Makaela is a highly regarded professional with twelve years of specialist HR experience across government, legal and commercial organisations. Makaela joined Merit Solutions in January 2022 after nine years of running the family’s trade business. Prior to that Makaela was a Senior Human Resources Advisor for Department of Transport & Main Roads (TMR) for six years, Industrial Relations Advisor for Department of Industrial Relations Qld for two years and Workplace Health & Safety Advisor for Workplace Health & Safety Queensland for two years. Makaela has a strong customer focus, building strong relationships and working closely with clients to add value and achieve optimal results.

Makaela combines a comprehensive understanding of the principles and processes of merit-based recruitment with practical experience in government recruitment processes. With many years of experience in public sector selection panels, her skills include applicant shortlisting, interviewing, scribing, reference checking and candidate care, in addition to panel member duties. She is known for her professionalism, communication, provision of insightful expert advice and thoroughly documented processes. With Merit Solutions, Makaela has been involved in a wide range of recruitment and selection projects across multiple departments, establishing a reputation for building productive relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Makaela builds strong relationships with her clients, providing a flexible approach, attracting positive feedback across all levels of government. 

In her role at TMR, Makaela gained significant experience across a broad range of HR issues, researching and providing advice to line managers on issues such as employment relations, recruitment and selection, rehabilitation and return to work processes, workplace health and safety, grievance resolution, induction and performance management. Previously with the former Department of Industrial Relations, she advised business and members of the public in relation to award and industrial relations legislation.  

Makaela has designed and delivered training programs including Recruitment and Selection Practices for Managers, Effective Performance Management and Code of Conduct obligations as well as Divisional Induction programs.  She has also delivered training for Diploma level students in Business, Management and Marketing. Makaela is a published author, with special interests in psychology, mindset coaching and personal development.