Denise Oldewage
HR Business Partner and Industrial Psychology Intern
Intern Industrial Psychologist, HPCSA PS IN 017 4513
Johannesburg
In a nutshell
Denise is a Human Resources Business Partner with expertise in designing and optimising people-centred systems to enhance organisational effectiveness and drive sustainable change. With a strong foundation in behavioural science and Industrial Psychology, she combines analytical insight with creative precision to translate complexity into practical solutions.
Experience that shapes the work.
Strategic HR Business Partner
Supported the People and Talent function through a critical transition, delivering operational and strategic HR support across end-to-end recruitment, employee relations, payroll oversight, and monthly HR reporting. Contributed to organisational strategy through policy development, SOPs, and management frameworks, and designed and delivered training for people managers.
HR Business Partner and People Custodian
Transformed the people function during the organisation's growth phase. Established role profiles, job descriptions, KPI structures, and competency frameworks from the ground up, and developed performance and talent management systems aligned with strategic objectives.
Project Analyst and Co-Designer
Co-designed a people capability and experience diagnostic across multiple financial entities. Led data analysis and reporting, delivering insights that informed strategic priorities across talent development, performance improvement, and workforce alignment.
Co-Programme and Content Designer
Designed programme content, facilitation exercises, and visual materials for a strategic leadership retreat anchored in values-driven leadership and psychological safety, with post-retreat reinforcement tools to embed behavioural change.
Project Consultant and Creative Strategist
Manages a diverse portfolio spanning client projects and internal brand initiatives, covering diagnostics, psychometrics, job profiling, salary benchmarking, and talent management frameworks. Leads Katzar's content and communications strategy, and supports business development through proposal writing and client research.
Qualifications and memberships
- Master of Commerce in Industrial Psychology, cum laude, University of Johannesburg
- Intern Industrial Psychologist (HPCSA PS IN 017 4513)
- Golden Key International Honour Society member
Accredited training and psychometrics
- TEIQue
- fitt Professional
- AssessFirst
- JVR 16PF and 15FQ
- Aon
- Saville Wave
- Virtual job analysis and competency design training
Career highlights
- Completed all three degrees cum laude, with the Master's degree completed in one year
- Top Student Award, 2024
- Journal article published in Frontiers in Psychology
- Short story published in an international cultural psychology book
Values I live by
“The sky is not the limit, your mind is.”
Work with Denise and the Katzar team.
Every engagement is senior-led, from the first honest conversation through to delivery.
Let’s talk