Iwona Bokinczuk

Handpicked as start-up’s first employee, leveraging HR experience and creativity to build people systems and resources to enable future teams to do their best work. Collaborate with founders on people matters and the organisation’s requirements to formulate a comprehensive HR plan, culture, policies and performance guidelines aligned to overarching business objectives. Analyse current and future people and skill needs and develop strategies to meet the company goals.

• As a pioneer and first employee to shape full-cycle HR function, including organisation development, operational excellence, talent acquisition and performance management. Spearheaded growth from 1 to its present 47 employees by recruiting top talent across all levels and functions.
• Effectively manage operational aspects of the company and cooperate with the legal team, researching the best approaches for licensing from free zone authorities and cross-department coordination monitoring.

Joined to lead function with a tailored approach and deliver HR operational objectives in line with business goals. Provide leadership and direction on policy development, organisational development, talent development, performance management and conflict resolution. Identify business needs and research approaches, strategies and required changes. Consult with leadership on strategic and tactical HR issues. Bridge management and employee gaps by addressing grievances and other issues.

• Instituted a new recruitment and onboarding process and updated 2 departments’ job descriptions.
• Developed the Construction Departments’ grading matrix inclusive of the current market salary benchmark. On track to completing the O&M, HR and Administration grading matrix.
• Comprehensively reviewed and updated policies and guidelines to align with HR best practices.

Delivered HR expertise to develop a cost-conscious management framework to facilitate leadership’s people-related decision making. Integrated HR business practices in the hiring and onboarding processes, policies framework and training, ensuring legal compliance to MENA region regulations. Contributed to business strategy by advising leaders in the identification, prioritisation and strengthening of organisational and workforce capabilities.

• Developed pioneering HR administrative policies and processes for recruitment and onboarding, performance management, retention, KPI development, probationary review plans, SOPs, Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. 
• Promoted a culture of diversity and inclusion as part of the employer branding and employee retention scheme.
• Established framework for hiring project in East Africa - adapted employee value propositions to attract the best candidates, set SOPs, established recruitment and onboarding as well as training and development procedures.
• Managed new hires’ onboarding processes and training for opened offices in African countries such as the DRC and Zambia.

Provided strategic and operational HR focus for the Europe, USA, Pakistan and Dubai businesses. Served as senior management advisor in developing HR vision and strategy. Identified business HR needs and devised solutions for talent attraction, employee relations and wellbeing, performance and total rewards. Developed legally compliant, consistent and continuous HR policies and procedures relative to recruitment; onboarding; compensation, benefits and rewards; staff training, performance appraisals, leadership development, succession planning and HRIS adoption. Maintained high-performance culture across teams.

• Successfully completed hiring project for the Mehran Lounge, a VVIP Airport Lounge in Pakistan by sourcing top candidates, setting SOPs, establishing recruitment and onboarding procedures as well as training and development.
• Recruited new employees and conducted onboarding processes and training for newly opened stations in African countries such as Namibia, Burkina Faso, Congo Brazzaville, Ethiopia and Benin, among others.
• Enhanced inter-department collaboration via employee relations and communications programs, training programs, educational workshops and other staff events which facilitated smooth partnerships for joint tasks.
• Rolled out Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and Employer Branding initiatives to achieve the strategic company mission of becoming an employer of choice.
Promoted diversity and inclusion in the company, constructively challenging non-inclusive policies, processes and practices.

Recruited into the multifaceted role to administratively manage the Dubai, Germany and Switzerland offices while concurrently leading HR functions in the Ghana and Nigeria sites. Built strong relationships with business leaders and managers and developed a detailed understanding of challenges and opportunities across internal client groups. Partnered with senior management to restructure and reposition HR more strategically and transform its processes, procedures, tools and methods. Developed more competitive pay scales and bands and improved compensation and rewards practices.

• Transformed the HR function, positioning it as a strategic business partner directly reporting to the Chairman, from a previously generalist operational HR function.
• Recognised by global management for effectively stepping up to solely manage the office from Jan 2017 to Mar 2018 after the departure of the CEO and the Accounts & Finance Manager. Successfully managed all aspects of the business including accounts management, court cases, ongoing projects as well as liaison with international offices.
• Reduced staff turnover via exit interviews and utilised the information to effect needed change and retain staff.
• Devised complementary HR operations and financial strategies by forecasting and anticipating manpower requirements, trends and variances.

Initially joined the organisation as a Receptionist but quickly recognised for high potential and promoted to manage the office as well as the HR function for 500 blue-collar staff. Worked closely with leadership to new HR processes for increased transparency, communication and standardisation. Served as the first point of contact for HR topics such as payroll, compensation, taxes, benefits and deductions. Prepared key HR figures and payroll reports. Gained in-depth knowledge of the UAE Labour Law.

• Spearheaded development of people policies and integrated such in an HR Framework Handbook that formalised the organisation’s practices procedures.
• Conceptualised and implemented recruitment program for junior and middle level positions and counselled company directors on optimal candidate selection. Assessed and developed job descriptions.
• Effectively delivered HR services to more than 300 labour staff, creating roster and monitoring attendance.
• Reviewed and updated the company’s health and safety practices.

Executed international sales and marketing activities to expand the business’ brand awareness and footprint in the UAE, MENA and Europe. Supported the creation and execution of the marketing and sales strategy, tactical plans, new product introductions, communications strategy and market development aligned to company objectives. Researched and analysed products, market trends and competitor trends and developed sales tactics, new campaigns and marketing materials.

• Contributed to a AED 100M project tender in Bahrain and Kuwait.
• Supported efforts to maximise profits and reduce operating overheads through effective client and supplier negotiations.
• Effectively engaged with senior leaders and decision makers of large private or public owned organisations.
• Increased company’s competitive edge by sourcing potential company products and learning their technical and marketable characteristics.
• Successfully participated in an Arab health expedition with full company branding and earned recognition for having the biggest and most visited booth.

I was employed as an assembly technician within a safety electronics company. My responsibilities included: Using specialist machinery and equipment to develop printed circuit boards for use for emergency lights; Quality Control to ensure that the products that leave the floor are constructed with the highest workmanship; inspecting which was a detailed task to ensure the highest quality. In this role I needed to draw on my initiative whilst at the same time work effectively within the team. My ability to thrive under pressure helped me to ensure that productivity was upheld whilst ensuring no product were below the expected grade of quality.

I volunteered to work for Citizen Advice Bureau and trained to become a General Advisor. This role involved self-management, self-confidence with the ability to draw upon knowledge that has been gained during training as well as using my initiative to think outside of the box. I was a trusted advisor who provided valued advice on many situations and assist in finding the correct answer for clients. Clients have an array of problems, which they have seek advice for, this may be legal, medical, domestic or related to their general living. This role provided a very different environment to my full time employment, however, I was able to adjust and deliver to my deadlines. Throughout this role I have never stopped learning about people and problems they have faced. During my time, I have gained a clear understanding and appreciation of customer services and legislation surrounding equal opportunities and other subjects within the UK. My ability to learn and adapt has been key to my success in this role.

I began employment as a machine operator and shortly had improved my English and gained the respect of my employers who provided me with increased responsibility. I was responsible for one on one training and monitoring of new employees.

Aaina Women Centre in this role my responsibilities were
including making phone calls, filing, and dealing with customers. Efficiently switching between autonomous
and team working coupled with effective prioritisation ensured deadlines were achieved.

Centre of Product Promotion and Certification of the
Bieszczady Mountain - Semi-governmental Department (Poland)
My role here was widely varied which enabled me to gain an eclectic range of skills. My role included:
Planning and organising the logistics of performances including the booking of artists, venues, security,
catering and organising the sale of tickets; Administration and office management duties, including day to
day running; Marketing responsibilities including press liaison and public relations. Further to this I was
responsible for writing and contributing to publications which accompany arts related events and activities.
In addition, my role included organising direct mails, negotiated advertising space, generated interest from
the media and organised competitions; General accountancy and management of budgets; and Obtaining
funding for events and venues.