Rahma Nahdi

As the HR Director for Johari Rotana during its start up phase in 2018, I played a critical role in establishing the entire HR function from the ground up, contributing significantly to the hotel's successful opening and foundational culture.

My responsibilities and achievements included:

• Departmental Setup and Leadership: Designed and implemented a comprehensive HR department, laying the groundwork for all HR operations, including recruitment, employee relations, and policy development.
• Recruitment and Talent Acquisition: Managed the recruitment process for 316 positions, including crafting job descriptions, sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and selecting talent that matched the hotel's high standards and cultural values.
• Cultural Foundation: Championed the creation and integration of the organizational culture based on the ethos “people matter,” fostering a positive and engaging workplace environment from the outset.
• Legal and Compliance: Navigated the regulatory landscape to ensure full compliance with Tanzanian labor laws and regulations. Successfully registered the hotel for all necessary licenses and permits, overseeing legal requirements and documentation.
• Policy and Strategy Development: Developed and enforced HR policies and procedures aligned with Tanzanian labor laws, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring consistency across the department.

• Retrenchment and Merger Management: Successfully managed a retrenchment and merger program with a budget of $15,000, achieving project goals with minimal negative impact and ensuring smooth transitions during organizational changes.
• Data Management and Planning: Worked closely with the operational team to gather, update, and organize data for manpower resource planning, ensuring alignment with upcoming project needs.
• HR Procedures Enhancement: Analyzed the effectiveness of HR procedures, developed enhancements, and implemented changes to ensure ongoing process improvement, incorporating feedback from stakeholders, department heads, and senior managers.
• Compensation and Benefits: Designed, developed, and implemented a company-wide compensation and benefits program, including handling annual ratings and bonuses for Tanzania and other regional entities.
• Strategic Leadership and Sustainability: Served as the HR strategic leader, collaborating with cross-departmental leaders to endorse and support the UN Global Compact, the largest corporate sustainability initiative.

• Project Coordination and Data Management: Led and coordinated multiple projects ensuring accurate data collection and consolidation for internal reporting, which facilitated effective decision-making and strategic oversight.
• Cost Reduction: Achieved a 35% annual reduction in group travel expenses by implementing advanced online reservation systems and direct payment methods, resulting in significant cost savings and improved financial management.
• Compensation and Salary Benchmarking: Collaborated with HAY Group to develop a competitive salary and compensation structure for the Tanzania group. Conducted job evaluations to ensure alignment with market values and enhance the company's competitive edge.
• Employee Opinion Survey: Successfully designed and implemented an online employee opinion survey program across the region, achieving 100% participation and completing the initiative two weeks ahead of schedule.
• CSR Project Management: Effectively managed a $10,000 CSR project, ensuring it was completed within budget and ahead of the deadline, demonstrating strong project management and commitment to corporate social responsibility.
• Project Oversight and Team Leadership: Provided constructive solutions to keep projects aligned with original goals, assembled and led teams, identified necessary resources, and managed change control processes to ensure successful project outcomes.

• HR Strategy Development: Created and implemented a comprehensive HR strategy plan, defining a 5-year roadmap to align HR functions with the organization’s long-term goals.
• Employee Rewards System: Established an effective employee rewards system, including the successful implementation of a bonus program that motivated and recognized employee performance.
• Performance Management: Developed and rolled out an effective performance management and appraisal system, focusing on individual business objectives, competencies, and personal development. This initiative improved employee skills development and ensured value for money.
• Training and Development: Facilitated training and development programs, including in-house training courses for production employees. Increased completion rates from 15% to 80% within 2 months, significantly improving employee skillsets.
• Legal Compliance: Ensured legal compliance in all HR matters, including disciplinary actions, grievance procedures, and dismissals, safeguarding the organization against legal risks and maintaining fair practices.

• Warehouse Facility Management: Planned, coordinated, and reported on warehouse facility operations, ensuring optimal availability and efficient management of resources.
• Supply Reporting Structure: Developed a comprehensive reporting structure for supply operations, including turnaround times and warehouse storage availability, enhancing transparency and operational efficiency.
• Client Project Coordination: Managed client-based projects by gathering and consolidating data for monthly external client reports, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of information.
• Induction Program Development: Established an induction program that included (re)familiarization with company policies and processes, achieving 100% employee awareness and integration.
• Quality Management Document Updates: Successfully updated the Group Quality Management Documents (Path to Quality), ensuring alignment with current standards and practices.
• Promotion and Employee Engagement: Promoted within one year due to exceptional performance. Increased employee engagement by 20% through the development and implementation of an employee engagement action plan.
• BCM Documentation Coordination: Coordinated with the team to update all Business Continuity Management (BCM) documentation across Tanzanian sites, ensuring preparedness and compliance.