Manu Venkatesan

Managed projects through initiation, planning, execution, control, and closure, integrating change management. Utilized JIRA, Excel, SharePoint, and MS Projects. Recruitment Revamp: Led the overhaul of SDRX recruitment for permanent, temporary, and 250+ student hires per term. Designed a new framework by consulting stakeholders, defining key competencies, developing structured interviews, and standardizing hiring tools. Automated workflows to enhance efficiency, compliance, and accuracy, reducing staff workload by 42% and hiring errors by 68%. Provided training and implemented continuous improvement measures. Training Revamp: Designing and facilitating training for 250+ student staff and 30+ professional staff to improve engagement and performance. Leveraging diverse methods, including interactive workshops, e-learning, hands-on training, and gamified sessions (e.g., Kahoot!) Currently developing a professional development module for long-term staff growth. Event Management: Planning and executing 2- to 7-day recruitment, training, and engagement events each term. Managing logistics (venue, catering, scheduling, attendance) while optimizing resources. Aligning events with recruitment and training goals for maximum impact. Scrum Master: Facilitating agile processes for the RTD team. Providing training and guidance on RTD best practices, fostering skill development, and ensuring alignment with team goals

Recruitment - Managed end-to-end recruitment projects by executing Boolean Searching, Candidate Sourcing, Interviews, Personality Tests, Reference Checks and Budget Tracking. - Collaborated with cross-functional teams (Marketing, HR, Sales, Support, Operations, Executive, Design and Technical) to map talent needs and maintained documentation of projects with focus on risk. - Managed projects across EMEA (Germany, France, UK, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Benelux, South Africa) Canada, and USA. HR Operations - Ensured compliance with local legislation and HR policies, created employment contracts and conducted extensive research on benefits, payroll and immigration requirements. - Supported onboarding/offboarding processes, updated HR policies/procedures and provided training to Junior Recruiters. - Maintained the highest levels of confidentiality and integrity when handling sensitive information and GDPR compliance issues. - Organizing committee for a wide range of employee events, from small team-building activities (100 EUR) to large corporate gatherings and kickoffs (100,000 EUR budget). - Planned, organised and facilitated L&D sessions on various HR related topics. Customer Service and Support - Acted as the primary point of contact between candidates and hiring managers, ensuring seamless communication and providing exceptional support throughout the recruitment process via phone, email and other related software. Data Reporting and Analysis - Utilized PowerBI and Tableau dashboards to analyze and enhance recruitment data, facilitating comprehensive reporting and informed decision-making for stakeholders, while conducting monthly meetings with clients, including C-suite executives, to review metrics and propose actionable improvements. Content Management and Marketing (B2B) - Developed engaging, high-quality content across platforms, showcasing skills in video editing, impactful blog posts, and effective SEO strategies to optimize online visibility.

HR Support - Supported HR Manager during peak COVID period by Researching and implementing Policy Changes (remote work, hygiene protocols, oce schedules) along with Documentation. - Acted as point of contact for HR and Marketing related queries for all ANZ employees and Managers in relation to employment laws and L&D requirements. - Planned, organised and facilitated Webinars and In-Person Training Sessions for internal L&D purposes with a well-maintained internal Knowledge Library. Marketing (B2B) - Collaborated with local sales and global product management teams (US, UK, Canada, Asia, Middle East) to enhance Company's market share in the ANZ region. - Developed comprehensive B2B target lists to support the sales team's outreach efforts, meticulously tracking responses to ensure efficient follow-up and maximize engagement with potential clients. - Developed marketing collateral for both web and print mediums, encompassing awide range of materials such as posters, literature, brochures, and case studies, ensuring consistent branding and messaging across all channels. - Produced monthly Newsletters via MailChimp while maintaining B2B newsletter open rate between 36-43%, and released 1-3 blogs monthly. - Partnered closely with the product management team in the USA to strategically plan and prepare for the launch of RFID antennas in the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) markets, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment of strategies across regions. - Conducted market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and threats, and gathered customer feedback. Data Reporting and Analysis - Used Excel to meticulously track and analyze a wide range of marketing metrics for monthly reporting, enabling detailed insights and strategic decision-making with the VP of Sales. - Liaise with external Marketing vendors to effectively track keywords and SEO backed research which needed extensive attention to detail.

Marketing (B2B) - Facilitated partnership between Checkpoint Systems & Profit Protection Future Forum, leading to production of podcast "Retales: Conversations with Profit Protection." - Managed social media activities on LinkedIn, Mailchimp, and Twitter, including content creation, scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and analyzing performance metrics to enhance brand visibility and audience engagement. - Organized and managed tradeshows and seminars across Australia and New Zealand, overseeing event planning, logistics, vendor coordination, and on-site execution to ensure successful and impactful events.

Project Management - Led IT projects as a liaison between external contractors and clients, managing the creation of three websites, one app, and various print/web designs with intense collaboration and strict confidentiality. - First point of contact for clients and external vendors and also provided Invoice and payment support. HR Operations - Established Employee Manuals, Performance Review plans. - Played a key role in Employer Branding for Startup, including Website Content Creation, Mission/Vision Statements, creation of employee manuals, and simple People Ops Initiatives. Marketing (B2B&B2C) - Directed comprehensive digital marketing initiatives for six distinct brands, overseeing both paid and organic social media strategies across platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. - Lead SEO optimization efforts to enhance online visibility and drive targeted traffic and saw an engagement between 24-37%. - Developed compelling content calendars and stayed up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. - Played a pivotal role in enhancing employer branding for clients, including the creation of compelling website content, and the establishment of comprehensive key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and drive continuous improvement. Data Analysis and Reporting - Hosted monthly sessions with more than six external clients to deliver comprehensive reports on social media campaign metrics and provide strategic recommendations for optimization.

Customer Service - Regular interaction with customers has sharpened service and problem-solving skills. By listening carefully, showing empathy, and resolving issues quickly, positive experiences are consistently delivered. A strong commitment to customer satisfaction has led to success in the hospitality industry. - Experience with various events, like canapé service, weddings, corporate functions, and races, has boosted adaptability. This diverse exposure has also improved team coordination, as each event requires a different approach. Operations - High-paced environments have taught invaluable time management and multitasking skills, such as taking orders, handling payments, and coordinating with kitchen staff for timely service. - Proficiency in using various point-of-sale (POS) systems, managing cash transactions, and balancing receipts at the end of shifts has been developed. - Managed restaurant opening and closing procedures with attention to detail and responsibility. Completed extensive training in advanced service techniques like 3-plate carry and 5-plate clearance.

Customer Service - Promoting the NGO's services at busy shopping venues greatly enhanced customer service skills. Approached and engaged potential supporters, providing them with detailed information about the mission and services. - Persuading individuals to sponsor and assist children required initiative and quick thinking. Crafted compelling narratives and adapted the approach on the spot to address concerns or questions. Operations - Consistently met key performance indicators (KPIs), targets, and deadlines by maintaining a positive attitude, determination, and focus on objectives. - Developed skills in event planning, logistics management, and performance tracking, all crucial for efficient operations. This role emphasized the importance of strategic planning and adaptability in achieving goals.