Grace Makafan
Houston,USA
Summary
Ambitious and results-oriented HR professional with over a decade of experience in the energy sector, specializing in global HR operations, policy integration, and compliance. Proven expertise in aligning HR strategies to support business objectives. Skilled in fostering inclusive work environments, streamlining processes, and driving organizational effectiveness.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supervisor, Global HR Projects
Seadrill
05.2024 - Current
- Drives HR project planning and execution, ensuring seamless delivery of rig transfers, integration, upgrades, and reactivations.
- Establishes team structures and oversees hiring needs across all project phases, collaborating with engineering and execution teams
- Partners with business leaders and project managers to align HR strategies with organizational objectives and resolve critical challenges
- Defines strategies for workforce planning in new locations, coordinating with agencies and stakeholders to ensure compliance
- Coaches and supports teams in implementing HR policies, handling employee relations, and optimizing performance management
- Prepares HR data and cost analyses for project tenders, ensuring alignment with operational goals and budgets
- Leads continuous improvement initiatives by identifying gaps and enhancing HR processes and programs
- Tracks personnel costs and reports deviations, ensuring informed decision-making and proactive risk management
- Trains and mentors offshore leadership teams on HR strategies and compliance requirements
Lead, Offshore Talent Acquisition
Seadrill
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Designed and executed strategic recruitment campaigns to support global operations in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America South
- Collaborated with business leaders to proactively identify talent needs and build robust pipelines
- Achieved cost savings by overseeing harmonization of master service agreements with third-party manpower agencies
- Ensured swift resolution of staffing gaps by managing relationships with external agencies
HR Project Lead
Seadrill
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Standardized global HR processes by leading the HR Library Project, enhancing accessibility to tools, templates, and resources
- Conducted internal HR audits, translating findings into actionable strategies to mitigate compliance risks
- Liaised with stakeholders to develop and implement standardized processes across global teams
HRBP/HR Lead – Nigeria Operations
Seadrill
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Aligned HR operations with company goals, leading initiatives to boost employee engagement and satisfaction
- Directed the People Committee to identify and promote internal talent, driving succession planning
- Achieved 80% workforce nationalization, exceeding targets by 10%
- Managed regulatory compliance, ensuring seamless personnel transitions and liaising with labor unions
- Successfully led redundancy negotiations, minimizing operational disruptions during company downscaling
Senior HR Advisor
Seadrill
01.2018 - 10.2018
- Partnered with rig leadership to align HR support with operational objectives, including workforce planning and onboarding
- Enhanced compliance by managing the employee performance cycle and identifying training needs
- Oversaw payroll and ensured compliance with tax and social security regulations
- Coordinated expatriate mobility processes, including permits and visas
HR Advisor
Seadrill
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Served as the primary HR contact for line managers, delivering full lifecycle HR support
- Updated employee handbooks in line with best practices and local regulatory requirements
- Streamlined onboarding and exit processes, liaising with relocation services for international hires
HR Advisor
Seadrill
01.2016 - 01.2017
HR Crew Coordinator
Seadrill
01.2014 - 01.2015
HR Officer/Office Manager
Model Energy Services
01.2013 - 01.2014
HR/Admin Officer & Training Coordinator
Oil & Gas Soft Skills Ltd.
01.2010 - 01.2012
Education
Master of Environmental Management -
University of Lagos
Bachelor of Technology - Geology
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Minna, NigeriaExecutive MBA -
Quantic School of Business And Technology
06-2025
Certification
- Associate CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)
- GPHR (Global Professional in Human Resources)
- SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional)
Timeline
Supervisor, Global HR Projects
Seadrill
05.2024 - Current
Lead, Offshore Talent Acquisition
Seadrill
01.2021 - 01.2024
HR Project Lead
Seadrill
01.2020 - 01.2021
HRBP/HR Lead – Nigeria Operations
Seadrill
01.2018 - 01.2020
Senior HR Advisor
Seadrill
01.2018 - 10.2018
HR Advisor
Seadrill
01.2017 - 01.2018
HR Advisor
Seadrill
01.2016 - 01.2017
HR Crew Coordinator
Seadrill
01.2014 - 01.2015
HR Officer/Office Manager
Model Energy Services
01.2013 - 01.2014
HR/Admin Officer & Training Coordinator
Oil & Gas Soft Skills Ltd.
01.2010 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Technology - Geology
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Master of Environmental Management -
University of Lagos
Executive MBA -
Quantic School of Business And Technology
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