Jackie Ogonji
Nairobi
Summary
Dynamic HR leader with expertise in Talent Management and Culture Transformation, driving initiatives that enhanced workforce diversity and increased productivity by over 30%. Proven track record in strategic planning and relationship building, resulting in reduced time-to-hire and a thriving, inclusive workplace. Passionate about fostering Employee Engagement to create sustainable organizational success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Human Resources
SBM Bank Kenya
Nairobi
01.2022 - Current
- I am a key member of the Executive Management team responsible for developing and executing the human resources strategy for the Bank
- My role focuses on leading the people & culture strategy and providing strategic HR guidance and direction to the Board and the management
- My role engages closely with various internal and industry driven committees where I actively participate as well as make presentations on HR related matters
- I interact with various strategic partners/stakeholder which include the Board, service providers, industry leaders, HR leadership networks and the regulator
- Spearheaded a cultural transformation program that has improved employee engagement leveraging on data-driven strategies and inclusive leadership programs
- Designed and executed a comprehensive talent acquisition plan that has reduced our time-to-hire by over 50% and increased the quality of hires, as evidenced by a 60% improvement in new hire performance ratings and satisfaction rates by both the hiring managers and candidates
- Implemented and upgraded the HRMIS that automated key HR processes, resulting in over 30% reduction in administrative costs & tasks, a 30% increase in operational efficiency, adherence to our internal SLA's, Improved data accuracy and streamlined HR processes
- Developed and rolled out a diversity and inclusion strategy that increased representation of underrepresented groups in departments and leadership positions
- Launched a leadership development program that identified and nurtured high-potential employees, resulting in an increase in internal promotions and a more robust succession pipeline
- Created and executed a training program for managers on effective performance feedback, resulting in a great improvement on employee performance
- Designed and implemented an HR analytics dashboard, providing actionable insights on workforce trends and improving on our decision-making processes
- Led organizational change initiatives, including restructuring and reorganization efforts, resulting in increased operational efficiency and cost management
- Managed employee relations issues, supported investigations, and provided resolutions to maintain a positive and productive work environment
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive talent management strategy resulting in a reduction in time-to-fill for critical positions
- Implemented a comprehensive employer branding strategy resulting in an increase in good talent pipeline of applicants and positioning the brand as a fun place to work and employer of choice within our industry
- Oversaw the design and implementation of the bank wide performance management system, resulting in an increase on employee productivity
- Led negotiations with union officials, resulting in a harmonious relationship that has balanced the Bank's needs and employee interests
- Managed HR budget and resources, optimizing cost efficiency while meeting the banks strategic needs
- Developed and implemented an employee recognition program that improved employee satisfaction
- Led several ESG initiatives around human resources
VP, Human Resources
SBM Bank Kenya
Nairobi
12.2017 - 12.2021
- Established and implemented HR initiatives that effectively communicate and support the bank's mission and strategic vision
- Developed HR plans and strategies to support the achievement of the overall business operations objectives
- Championed a robust employee wellness program that has contributed to a decrease in absenteeism and an increase in overall employee productivity
- Supported the development and communication of the banks policies and procedures to ensure compliance and consistency
- Revitalized the performance management system, introducing a continuous feedback cycle that aligned with business goals, which increased the performance goal setting alignment
- Negotiated a number of employee benefits enhancements without increasing costs, leading to a top ranking in employee satisfaction surveys within the industry and brand building for potential candidates and reducing turnover rates
- Facilitated a merger and acquisition from a people perspective, seamlessly integrating four corporate cultures and retaining 98% of key talent during the critical first year post-merger
- Collaborated with the senior leadership to design and execute a bank wide diversity and inclusion initiative, driving an increase in our workforce diversity and winning 2 awards in 2022 and 2023
- (Best Gender Equality Index Award)
- Managed a team of competent HR professionals and provided coaching and guidance on performance management and professional development
- Developed and implemented HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local labor laws, industry regulations and collective bargaining agreements
- Function as a strategic business advisor to the executive/senior management of each business unit or specialty group regarding key organizational and management issues
- Work with the executive management team to establish a sound plan of management succession that corresponds to the strategy and objectives of the Bank
- Lead culture and change management activities across the Bank and track progress
- Employed optimal safety practices to reduce complaints, hazards, incidents or lost-time accidents to improve overall OSHA observations made as the Chair of the OSH committee
GM, Human Resources & Administration
Liquid Technologies
Nairobi
05.2014 - 11.2017
- Developed practices and initiatives to source, assess and hire the best talent to meet changing and evolving business needs
- Implemented a streamlined recruitment process that reduced time-to-hire and improved candidate experience
- Developed and executed an employee retention program resulting in a decrease in voluntary turnover
- Supported leadership in identifying skill gaps and implementing targeted training initiatives to address development needs
- Managed labor relations and ensured compliance with the employment laws
- Initiated a wellness program, resulting in a decrease on employee absenteeism
- Led a workforce planning initiatives resulting in optimized staffing levels and cost savings
- Implemented a performance management system that aligned individual goals with organizational objectives, resulting in an improvement in overall performance
- Provided guidance to managers on employee relations issues, resulting in a reduction of formal grievances reported
- Led organizational restructuring efforts, including job redesign and workforce realignment
- Developed and implemented HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance and consistency
- Drove employee engagement in working with executive leadership to develop effective internal communications strategies, processes, tools, and training to promote morale and productivity
- Executed talent management programs including performance management, training, total rewards, recognition programs, regional benefits and employee surveys
- Provided metrics to management to allow for better managing of teams and decision making
- Lead the development and execution of Human Resources strategic and annual plans in alignment with the business goals, and strategy
- Ensured compliance with all local laws within the region and best practices in HR and administration procedures so that they are efficient, accurate, timely, and responsive
- Managed the employee related Insurance policies
- WIBA, GLA, Medical
- Was responsible for HR and Administration department budget, review and negotiate related contracts and agreements
Senior Human Resources Consultant
Values Investments Ltd (Human Capital Consultancy Services)
01.2012 - 04.2014
- Contributed to the organizations human resource management policies, programs and projects including research, design, planning, implementation and review
- Provided a high-level consultancy and advisory services to the Board of Directors, management and clients on relevant human resource management issues
- Contributed to the design and implementation of corporate training and development programs for various clients
- Prepared high level documentation including reports, board & management papers, briefing papers, policy papers and practices and procedural guidelines
- Followed programs closely to assess effectiveness and make proactive changes to meet changing demands of each client
- Created and implemented forward thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement for various clients
- Provided guidance on policies and procedures to harmonize responses, provide appropriate investigation actions and reach resolution of grievances or concerns raised in the organisation or on behalf of clients
- Structured compensation and benefits according to market trends, the industry and budget demands
- Developed and implemented human resources policies and procedures and disseminated this through employee handbooks, staff communications and functional team meetings
- Coordinated recruiting and onboarding processes and communicated appointments of employment to respective candidates
- Served as representative in various HR and Industry led functions to further enhance my employers brand and develop additional business
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by resolving issues for speedy resolution and delivering high quality work on assignments allocated to me
- Undertook and led various Job evaluation initiatives that redesigned efficient and fit for purpose structures, supported separations of any staff that were to let go and negotiated with the clients based on budgets reasonable benefits for their staff
- This saw less to no litigations of any layoffs and more efficient structures
Human Resources & Administration Manager
Ecotech Limited
Nairobi
06.2008 - 12.2011
- Fully set up a functional Human Resources and Administration unit
- Managed the casuals
- Provided leadership to the day-to-day operations of the department, while maintaining focus on the company's strategic goals
- Liaised with the leadership team in identifying the organization's training and development needs
- Led the implementation and or review of the Human Resource policies and procedures, terms and conditions of employment
- Managed disciplinary and grievances processes in accordance with Human Resource policy procedures manual and incompliance with the legal requirements
- Provided advisory and manage recruitment process, oversee the placement, contracting and induction of new staff
- Guided line Managers to conduct staff performance appraisals effectively
- Managed the company's remuneration including payroll administration, Staff Medical Insurance Scheme and ensure conformity to all statutory requirement
- Ensured the staff leave utilization is effectively managed in accordance to the policy and employment laws, accurately tracked and appropriate recommendations made
- Supervised all major administrative operations, logistics and procurements within the office
- Made all necessary travel arrangements for staff and office visitors
- Ensured that timely and accurate submission of appropriate administrative project reports were delivered
HR Services Manager
Quantum Training East Africa Ltd
Nairobi
06.2005 - 05.2008
- Verified and investigated employment claims and data
- Improved productivity initiatives while coordinating itineraries and scheduling appointments
- Assisted with meetings and presentations within company
- Posted positions through approved recruitment channels
- Answered and directed outbound and inbound calls
- Assisted with on-boarding process of new hires
- Prepared monthly, weekly and daily staff logs and reports
- Organized new employee orientation schedules for all new hires
- Created and completed personnel action forms for all hires, terminations, title changes and terminations
- Coordinated work activities of subordinates and staff relating to employment, compensation, labor relations and employee relations
- Collected and maintained data and information required for benefits administration
- Communicated changes affecting benefits such as changes in employment status, changes in family status, and changes to dependents and beneficiaries to insurance brokers, administrators, and other vendors and in systems
- Recorded the results of performance reviews and related pay raises
- Collaborated with department heads to ensure that job descriptions were regularly reviewed and updated as duties change and roles evolved and that new and accurate job descriptions are written when new positions are created and filled
- Assists with preparation of various reports
Office Administrator
Trident Plumbers Ltd
Nairobi
11.2002 - 05.2005
- Delivered clerical support by efficiently handling wide range of routine and special requirements
- Tracked and recorded expenses and reconciled accounts to maintain accurate, current financial records
- Prepared meeting minutes and edited memorandums for organizational support
- Supported logistics for programs, meetings and events, including room reservations, agenda preparation and calendar maintenance
- Reconciled account files and produced monthly reports to keep my leaders informed about office operations
- Coordinated communications, recordkeeping and other administrative functions
- Evaluated office documentation to check accuracy and complete missing pieces, avoiding delays and maximizing team productivity
- Maintained open communication with customers to foster positive relations and provide updates on any issues reported
- Verified salaried and daily employee records to prepare accurate payroll data
- Assisted with coordination and hosting of company events
- Kept physical files and digitized records organized for easy updating and retrieval by authorized team members
- Tracked office supplies and restocked low items
- Interacted with customers professionally by phone, email or in-person to provide information and directed to desired staff members
- Performed general office duties, including answering the phone routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors
- Transcribed meeting minutes for recordkeeping and submitted to senior management
Office Administrator
Dero Community & Cultural Organization
Nairobi
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Company Overview: NGO.
- Created memos, letters and other documents, fostering internal and external communication.
- Assisted with budget preparation by providing data entry support into financial tracking system.
- Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality, and conformance.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through excellent customer service skills.
- Organized meetings, conferences, travel arrangements and other events as required.
- Prepared special reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information from various sources.
- Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
Internship in the Editorial Department
Radio Africa
01.1999 - 07.1999
- Helped maintain applicant tracking systems and recruiting metrics.
- Organized client meetings to provide project updates.
- Prepared reports summarizing project progress and results for management review.
- Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
- Maintained accurate records of all activities performed throughout internship period.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
Internship in IT Department
NSSF
01.1999 - 07.1999
- Implemented strategies to take advantage of new opportunities.
- Set specific goals for projects to measure progress and evaluate end results.
- Prepared reports summarizing project progress and results for management review.
- Maintained accurate records of all activities performed throughout internship period.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Conducted testing of software and systems to ensure quality and reliability.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
Education
Executive Diploma - Industrial Relations
United States International University (USIU) & FKE
Nairobi07.2015
Master of Arts - Governance & Ethics
Mt. Kenya University
Nairobi01-2015
Bachelor of Business Management - Human Resources
Mt. Kenya University
Nairobi12.2014
Higher Diploma - Counselling Studies
Kenya Association Of Professional Counsellors (KAPC)
Nairobi, Kenya03.2014
Diploma -
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
Nairobi04.2011
Higher Diploma - IMIS
KCA University
Nairobi08.2002
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - O levels
Moi Girls High Scholl, Kamusinga
Bungoma, Kenya 12-1998
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education -
Kilimani Primary School
Nairobi, Kenya12-1994
Skills
- Talent Management
- Performance Management
- Succession Planning
- Employee Relations
- Organizational Development
- Employee Engagement
- Culture & Change Transformation
- HR Analytics
- Leadership Development
- Team Management
- Relationship Building
- Problem-Solving
- HR analytics
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Creativity and Innovation
- Budget Management
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Risk Management
- Industry Knowledge
- Visionary Leadership
- Critical Thinking
- Decision Making
- Strategic Planning
Other Working Assignments
- 01/01/00, 01/01/02, Office Administrator, Dero Community & Cultural Organization, NGO, Nairobi
- 01/01/99, 01/01/99, Internship in the Editorial Department, Radio Africa
- 01/01/99, 01/01/99, Internship in IT Department, NSSF
Affiliations
- Full & Practicing Member Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM)
- Member Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
- Member Kenya Institute of Management (KIM)
- Member Women on Boards Network (WOBN)
- Member Institute of Directors (IOD)
- Member Executive Connect Club (ECC)
Leadership Engagements
- Chair - HR Committee, Ministry of ICT under Presidential Digital Talent Program, 2015
- Chair - Advisory Council, Ministry of ICT under Presidential Digital Talent Program, 2016 to date
- Memberships & Programs Committee Member & Coterie Leader, Women on Boards Network (WOBN), Ongoing
- Executive Committee Member, Liquid Telecom Kenya, SBM Bank Kenya, Ongoing
- Member & Secretary HR Committee, SBM Bank Kenya, Ongoing
- Chair Occupational Health & Safety Committee, Liquid Technologies and SBM Bank Kenya, Ongoing
- Trustee, Liquid Telecom Kenya and SBM Bank Kenya
- Chair & Member of Disciplinary Committees, Liquid Telecom Kenya and SBM Bank Kenya, Ongoing
- Member, Parents Teachers Association at Rusinga School, Riara School and Braeside School
- Mentor, Global Give Back Circle, E- mentoring, Onemind Solutions and Prosper Advisors, Ongoing
- Board Member, E Mentoring Africa & Ufasimba Football Club (UFC), Ongoing
- Council Member & Chair HR Committee, Kenya Institute of Bankers (KIB), Ongoing
- Human Resources Committee Member, Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), Ongoing
Awards Recognitions
- Exemplary Award - International Customer Care Skills Program (ICCSP), 2007
- Business Excellence Award - Liquid Telecom Kenya, 2015
- Innovation Excellence Award - Liquid Telecom Kenya, 2016
- Order of The Grand Warrior Award (OGW), 2016
- Nominated Top 40 Women Under 40, 2017
- Best Gender Equality Index Award - SBM Bank Kenya, 2022
- Best Gender Equality Index Award - SBM Bank Kenya, 2023
- Best Sporting Award - Inter Bank Sports - SBM Bank Kenya, 2021
- Best Sporting Award - Inter Bank Sports - SBM Bank Kenya, 2022
- Best Sporting Award - Inter Bank Sports - SBM Bank Kenya, 2023
- 1st Position Tier II Bank - Inter Bank Sports - SBM Bank Kenya, 2023
- Overall Winner Inter Bank Quiz - SBM Bank Kenya, 2022
- Best Woman HR Leader in Employee Engagement, Banking - Women's Tabloid Awards, 2024
References
Will be provided upon request.
Timeline
Director, Human Resources
SBM Bank Kenya
01.2022 - Current
VP, Human Resources
SBM Bank Kenya
12.2017 - 12.2021
GM, Human Resources & Administration
Liquid Technologies
05.2014 - 11.2017
Senior Human Resources Consultant
Values Investments Ltd (Human Capital Consultancy Services)
01.2012 - 04.2014
Human Resources & Administration Manager
Ecotech Limited
06.2008 - 12.2011
HR Services Manager
Quantum Training East Africa Ltd
06.2005 - 05.2008
Office Administrator
Trident Plumbers Ltd
11.2002 - 05.2005
Office Administrator
Dero Community & Cultural Organization
01.2000 - 01.2002
Internship in the Editorial Department
Radio Africa
01.1999 - 07.1999
Internship in IT Department
NSSF
01.1999 - 07.1999
Executive Diploma - Industrial Relations
United States International University (USIU) & FKE
Master of Arts - Governance & Ethics
Mt. Kenya University
Bachelor of Business Management - Human Resources
Mt. Kenya University
Higher Diploma - Counselling Studies
Kenya Association Of Professional Counsellors (KAPC)
Diploma -
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
Higher Diploma - IMIS
KCA University
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - O levels
Moi Girls High Scholl, Kamusinga
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education -
Kilimani Primary School
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