Candice Franken
Cape Town
Summary
A dedicated and dynamic professional with a passion for industrial and organisational psychology and proven success in improving operations and solving problems. A strong background in managerial roles and exhibit a proven track record of team development, cultivating organisational culture, and relationship building through effective communication. Driven by a desire to empower and motivate individuals and eager to leverage experience and passion to make a meaningful impact. Highly proficient in building lasting relationships with key decision-makers, customers, and team members. Ready to leverage training and experience to take on new professional challenges.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
LABOUR LAW PRACTITIONER
DR DEON JORDAAN & ASSOCIATES (PTY) LTD
Strand, South Africa
03.2023 - Current
- Facilitated effective communication with clients, addressing inquiries, scheduling consultations, and managing legal documentation to ensure efficient workflow and client satisfaction.
- Conducted extensive disciplinary hearings, upholding clients’ disciplinary codes, policies, and fair procedures.
- Represented clients in various forums, including but not limited to the CCMA and Bargaining Councils.
- Mediated disputes and negotiated favourable resolutions settlements and outcomes through strategic mediation efforts.
- Managed caseloads efficiently and meticulously by prioritising tasks according to deadlines and urgency levels while maintaining excellent work quality standards.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research to support case strategies and strengthen arguments for use in disciplinary proceedings, conciliation, and arbitration.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and confidence in our legal services.
- Evaluated findings and developed strategies and arguments in preparation for case presentations.
- Drafted and prepared all necessary legal documentation and bundles for CCMA dispute referrals, contributing to positive case outcomes and maintaining compliance with procedural requirements.
- Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated employment contracts, settlement agreements, restraint of trade agreements, and various proposals following applicable regulations.
- Improved firm efficiency by streamlining case management processes and procedures.
DESTINATION AND TASTING ROOM MANAGER
SIMONSIG WINES (PTY)LTD
Stellenbosch, South Africa
05.2021 - 01.2023
- Supervised, led, and motivated a diverse team of 15 in day-to-day activities. The team ranged from Senior Wine Advisors to casual Back of House Assistants.
- Managed human resource functions, including onboarding, contract management, and enforcement of policies.
- Implemented performance management systems, providing constructive feedback and coaching opportunities for employees.
- Managed employee relations, investigating and resolving conflicts to maintain a positive work environment.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing, and customer account operations efficiently.
- Organised and coordinated successful events, from intimate to large-scale functions up to 500 guests. Managed third-party vendors, facilities, and guest experiences to deliver memorable events aligned with brand identity.
- Communicated regularly with upper management regarding tasting room performance, customer feedback, and opportunities for improvement.
- Implemented comprehensive training and development programs, resulting in internal promotions for staff members, fostering a culture of continuous growth and advancement within the organisation.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure seamless integration of tasting room operations within the overall winery business strategy.
- Assisted in the development of marketing materials for promotional events, tastings, and seasonal offerings.
TASTING ROOM MANAGER / WINE LOUNGE MANAGER
DORNIER WINES [Wilderbosch Wines (Pty) Ltd – former Dornier Resort]
Stellenbosch
02.2019 - 02.2021
- Managed a high-quality, boutique tasting lounge and enhanced customer experience by providing personalised wine tastings and educating visitors on wine profiles.
- Recruited and managed a team of 9 wine stewards – organised weekly shift schedules, guaranteeing that the team performed as a unit and surpassed monthly targets.
- Trained new staff members on proper tasting room procedures, product knowledge, and customer service best practices.
- Reduced staff turnover and increased sales through upselling techniques.
- Contributed to increased brand awareness by actively engaging with visitors about the winery’s history, production process, vineyards, and awards received.
- Manage database of 400 wine club members – database expanded by 45% over 18 months.
- Surpassed targets with every campaign, achieving at least a 70% buy-in rate for the wine club every six months.
- Delivery of superior customer service and accurate wine knowledge, to maximise customer satisfaction, and respond to and resolve any complaints.
- Operated POS systems including report generating, daily cash-ups, and stocktake, and trained company employees on the new POS.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) - Industrial And Organisational Psychology
UNISA (University of South Africa)
South Africa10.2022
BComm Industrial Psychology - Industrial Psychology, Psychology and Entrepreneurial and Innovation Management
UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH
Stellenbosch11.2019
High School Diploma -
ELKANAH HOUSE HIGH SCHOOL
Blouberg11.2012
Skills
- Employee Relations
- People Management
- Conflict and Dispute Resolution
- Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Negotiation
- Case Management
- Analytical Thinking
- HR policies and procedures
- HR processes
- Employment law compliance
- Eager Learner
- Proficient in MS (Excel, Outlook, Word, Powerpoint)
Additionalleadershipexperience
- 2021 (PRESENT), LEADER, Stone Dragon (NPO) – Information, Inspiration, Imagination
- 2017, VICE - CHAIRPERSON, University of Stellenbosch Wine Culture Society (USWCS)
- 2017, TREASURER, Societies Council, SRC sub-committee, Stellenbosch University
- 2016, SOCIETY REPRESENTATIVE & EXECUTIVE COMMITTE, USWCS
- 2016, SECRETARY, Societies Council, SRC sub-committee, Stellenbosch University
Certification
- Group Facilitator, Stellenbosch University, 2016
- Cape Wine Academy certificate, 2015
- 2DO Leadership, Stellenbosch University, 2014
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Advanced (C1)
Timeline
LABOUR LAW PRACTITIONER
DR DEON JORDAAN & ASSOCIATES (PTY) LTD
03.2023 - Current
DESTINATION AND TASTING ROOM MANAGER
SIMONSIG WINES (PTY)LTD
05.2021 - 01.2023
TASTING ROOM MANAGER / WINE LOUNGE MANAGER
DORNIER WINES [Wilderbosch Wines (Pty) Ltd – former Dornier Resort]
02.2019 - 02.2021
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) - Industrial And Organisational Psychology
UNISA (University of South Africa)
BComm Industrial Psychology - Industrial Psychology, Psychology and Entrepreneurial and Innovation Management
UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH
High School Diploma -
ELKANAH HOUSE HIGH SCHOOL