Marinda Thornhill

Experienced in leading end-to-end HR and administrative functions, including policy development, manpower planning, recruitment, training, and employee relations. Successfully implemented systems for job analysis, onboarding/offboarding, PPE control, DMS/EDMS, and ERP-based data management. Developed disciplinary procedures, employee welfare programs, and training initiatives to enhance organizational efficiency and staff engagement.

Led strategic operations by building a robust network of customers and service providers, streamlining processes across design, planning, and performance optimization. Oversaw business proposals, contracts, and HR functions. Spearheaded marketing initiatives, including virtual reality promotions and multimedia content creation. Designed and delivered impactful training sessions and product demonstrations through VR glasses.

Designed official emblems for IWFFQ and affiliated clubs. Acted as the main liaison with the IWFFQ President and Vice-President, managing all executive communications. Developed and maintained Federation database and documentation, scheduled & coordinated monthly committee meetings, and oversaw HR and database management. Organized friendly matches and league preparations, managed social media, and provided photography support. Also served as Secretary to the Ladies Affairs Committee.

Developed comprehensive training materials and conducted both in-person and online sessions on topics such as HR Leadership, HR Management, Train-the-Trainer, Anger Management, Leadership, and Workplace Ethics. Prepared and moderated exams, provided individual guidance and tutoring to underperforming participants, ensuring improved learning outcomes and engagement.

Managed and maintained a project budget exceeding QR500,000, achieving a 10% cost reduction through efficient planning and negotiated prices with suppliers. Designed a unique interior theme that elevated the customer experience. Delivered on-the-job training to contractors, improving safety and quality standards.
Achievement: Project venue featured on Al-Rayyan TV and Euro News (2021). Declared as a museum (2018)

Established new marketing channels through strategic partnerships with ambassadors, local communities, schools, and organizations. Built and maintained a comprehensive embassy/ambassador database in Qatar. Coordinated personal meetings between athletes and ambassadors and generated daily activity reports.
Key Events:

• AIBA World Boxing Championship (Oct 2015)
• IPC Athletics World Championship (Oct 2015)
• Longines Global Champions Tour (Nov 2015)
  Achievement: Contributed to the successful execution of the largest Olympic-level event in the Middle East.
• Created educational materials to inform communities about available resources and services.

Led the full training lifecycle including planning, needs analysis, budgeting, delivery, and evaluation. Managed training profiles, annual catalogues, and personal development records. Collaborated with department heads to implement impactful organizational and leadership development programs. Designed and delivered specialized training in Office Ergonomics. Established and implemented a Road Safety Pledge for Venture Group.
Key Achievements:

• Re-established classroom and online training post cyber-attack across multiple locations
• Member of Corporate Cyber Security and Email Best Practices Committees on Corporate Level
• Received multiple Shukran Awards from the CEO and Senior Leadership
• Successfully trained and mentored Summer Interns who won the Summer Intern Star award.

Successfully planned, budgeted, organized, and executed high-profile Gala Events for up to 500 attendees, ensuring seamless logistics and memorable guest experiences.

Successfully planned, budgeted, and executed high-profile events including a Qatarization graduation ceremony in Japan attended by the Minister of Energy & Industry and other VVIPs. Coordinated multi-day events in Yokohama for VIP executives and managed the mobilization of 32 Qatari Nationals to Japan and South Korea.

Built strong international relations with the Japan Embassy to streamline the visa process throughout the year.

Tracked monthly development reports, identified training needs, and supported program compliance and timely completion.
Key Achievements:

• Launched RasGas's largest overseas training program for Qatari Nationals
• Delivered 12 successful events across Japan and South Korea within a year
• Represented RasGas for SDC TV Qatar to film a program about Qatari's living in Japan
• Authored articles for newspaper publications and liaised with Corporate Public Affairs to adhere to company branding and policies
• Received several Shukran Awards from the CEO and Senior Management

Provided high-level executive support including travel coordination and schedule management. Developed a new Document Management System and implemented administrative best practices. Created telephone etiquette training material to enhance customer service and was certified as an in-house Train-the-Trainer. Successfully planned and executed key operational workshops.
Achievements: Certified in-house trainer, founding member of NBKS Ethics Code, and Secretary to Board meetings.

Led all HR functions with a team of six, driving improvements in employee relations, performance management, and policy implementation. Organized team-building events, conducted new employee inductions, and negotiated staff transitions during project closures. Reduced absenteeism by 25% through active monitoring and disciplinary actions.
Achievements:

• Developed and implemented the Employee Handbook and onboarding and offboarding sessions
• Upgraded company guest house and initiated inspections for staff and labour camp accommodation
• Mentored and trained HR Assistant
• Recognized by BAM International for contributions to Corporate Social Responsibility in Middle East.

Provided executive support including calendar management, travel arrangements, meeting coordination, and document preparation. Ensured smooth daily operations through effective communication, administrative efficiency, and confidentiality.

Coordinated monthly conferences for 800+ employees, managing keynote speakers, presentations, budgets, and catering to boost leadership engagement. Launched a successful Road Safety Pledge Program and served on the Communication in Action team to promote internal communication and email best practices. Acted as Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) Representative, identifying workplace hazards and ensuring compliance.
Achievements:

• Registered Peer Educator with the South African Government for HIV/AIDS support
• Recipient of multiple management quality awards for exceptional performance

Completed system training in Houston, Texas to lead the implementation of EDMS/DMS in South Africa, aligned with DOW Chemicals' global standards and work processes. Managed all aspects of the project including design, planning, procurement, budgeting, and construction. Trained employees in the Polypropylene Business Unit on system use.
Achievements:

• Delivered the project under budget and two years ahead of schedule
• Received multiple quality awards for outstanding performance and service excellence.

In addition to core job duties, took on the voluntary role of planned and executed 5 annual formal and informal events to strengthen workplace culture and employee-management interaction. Managed all aspects including themes, budgeting, entertainment, venue setup, décor, catering, hostesses, VIP invitations, photography, and event communications. Maintained an up-to-date database of club members to ensure effective engagement and participation.

Established, implemented, and maintained key systems including ISO 9002, NOSA, and SAP/R3. Supported the Plant Manager with high-level administrative tasks including calendar management, meeting coordination, minute-taking, report preparation, and confidential correspondence. Applied best practices in administration, HR, and office management. Coordinated travel arrangements for business units and managed corporate credit card usage.
Achievements:

• Successfully implemented all systems, work processes, and procedures for a new plant
• Served as a core team member in Change Management initiatives
• Recognized with multiple quality awards for excellence in service and operational support

Handled administrative and HR responsibilities including payroll, petty cash, mobilization and onboarding support. Managed business communication in both Italian and English. Completed Six Sigma Green Belt training and successfully implemented systems for a major Greenfield project.
Achievements: Selected by Safripol Board Members as project secretary and received multiple quality awards for outstanding performance.

Managed office administration, vendor contracts, and subscriptions while maintaining ISO 9002 and NOSA systems. Established efficient filing systems and supported SAP R2/3 functions in production recipes, procurement, and time management.
Achievements:

• Successfully updated NOSA M.B.O. safety system for the main Administration building
• Upgraded and managed two staff pantries, including training the attendants
• Served as Secretary to the Risk Control Meeting
• Recognized with multiple quality awards for exceptional service delivery

Provided administrative and secretarial support to the Chairmen of the SSB Chamber of Commerce and Free State Tourism Board. Served as Founder Member and Secretary of the Free State Historical Committee. Led marketing and public relations efforts, including daily announcements and public engagement campaigns. Organized high-profile mall events, festivals, and gala dinners, while also conducting customer satisfaction surveys.
Achievements:

• Recognized with multiple awards for outstanding service
• Contributed to the declaration of Sasolburg's first historical house
• Successfully coached two summer interns.