Mr Valentino Barends
About Me
I am Valentino Barends, based in the Western Cape. I present myself professionally and take pride in representing my work with integrity and accountability. I am committed to contributing positively to my environment and delivering reliable results.
Personal Details
Education & Qualifications
Work Experience
• Provide strategic Human Resources leadership aligned with company`s strategic objectives.
• Develop, review and implement Human Resources policies and procedures.
• Oversee payroll functions and compile monthly Executive payroll for external processing.
• Lead learning and development initiatives to enhance employee development aligned with strategic objectives.
• Ensure compliance with labour laws and industry regulations including CCMA representation up to arbitration level.
• Managed employee relations and implemented disciplinary and grievance procedures.
• Coordinate performance management process bi-annually.
• Implement recruitment and talent management processes aligned with company`s strategic objectives.
• Ensure successful rollout of Human Resources initiatives and projects including wellness initiatives.
• Monthly, quarterly and annual Human Resources Reporting.
• Chairperson of the Health and Safety Committee and member of Audit and Risk and Human Resources Committees.
• Develop and execute Employment Equity Plan and compile annual Employment Equity EEA2 and EEA4 reports for submission to Department of Labour.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with enhancing employee engagement and foster a positive organisational culture.
• Developed and executed Human Resources strategies to support organizational objectives.
• Managed employee relations and implemented disciplinary procedures.
• Coordinated training and development programs.
• Ensured compliance with all relevant statutory requirements.
• Manage and implement all recruitment and termination related functions.
• Implement Employment Equity initiatives to ensure compliance.
• Liaising with union (NUMSA) and other stakeholders e.g. MEIBC and Department of Labour.
• Compiling of MEIBC and NUMSA Monthly Schedules.
• Drafting of HR related communication for internal stakeholders.
• Reviewed and updated company policies and procedures.
• Managed payroll and monitored attendance records.
• Facilitated employee onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Disputes handling at Bargaining Council (MEIBC).
• Develop performance management system.
• Annual Workplace Skills Plan (WSPs), Annual Training Report (ATRs) Employment Equity Reports compiling and submissions.
• Compiling of monthly Human Resources reports for divisional management packs.
• Compiling of monthly and weekly payrolls for vessels, factories and admin staff.
• Handling of payroll related queries and retirement fund queries.
• Recruitment and selection of all Grade A to C employees.
• Conduct exit interview and draft action plan with recommendations.
• Implementing disciplinary procedures and handle all related processes.
• Handle grievance procedure and conduct related investigations.
• Advisor to line managers on effective implementation of policies and procedures.
• Coordinate Employment Equity Forums and ensure effectiveness of the Forum.
• Manage BBBEE skills development and employment equity files and related documents.
• Liaising with unions (FAWU), shop stewards and other external stakeholders for three statutory divisions.
• Party to wage negotiations and labour disputes at Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
• Managing of VIP Payroll, HR Premier System and Employee Self Service (ESS).
• Employee Self Service (ESS) System Administrator for the Oceana Group and handle all Human Resources related queries.
Skills
Languages
Hobbies & Interests
Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in HR leadership opportunities within your organisation. Based in the Western Cape, I am an experienced HR professional with a strong record of providing strategic HR leadership aligned to business objectives, strengthening compliance, and building constructive stakeholder relationships across diverse environments.
In my current role as HR Manager at Kemklean (Pty) Ltd (Aug 2018 – Present), I lead the full HR function, including policy development and implementation, recruitment and talent management, learning and development, employee wellness initiatives, performance management, and monthly, quarterly and annual HR reporting. I oversee payroll processes (including executive payroll preparation for external processing) and play an active governance role as Chairperson of the Health and Safety Committee and a member of the Audit and Risk and Human Resources Committees.
I also manage Employment Equity planning and reporting (EEA2 and EEA4 submissions), and I am confident in employee relations, including disciplinary and grievance procedures and CCMA representation up to arbitration level.
Previously, I served as HR Manager at Econo-Heat Energy Efficient Appliances (Pty) Ltd, where I developed and executed HR strategies, managed recruitment and termination processes, coordinated training initiatives, and ensured statutory compliance while liaising with NUMSA, MEIBC and the Department of Labour.
My earlier experience includes an HR Generalist role at Belmet Marine and eight years as Senior HR Officer at Oceana Group Limited, where I managed payroll across multiple operations, recruitment, labour relations (including union engagement and CCMA matters), workplace skills planning and reporting, Employment Equity processes, and advised line management on the consistent application of policies and procedures.
I hold a BBA from TSiBA (2008), a Diploma in Human Resources Management and Training (2011), a Diploma in Advanced Labour Law (2013), and a Certificate Programme in Labour Dispute Resolution Practice (2016). I also completed the Emerging Managers Development Programme (2010) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for HR with AIHR (2026). I am fluent in English and Afrikaans, and I am recognised for being dependable, professional, and solutions-focused, with strengths in labour law compliance, negotiation, employee relations, and developing positive organisational culture.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Valentino Barends
+27 71 081 6250