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Matt Rikus Wessels

@mattrikuswessels

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HR and recruitment specialist skilled in talent acquisition, team management, and global hiring.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

Seeking a strategic role in global talent acquisition, leveraging expertise in digital innovation and cross-cultural leadership to drive organizational growth and engagement.

I am an experienced HR and recruitment professional with a strong background in talent acquisition, international strategy, and team management. Over the past seven years, I have successfully led global hiring initiatives, developed recruitment strategies, and managed cross-cultural teams.

Most recently, I served as the Director of Global Strategy, People, and Communications at Son's Edu in South Korea, where I led international hiring efforts, trained leadership teams, and developed strategic growth plans across multiple campuses. Prior to that, I gained experience in recruitment at OrangeCat Global, managing outsourced hiring projects, including the recruitment of international talent for creative and educational content development.

My expertise includes executive search, process optimization, employer branding, and workforce planning. I am passionate about connecting top talent with the right opportunities and building effective, high-performing teams. My Master’s in International HR Management has given me a strong foundation in global HR trends, cross-cultural collaboration, and strategic workforce planning.

I am currently seeking new opportunities in recruitment, HR operations, and talent acquisition where I can leverage my experience to drive organizational success. I thrive in dynamic environments that require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and strong communication skills.

Beyond my career, I have a keen interest in education, international business, and cross-cultural collaboration. I also enjoy writing and have worked as a professional writer and editor. I am always looking to grow my skill set and contribute to meaningful projects.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Director – Global Strategy, People & Communications

Son’s Edu

Jan 2022 - Apr 2024 (2 years 3 months)

Served as a key strategic advisor to the CEO, driving global expansion and talent management. Led talent acquisition, corporate communications, and education management for multiple organizations in South Korea, successfully placing over 250 educators and enhancing global reputation through effective branding strategies.

Talent Acquisition Corporate Communications Workforce Planning Social Media Management Website Design SEO Optimization Employer Branding Leadership Development

Talent Acquisition & Corporate Communications Manager

OrangeCat Global

Jan 2020 - Apr 2024 (4 years 3 months)

Managed global recruitment and corporate communications for an international outsourcing firm. Successfully placed professionals across various sectors while enhancing employer branding and engagement through strategic digital initiatives.

Employer Branding Social Media Strategy Website Optimization Stakeholder Engagement Process Optimization Communications Strategy

Team Manager

Son’s Edu: Son’s English Academy

Jan 2016 - Jan 2022 (6 years)

Team Manager – Teacher Development, Recruitment & Communications

Managed talent acquisition and digital communication strategies for education centers. Hired and trained over 100 educators, implemented online learning platforms, and enhanced digital engagement through effective website and social media management.

Social Media Management Intercultural Communication Crisis Management Leadership Training Development Student Engagement

Head Teacher

Son's Edu

Nov 2013 - Nov 2016 (3 years)

Designed and led training programs for 13+ educators, improving teaching effectiveness by 25%. Managed and coached a 13-member team, enhancing instructional quality and boosting student satisfaction by 30%. Developed and refined curricula, increasing student test scores by 20%. Revamped lesson plans with interactive techniques, driving a 40% rise in engagement and 15% higher retention.

Project Management Teaching ESL

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Rome Business School, Universidad Internacional de Valencia

Master's, International Human Resources Management

2020 - 2021

Completed a Master's in International Human Resources Management with a capstone project focused on attracting and retaining young talent in a post-COVID era.