Simona Kisoon- Padayachee
Ballasalla
Summary
Dynamic professional with 8+ years of combined experience in Global Talent Acquisition and Marketing across diverse industries. Proven track record as a Global Talent Acquisition Specialist in the iGaming sector, successfully sourcing, attracting, and hiring top talent worldwide while driving employer branding initiatives. Brings 6 years of marketing expertise, including brand management, campaign execution, creative production, and strategic communications, with hands-on experience leading rebrands and managing cross-functional projects. Recognized for strong stakeholder management, cross-cultural communication, and the ability to deliver results in fast-paced, international environments. Adept at aligning people strategies and marketing initiatives with overarching business goals to drive growth and impact.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Dervico Isle of Man
2023.09 - 2025.06
- Sourcing and attracting talent using a variety of methods such as job boards, social media, recruitment tools and networks to identify potential candidates.
- Conducted comprehensive candidate assessments, ensuring alignment with organizational culture and job requirements.
- Collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensuring a positive candidate experience by maintaining clear communication, providing feedback and organizing interviews.
- Employer Branding and Recruitment Marketing by promoting employer brand.
- Data driven Recruitment and reporting.
- Developed and implemented effective sourcing strategies to attract top talent across diverse roles.
- Streamlined recruitment processes, enhancing candidate experience and reducing time-to-fill positions.
- Facilitated training sessions for junior recruiters and new team members, fostering knowledge sharing and process improvement.
Talent Acquisition Administrator
Derivco Isle of Man
2022.08 - 2023.08
- Managed end-to-end recruitment processes, including posting job openings on multiple platforms (LinkedIn, Indeed, career pages), ensuring job descriptions are accurate and engaging.
- Screened resumes, shortlisted candidates, and coordinated interviews between hiring managers and candidates.
- Managed interview calendars, ensuring timely follow-up with candidates post-interview.
- Assisted in drafting and sending offer letters and pre-employment documentation to successful candidates.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of recruitment events such as career fairs, recruitment drives, and job expos.
- Supported the creation of engaging content for social media platforms to attract talent and improve the company's employer brand.
Brand and Marketing Manager
NEVEON South Africa
2021.08 - 2022.06
- Led a full company rebrand, including brand identity development, visual assets, and updated marketing collateral, strengthening market positioning.
- Designed and produced in-house marketing materials (brochures, packaging, presentations, digital assets) using Adobe Creative Suite.
- Managed external creative agency partnerships, ensuring alignment with brand strategy, budget efficiency, and timely delivery of campaigns.
- Planned, directed, and executed professional photo and video shoots, delivering high-quality content for advertising, digital platforms, and corporate communications.
- Oversaw brand consistency across all channels, from print and digital to trade events and B2B communications.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams (sales, product development, leadership) to align marketing initiatives with business objectives.
- Enhanced digital and social media presence through compelling visuals and storytelling, driving brand awareness and customer engagement.
Brand Ambassador
Edward Snell & Co
2019.12 - 2021.07
- Identify, target, and onboard new accounts in the on-trade channel (bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs).
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients to drive repeat business and increase brand loyalty.
- Act as the face of the liquor brands, ensuring visibility, advocacy, and premium positioning in the market.
- Monitor competitor activities, pricing trends, promotions, and consumer preferences within the on-trade sector.
- Achieve monthly/quarterly sales targets and ensure distribution goals are met across all assigned accounts.
- Work with marketing and trade marketing teams to implement activations, events, and brand promotions in venues.
Marketing Assistant
Mistry’s Pine Furniture
2018.07 - 2019.12
- Assisted in the development and execution of marketing campaigns to promote furniture collections across digital and traditional channels.
- Coordinated product photoshoots and showroom displays, ensuring visuals highlighted craftsmanship, design, and key selling points.
- Supported the design and production of marketing materials (catalogues, brochures, price lists, and social media content) using CorelDRAW Suite.
- Managed website and social media updates, ensuring accurate product information, engaging visuals, and brand consistency.
- Conducted market and competitor research to support product positioning, pricing strategies, and promotional activities.
- Assisted in the organization of trade shows, exhibitions, and customer events, handling logistics, branding, and promotional materials.
- Monitored and reported on campaign performance and customer engagement metrics, providing insights for future improvements.
- Supported brand consistency across packaging, product labelling, and showroom merchandising.
Marketing Assistant
Lancet Laboratories
2017.03 - 2018.06
- General administration duties.
- Compiling and distributing statistical data.
- Co-ordinating functions.
- Ordering and monitoring stock for the department.
- Purchasing departmental stock.
- Managing petty cash.
- Conducting monthly budget reports.
- Setting up and ordering stock for new clients.
- Coordinating marketing orientation for new staff members.
- Monitoring and reporting department spend.
Marketing Coordinator
Maliba Lodge
2016.08 - 2016.12
- Marketing campaign support and Execution.
- Monthly reports (Google Analytics, Feedback spread sheet, monthly booking flowchart and Google AdWords).
- Create graphics such as vouchers, flyers and brochures on Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
- Create Training and Development content for staff members.
- Content creation and coordination (Blog posts, emails, newsletters, social media posts and brochures).
- Develop and execute solid plans for SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
- Optimize and create engaging AdWords campaigns.
- Event planning and Coordination.
Education
Marketing Management
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa2016-01
Bachelor of Administration - Marketing & Public Administration
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa2015-01
High School Diploma -
Dr A.D Lazarus
Durban, South Africa 2011-12
Skills
- Skilled in using Adobe Creative Suite applications
- International talent acquisition
- Strategic marketing initiatives
- Effective content strategy
- Recruitment sourcing techniques
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data-driven decision making
- Effective multitasking
- Excellent communication
Certification
Fundamentals of Digital Marketing - Google
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
References
Available upon request
Hobbies and Interests
Hiking, Cooking, Puzzles & Board Games
Hobbies
- Photography
- Travelling
- Cooking
Timeline
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Dervico Isle of Man
2023.09 - 2025.06
Talent Acquisition Administrator
Derivco Isle of Man
2022.08 - 2023.08
Brand and Marketing Manager
NEVEON South Africa
2021.08 - 2022.06
Brand Ambassador
Edward Snell & Co
2019.12 - 2021.07
Marketing Assistant
Mistry’s Pine Furniture
2018.07 - 2019.12
Marketing Assistant
Lancet Laboratories
2017.03 - 2018.06
Marketing Coordinator
Maliba Lodge
2016.08 - 2016.12
Marketing Management
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Bachelor of Administration - Marketing & Public Administration
University of KwaZulu-Natal
High School Diploma -
Dr A.D Lazarus