Demet TUNA DÖNDERLER

Human Resources & Strategic People and Learning Development Leader

Istanbul, Türkiye

About

I am a strategic and people-centered Human Resources and Learning Leader with over 20 years of experience in organizational transformation, HR strategy, and leadership development across corporate and multinational environments. I specialize in designing and implementing human-centered HR and learning strategies that foster cultural alignment, engagement, and sustainable business performance. Throughout my career, I have led large-scale HR operations, built high-performing teams, and developed integrated learning ecosystems that strengthen leadership pipelines and organizational excellence. My core expertise includes talent management, digital HR transformation, job evaluation, workforce planning, and employer branding. I am passionate about helping organizations shape resilient cultures, develop future-ready leaders, and achieve measurable growth through strategic HR and learning leadership.

Experience

  • Training Manager at TAV Academy
    Sep 2025 - Present · 10 mos

    Lead and manage the full spectrum of Learning & Development operations within TAV Academy, ensuring the alignment of all training activities with the strategic objectives of TAV Group. Oversee both internal capability-building programs and external customer-focused learning initiatives to strengthen corporate culture and generate sustainable growth. Key Responsibilities: • Develop and implement annual training strategies and plans, ensuring alignment with business goals and performance targets. • Manage training policies, quality standards, and digital learning systems (LMS – Enocta) in accordance with national and international standards. • Supervise the training team and instructor pool, assign responsibilities, and monitor performance and process coordination. • Oversee budget preparation, utilization, and performance reporting, providing insights to senior management. • Enhance TAV Academy’s brand reputation through strategic communication, visibility, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. • Build and maintain partnerships with national and international institutions to expand accredited programs and joint training projects. • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and learning excellence across the organization. Core Competencies: Strategic Learning Management | Leadership & Team Development | Digital Learning Systems (LMS) | Budgeting & KPI Reporting | Organizational Growth | Stakeholder Collaboration | Quality & Compliance | Innovation & Continuous Improvement

  • Human Resources Manager at TAV Özel Güvenlik Hizmetleri A.Ş.
    Apr 2024 - Aug 2025 · 1 yr 5 mos

    Oversaw and optimized all HR processes across multiple locations, ensuring full compliance with labor legislation, company policies, and operational standards. Successfully led recruitment and selection processes, attracting qualified candidates to support sustainable workforce growth. Key Responsibilities: • Designed and implemented training and development programs to enhance employee skills, engagement, and productivity. • Introduced and managed performance management systems and employee engagement initiatives, increasing motivation and efficiency. • Strengthened employee relations by resolving conflicts, fostering inclusion, and promoting a collaborative workplace culture. • Partnered with senior management to develop and implement HR policies and procedures, ensuring consistency and compliance. • Provided coaching and guidance to managers and employees on HR-related matters, promoting open communication and continuous improvement. • Contributed to HR budgeting and manpower planning, ensuring accurate workforce forecasts and cost efficiency. • Monitored HR KPIs and generated reports to support data-driven decision-making and management visibility. Key Achievements: • Standardized HR processes and reporting mechanisms across diverse operational sites. • Improved internal communication and engagement through transparent HR practices. • Enhanced alignment between HR, Operations, and Management via data-based workforce and budget planning.

  • Human Resources Director at Kızılay Yatırım
    Jan 2023 - Jan 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Role Summary: Directed the entire Human Resources function for Kızılay Investment and its 10 subsidiaries, overseeing all strategic and operational HR processes. Provided end-to-end leadership across talent acquisition, performance management, payroll, compensation and benefits, organizational design, and employee relations. Served as a key business partner to senior management, ensuring the alignment of HR strategy with corporate and humanitarian objectives. Key Responsibilities: • Designed and implemented comprehensive HR strategies and the Annual Business Plan, covering recruitment, promotion, assessment, payroll, digital HR initiatives, and workforce planning. • Managed compensation, benefits, payroll operations, and HR budgeting, ensuring cost efficiency, legal compliance, and transparency across subsidiaries. • Led organizational development and transformation projects, standardizing governance models, documentation systems, and performance frameworks. • Directed employee engagement, internal communication, and wellbeing programs, strengthening motivation and corporate culture. • Oversaw industrial relations, ethics, and disciplinary processes, ensuring fairness and compliance. • Built and managed high-performing HR teams, mentoring managers and specialists to drive collaboration and operational excellence. • Partnered with the Executive Board to develop policies, reporting systems, and digital HR dashboards that improved decision-making and efficiency. Key Achievements: • Successfully managed all HR processes—recruitment, payroll, budgeting, and engagement—under a unified governance structure. • Standardized HR procedures and digital systems across 10 subsidiaries, ensuring accuracy and consistency. • Strengthened corporate culture and employee satisfaction through transparent communication and performance-driven HR systems.

  • Human Resources Manager at Deloitte
    Nov 2019 - Jan 2023 · 3 yrs 3 mos

    Role Summary: Managed the full scope of HR operations for multiple business units including Tax, Legal, and Business Process Solutions, ensuring alignment between people strategies and organizational goals. Acted as a strategic partner to senior leadership, supporting workforce planning, engagement, and talent development initiatives. Key Responsibilities: • Led the Future of Work and Hybrid Working Model project, recognized in Deloitte’s Global Library as a best practice. • Designed and implemented the Annual HR Business Plan, covering recruitment, performance, compensation, and succession planning. • Oversaw recruitment, onboarding, and development processes to enhance efficiency and employee experience. • Managed performance management, compensation, and HR budgeting, ensuring fairness and transparency. • Promoted employee engagement, wellbeing, and internal communication, improving retention and motivation. • Delivered HR analytics and reporting to senior management for data-driven decision-making. Key Achievements: • Implemented Deloitte Turkey’s Hybrid Working Model, improving flexibility and productivity. • Enhanced HR planning and reporting efficiency, ensuring alignment with business goals. • Strengthened HR’s strategic role through partnerships and organizational transformation.

  • Human Resources Business Partner at PwC Turkey
    Nov 2017 - Aug 2019 · 1 yr 10 mos

    Role Summary: Partnered with business leaders and internal service units to align HR strategies, systems, and processes with organizational goals, enhancing overall efficiency, compliance, and engagement. Acted as a trusted advisor to management and employees, providing HR guidance and operational support. Key Responsibilities: • Developed and implemented a comprehensive HR checklist and process mapping system, streamlining workflows and ensuring consistency across operations. • Maintained a fair and transparent HR framework, promoting motivation, job satisfaction, and service excellence. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to standardize HR procedures and improve operational efficiency. • Led Occupational Health & Safety initiatives, ensuring legal compliance and a safe workplace environment. • Designed and executed an exit interview program, generating data-driven insights for talent retention and improvement. Key Achievements: • Enhanced compliance, transparency, and efficiency in core HR processes. • Improved cross-departmental collaboration and employee engagement. • Established a standardized and sustainable HR governance framework.