Denika Pillay - General Manager: People Experience, Bsure Insurance Advisors

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Work Background

Bsure Insurance AdvisorsGeneral Manager : People Experience

Dec. 2025

Opennetworks (Pty) LtdChief People Officer

Mar. 2023 - Aug. 2025City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South AfricaI led the development and execution of a people strategy aligned to scale, service delivery, and cultural coherence in a lean, high-growth technology organisation. Positioned HR as a centre of excellence through strategic design, operational leadership, and culture-driven transformation across hybrid teams. Key Achievements: Organisational Design : Flattened structure and introduced mastery levels to create growth pathways and scalable delivery roles. Role Architecture : Defined T-shaped personas and a cross-functional competency framework tied to certification and progression. Culture Building : Led a reverse culture design—action first, insight second—embedding values into team mandates and rituals. Performance & Development : Launched a KPI-aligned appraisal system linking performance to bonus/increase cycles and growth plans. Change Enablement : Enabled structural and cultural shifts through clear communication, consultation, and focused engagement. Strategic People Influence : Used employee data to guide policy, embed ESG goals, and advise executives on people risk and capacity. Core Responsibilities: Organisational Architecture HR Operations Compliance & Governance Employee Relations & Engagement Compensation & Benchmarking Centre of Excellence

Opennetworks (Pty) LtdPeople Lead

Sep. 2022 - Feb. 2023City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South AfricaKey Achievements: Organisational Design : Flattened structure and introduced mastery levels to create growth pathways and scalable delivery roles. Role Architecture : Defined T-shaped personas and a cross-functional competency framework tied to certification and progression. Culture Building : Led a reverse culture design—action first, insight second—embedding values into team mandates and rituals. Performance & Development : Launched a KPI-aligned appraisal system linking performance to bonus/increase cycles and growth plans. Change Enablement : Enabled structural and cultural shifts through clear communication, consultation, and focused engagement. Strategic People Influence : Used employee data to guide policy, embed ESG goals, and advise executives on people risk and capacity. Core Responsibilities: Organisational Architecture HR Operations Compliance & Governance Employee Relations & Engagement Compensation & Benchmarking Centre of Excellence

Johannesburg WaterRegional Human Resource Officer

Nov. 2019 - Sep. 2022Johannesburg, Gauteng, South AfricaRegional HR Officer overseeing full-spectrum HR operations in a highly unionised (SAMWU & IMATU) central Joburg region. Key contributor to recruitment, development, labour relations, wellness, and change initiatives. Ensured regional alignment with national policies, driving compliance, engagement, and operational excellence. Key Achievements: Workforce Planning : Verified post requests against structure and budgets; aligned recruitment to employment equity targets. Recruitment & Equity : Streamlined advert accuracy, shortlisting, and placements to improve equity compliance and hiring quality. Training & Development : Co-developed training plans and supported PDP tracking for skills upliftment and performance growth. Organisational Change : Led climate survey rollouts and facilitated HR briefings to support regional change and restructuring readiness. Wellness & Engagement : Coordinated wellness initiatives and peer-led health campaigns, serving as a key wellness contact. Reporting & Insights : Delivered dashboards and reports on labour relations, recruitment, and performance to support regional decisions.. Core Responsibilities: Recruitment & Placement Labour Relations Performance Management Talent & Career Development Personnel Administration Committee Participation Stakeholder Relations

Makita Consulting (Pty) LtdIndependent Human Resource Consultant

May. 2019 - Oct. 2019Johannesburg Metropolitan AreaEngaged independently as an HR consultant, supporting small to mid-sized organisations in implementing foundational people practices and addressing key workforce challenges. Delivered hands-on support across IR, performance, learning, and compliance, with a focus on practical frameworks and scalable systems for emerging or resource-limited businesses. Key Achievements: Industrial Relations Advisory : Provided case-specific IR guidance and drafted compliant disciplinary documentation to support fair processes. Managerial Capability Building : Delivered training on performance management and disciplinary protocols; administered WSPs and training registers. Policy & Systems Implementation : Introduced scalable HR policies, workflows, and personnel systems; formalised job descriptions to support clarity and accountability. Performance & Reward Design : Defined KPAs/KPIs and developed reward structures to link performance with recognition and pay.

NEXTECGroup Human Resource Consultant

May. 2017 - Apr. 2019Johannesburg Area, South AfricaHeld dual consulting and executive HR responsibilities at national and cluster levels. Transitioned from a national EXCO role to regional HR consulting, supporting strategic planning, people processes, performance management, and employee relations. Led HR integration, compliance, and change initiatives across five national and later three regional business units, focusing on operational alignment and people-centric practices. Key Responsibilities: Executive HR Leadership ClearlineIS Group Held a national EXCO seat, providing strategic people insights and compliance updates to Managing Directors. Developed and implemented aligned HR policies, workflows, and change communications across regional offices. Oversaw four regional HR administrators, ensuring consistency, support, and performance coordination. Presented HR analytics and strategic recommendations at quarterly EXCO retreats. Cluster-Level HR Consulting Transmission Cluster Partnered with Business Unit Heads to co-create impactful HR solutions aligned to operational needs. Designed KPI frameworks, analysed performance data, and calculated incentive payouts. Led labour relations processes including case investigations, hearings, grievances, and Section 189 consultations. Provided hands-on legal and compliance advisory in complex people matters. Core Responsibilities: Payroll & Remuneration Oversight Recruitment, Onboarding & Exit Management Job Architecture & Role Alignment HR Advisory & Operational Support HR Reporting & Strategic Input Learning & Development Compliance Workforce Administration & Change Management Executive & Committee Engagement

EOHTraining Coordinator

Aug. 2016 - Apr. 2017Paulshof,SandtonOversaw national learnership programmes, coordinated employee training logistics, and supported HR project delivery. Managed WSP/ATR reporting, training compliance, and learner engagement. Provided administrative support on HR initiatives including interviews, policy development, and disciplinary processes.

SBVHuman Resource Administrator

Mar. 2016 - Jul. 2016Port Shepstone Area, South AfricaDelivered full-scope HR administration, including personnel file management, recruitment coordination, onboarding, leave and attendance tracking, and payroll preparation. Supported employee wellness interventions, internal communication, and disciplinary processes in a high-security operational environment.

Riversmead PoultryHuman Resource Assistant

Feb. 2015 - Mar. 2016Port Shepstone Area, South AfricaProvided transactional HR support across three payroll cycles, including timesheet verification, overtime and casual payroll processing, and document management. Maintained HR filing systems, processed leave and payroll queries, and supported operational reporting and compliance requirements.

Various CompaniesEarly Career Roles (While Studying)

Jun. 2009 - Dec. 2014Held administrative and finance support roles across consulting and accounting environments while completing undergraduate studies. Responsibilities included general office administration, data entry, bookkeeping, audit document preparation, and client support. Positions held: Administrator, CPRD Consulting Services (07/2014 –12/2014) Administrator, Coastal Accounting (09/2012 – 06/2014) Accounting Clerk, Anil Ramnath (05/2009 – 08/2012)