Mattheus Rikus Wessels

Strategic Hiring Partner | Associate Recruitment Consultant at Apsida Life Science | Experienced People Manager

About

Hi, I’m Mattheus Wessels (also known as Rikus), a South African passionate about bringing together people, ideas, and opportunities. With over 14 years of professional experience, my journey has included leadership roles in recruitment, talent acquisition, education management, and teaching, enriched by the privilege of living and working in fascinating places like Georgia and South Korea.I currently serve as an Associate Recruitment Consultant at Apsida Life Science, specializing in talent acquisition for the CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) space within the Life Science industry. In this role, I help innovative life science companies connect with the exceptional talent they need to grow, scale, and transform healthcare delivery.My perspective is shaped by studying International Studies and History at Stellenbosch University (with further studies in Belgium and Germany) and earning a Master’s in International Human Resources Management from the Rome Business School. I thrive on inspiring others and creating meaningful connections, bringing energy, creativity, and adaptability to every project.Known for being outgoing, reliable, and nurturing, I excel at motivating people to rally behind challenging and important goals. Whether I’m leading cross-cultural teams, designing impactful learning programs, or recruiting the right talent, my focus is always on fostering environments where people and organizations can truly thrive.Beyond my professional life, my passion for travel allows me to connect with diverse cultures and deepen my global understanding. Along the way, I enjoy diving into geopolitical landscapes (I love a good map!), keeping up with current affairs, and discovering new wines.

Professional Experience

  • Director of Global Strategy and People Management

  • Talent Acquisition Specialist

  • Recruiter

  • Corporate Communications Manager

  • Team Manager & Educational Program Coordinator

  • Head ESL Teacher

  • Project Manager

  • ESL Content Editor

  • Growth Manager

  • Academic Writing

Key Professional Achievements

  • Expertise in Recruitment: Over 7 years of recruitment experience, including roles at OrangeCat Global and Son's Edu, focusing on international hiring and building effective teams. Demonstrated success in hiring for diverse roles, including sourcing and managing creative talent for global projects.

  • Educational Innovation and Curriculum Development: Directed curriculum development and educational material publication for Son's Edu, ensuring engaging and effective content for learners. Created several reading passages for an intermediate-level textbook, covering a wide range of topics.

  • Training and Development: Trained and mentored Korean branch directors and international teaching staff, enhancing professional development and intercultural collaboration. Developed training programs that supported employee growth and improved team performance.

  • Successful Project Management: Led cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timelines. Outsourced and managed creative projects, including producing 2D animated videos for YouTube at OrangeCat Global.

  • Academic Excellence: Earned a Master's in International Human Resources Management with a GPA of 25/30 (3.5 US) from the Rome Business School, reflecting a strong theoretical foundation in HR practices. Successfully transitioned academic insights into practical solutions for international HR challenges.

  • Recognition for Professional Writing and Editing: Secured a role as a writer and editor with IAPWE, showcasing expertise in crafting high-quality content and attention to detail.

  • Cultural and Cross-border Collaboration: Gained experience working across South Africa, South Korea, and globally, developing strong intercultural communication and collaboration skills.