Open to opportunities

Tricia Pillay

@triciapillay

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Human Resources Business Partner leveraging 20+ years to drive compliant, high-performing workplaces.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking to partner with leadership to implement people strategies, strengthen HR/payroll compliance, and improve employee relations and engagement—using HR analytics and strong manager coaching to deliver measurable results.

I’m a Human Resources Business Partner with over 20 years of experience across HR business partnering, payroll compliance and administration, employee relations, HR operations, and organisational development. I partner with leadership to implement people strategies that improve employee engagement and performance while ensuring compliance with South African labour legislation.

I’ve managed the full employee lifecycle—recruitment, onboarding, payroll coordination, performance management, and disciplinary processes—supported by strong conflict resolution and people-centric leadership. I’m recognised for balancing employee needs with organisational objectives in fast-paced corporate environments with diverse stakeholders.

In my roles, I’ve strengthened HR governance through HR policy development and implementation, HR analytics, and workforce reporting for management decision-making. I’ve also coached managers on HR and employee relations, including Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) and procedural compliance.

I’ve led HR policy reviews, introduced HR and payroll system improvements (PeopleSoft and multiple payroll platforms), and built structured onboarding and induction programmes to improve employee integration. From exit interview trend analysis to CCMA case management support, I aim to create practical, measurable outcomes for both employees and the business.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

HR Business Partner

Talksure

May 2023 - Mar 2026 (2 years 10 months)

Provided industrial relations advice and ensured compliance with labour legislation and internal disciplinary procedures. Supported managers with employee conduct and attendance matters, and processed terminations and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) on payroll systems.

Industrial Relations Advice Employee Relations Disciplinary Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)Terminations

People and Culture Partner

EOH

Jul 2022 - Apr 2023 (9 months)

Supported implementation of HR initiatives aligned to the People Strategy, partnering with leadership on workforce planning and talent pipeline forecasting. Delivered HR analytics and coached managers on employee relations and performance management.

HR Business Partnering Workforce Planning HR Analytics Employee Relations Performance Management

Deputy Manager / HRBP

Startek

Aug 2015 - Jun 2022 (6 years 10 months)

Managed HR analytics and workforce reporting to support strategic decision-making. Handled employee relations matters including disciplinary investigations and hearings, and supported end-to-end HR administration across the employee lifecycle.

HR Analytics Employee Relations HR & Administration Exit Interviews

Senior HR Officer

Ampath Laboratories

Oct 2012 - Jul 2015 (2 years 9 months)

Managed HR/payroll administrative processes, maintained employee records, and supported industrial relations and disciplinary processes. Coordinated recruitment and onboarding and prepared HR reports for management decision-making.

Payroll Administration Industrial Relations Support Disciplinary Recruitment & Selection Onboarding HR Reporting

Academic Lecturer (HR)

Regent Business School

Jan 2012 - Oct 2012 (9 months)

Lectured full-time and part-time students in HR and HR Development modules. Developed exams and assessments, graded student work, and contributed to HRD committee discussions and student orientation planning.

Assessment Development Exam & Assignment Writing Grading HRD Committee Participation Student Orientation

Senior HR Consultant

Staffspec & Bellevue Labour

May 2009 - Sep 2011 (2 years 4 months)

Managed the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, payroll, and termination/exit for approximately 250 employees across Staffspec and Flavourcraft. Handled disciplinary and grievance matters, supported union engagement, and represented the business in CCMA processes.

Employee Onboarding Payroll Administration

Senior Payroll & HR Officer

Misty Blue Trading (Aqua Transport)

Sep 2008 - Apr 2009 (7 months)

Managed payroll for multiple employee groups (approximately 1,300 employees) using VIP Payroll, including hours, overtime, allowances, and deductions. Processed payroll and termination activities, and supported HR administration and disciplinary case preparation.

Payroll Processing Overtime & Allowances Deductions Administration Terminations HR & Administration Disciplinary Case Preparation

HR Officer

Wardens Cartage

Sep 2006 - Aug 2008 (1 year 11 months)

Managed recruitment and HR administration and supported operational planning and HR strategy. Processed weekly payroll (approximately 80 employees) using Pastel Payroll and maintained leave records, insurance claims, and injury-on-duty reporting.

HR Administration Operations Pastel Payroll Leave Record Management Insurance Claims Injury On Duty Reporting H&S Audit Preparation

Wages & HR Officer

Sentinel Logistics

Feb 2005 - Aug 2006 (1 year 6 months)

Managed payroll for approximately 200 employees using VIP Payroll, including leave and HR administration. Coordinated insurance claims and injury-on-duty reporting, supported WSP and ATR submissions, and participated in union meetings and shop steward consultations.

Payroll Processing Leave Record Management HR & Administration Injury On Duty Reporting Insurance Claims Handling WSP & ATR Submissions