters worldwide and sourced the position demanded by the SBU.
  • Managed the legal formalities for the recruited staff viz. visas and medicals.
  • Conducted Induction training for the new arrivals of SBUs
  • Administered the Appraisal system in the Business Unit.
  • Facilitated employees’ motivations programs viz. Employee of the Month, Monthly Birthday Celebration, and Annual Staff Party.
  • Assisted and organized regular employee sports and social activities and promoted team spirit and maintained high employee morale.
  • Coordinated with the Training Department for the relevant training required by individual employees and departments to achieve the SBU’s training objectives.
  • Counseled employees in career prospects, personal issues, job related issues etc.; Conducted Exit Interview to all leavers
  • Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Worked within applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
  • Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.

Project Consultant

Agni Beena Consultancy
Bombay
05.1988 - 02.1999
  • Maintained high performing team and served as project's advocate.
  • Prepared contingency plans.
  • Allocated work among team members and provided guidance.
  • Developed 2 effective project tactics in 1998.
  • Maintained tactical control of project budgets and timelines to keep teams on task and achieve schedule targets.
  • Developed and trained junior team members by leveraging industry experience to achieve optimal project strategy.
  • Performed independent analysis and provided recommendations to overcome project obstacles.
  • Provided team with coaching and direction.
  • Met with manager weekly to provide detailed project report and milestone updates.

Personnel Executive

Amrok Shipping
Chennai / Tuticorin
08.1997 - 04.1998
  • Pre-screened resumes prior to sending to corporate hiring managers for consideration.
  • Improved office efficiency by effectively managing internal communications and correspondence.
  • Completed human resource operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees.
  • Improved organizational filing systems for confidential employee records, resulting in improved accessibility and efficiency.
  • Responsible for recruitment and selection
  • Inducted and Trained the staff as per the company acquaintance program
  • Organized skill based training • Administered Appraisal for all employees
  • Monitored time‐office function and payroll function
  • Administered ESI, EPF formalities • Provided Executive coordination for day‐to‐day operations
  • Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
  • Advocated for staff members, helping to identify and resolve conflicts.

Human Resources Trainee

Madras Refineries
Chennai
01.1997 - 07.1997
  • Worked as Trainee in HR Management
  • Research undertaken on the request of organization: “Waste
    management in madras refineries limited" "Effectiveness of training in Madras Refineries Ltd"

Human Resources Trainee

TVS Sunderam Fasteners
Chennai
05.1996 - 11.1996
  • Worked as Trainee in HR Management.
  • Research undertaken on the request of organization:
    “Attitude of Employees towards Suggestion Scheme”
  • Delivered friendly assistance with new hires throughout interviewing and hiring process.
  • Contacted references and performed background checks.
  • Improved office efficiency by effectively managing internal communications and correspondence.
  • Partnered with departmental managers to ascertain hiring needs and subsequently provide candidate recommendations.
  • Collected and analyzed information to monitor compliance outcomes and identify and address trends of non-compliant behavior.
  • Reduced expenses by analyzing compensation policies and implementing competitive programs while ensuring adherence to legal requirements.

Office Manager

Advance Off‐Shore Engineering
Bombay
09.1990 - 04.1992
  • The company dealt with Off‐shore operations in Oil & Natural Gas Commission ﴾ONGC﴿
  • ExecutiveCoordination for supply of operational crew for offshore hook‐up services
  • Maintenance of crew members for offshore installations at Bombay high
  • Liaison work with Subcontractors and local clearance agencies
  • Air Booking, Chopper Booking, Hotel Booking and Visa preparations for expatriates
  • Offshore permit clearance from ONGC ﴾Oil & Natural Gas Commission﴿ of India authorities
  • Established workflow processes, monitored daily productivity and implemented modifications to improve overall performance of personnel.
  • Updated reports, managed accounts and generated reports for company database.
  • Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.

Personnel Assistant

ETPM
Bombay
04.1989 - 08.1990
  • The company dealt with Off‐shore operations in Oil & Natural Gas Commission ﴾ONGC﴿
  • Executive Coordination for supply of operational crew for Barges DLB 801 *DLB Polaris
  • Responsible for crew movements for offshore installations at Hera Uran Trunk line ﴾HUT﴿ & Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. ﴾HSL﴿
  • Air booking, Chopper booking, Hotel booking and visa preparations for expatriates
  • Offshore permit clearance from ONGC ﴾Oil & Natural Gas Commission of India﴿ authorities

Education

Master of Arts - Human Resources

Madras School of Social Work (MSSW)
Chennai, INDIA
04.1995 - 05.1997

Bachelor of Arts - Business Economics

Sacred Heart College
Thirupatur, TN, INDIA
04.1993 - 05.1995

Diploma in Computer Application - Computer Application

Laxmi Computer College
Bombay, INDIA
08.1998 - 07.1999

Skills

    Company organization

Workforce improvements

Equal opportunities facilitation

Compensation structuring

Recruitment strategies

Strategic Human Resources Planning

High Performing Talents Acquisition

Training Development & Facilitation

Change Management & Reengineering

Succession Planning & Development

Performance Compensation Programs

Takeovers & Acquisition Restructuring

Regional Employment Law Expertise

Employee Relations, Diversity & Inclusion

Certification

• Diploma in Computer Applications, Bombay, India

• Diploma in Travel & Tourism, YMCA, Bombay, India

• ISO 9001: 2000 series Auditor / Lead Auditor, LRQA (Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance), Dubai.

• Train the Trainer workshop, Jumeirah International, Dubai

• Finance for Non-Finance Managers (PDP) EAHM (Emirates Academy for Hotel Management), Dubai

• Personality Assessment & Preference Index (PAPI), Cubic Management Consultancy, Hong Kong

• The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Franklin Covey™, Dubai

Timeline

Human Resources Director

Sodexo|Kelvin
04.2018 - Current

Human Resources Director

Sodexo|Socat
12.2008 - 08.2018

Human Resources Manager

Sodexo|Tariq Al Ghanim (TAG)
07.2005 - 07.2008

Asst Human Resources Manager

Jumeirah International - The Jumeirah Beach hotel, Wild Wadi, Burj Al Arab, Emirates Tower
04.1999 - 05.2005

Diploma in Computer Application - Computer Application

Laxmi Computer College
08.1998 - 07.1999

Personnel Executive

Amrok Shipping
08.1997 - 04.1998

Human Resources Trainee

Madras Refineries
01.1997 - 07.1997

Human Resources Trainee

TVS Sunderam Fasteners
05.1996 - 11.1996

Master of Arts - Human Resources

Madras School of Social Work (MSSW)
04.1995 - 05.1997

Bachelor of Arts - Business Economics

Sacred Heart College
04.1993 - 05.1995

Office Manager

Advance Off‐Shore Engineering
09.1990 - 04.1992

Personnel Assistant

ETPM
04.1989 - 08.1990

Project Consultant

Agni Beena Consultancy
05.1988 - 02.1999

Similar Profiles

VIEW MORE PROFILESCREATE PROFILE
Joseph M. Fernando