Chris Jacobs
Director and ER Specialist
Chris Jacobs has consulted widely in a range of industries, both locally and abroad, since 1988. During this time he gained an impressive 26 years’ experience in OIM’s proven performance improvement methodology. His fields of expertise include conflict resolution, management-union relations, the establishment of employee engagement tools, strategic planning and execution, and diversity management.
He has successfully led projects in the above areas at clients such as Anglo Platinum, Anglo Gold, Samancor, Khumani Assmang, Oceana, Woolworths, Tiger Brands, British American Tobacco, Distell and Barloworld. He was the chief facilitator of the peace process during the much-publicized violence and disruptions at Anglo Platinum in 1997. To this day Anglo Platinum is using some of the measures Chris and his team put in place.
Work experience
Chris’ interest in labour relations matters was first sparked in 1988 when he spent five years as a research analyst in labour relations. Since then he has been heavily involved with employee relations (ER), management-union relations and conflict resolution. He has facilitated task teams in challenging ER environments such as the Lonmin and Impala Platinum mines, and at several major players in the FMCG industry. He has helped build management-union relationships, establish sustainable cooperation forums for all stakeholders, negotiate outstanding wage negotiations, train shop stewards and compile long-term ER strategies. Through the years he has built a solid reputation in the ER industry as is often approached by the media for his expert opinion.
At OIM
Since joining OIM in 1992, Chris has consulted in the mining, food, wine and spirits, tobacco, fishing, chemical, petroleum, laboratory and services industries. This included managing operational and organisational improvement assignments in the UK, USA, Spain and several African countries.
It resulted in the OIM methodology being introduced in countries such as France, Germany, Italy and Portugal. Over the years Chris has played a major role in OIM product development and client-specific applications, as well as the training and development of new OIM consultants. He serves as director of the wider OIM International and also forms part of the management team of the OIM International division.
Qualifications
Higher Education Diploma and BA Honours – Stellenbosch University (1987 and 1986)