Chantel Pieterse
Operations Manager
Summary
Accomplished Head of Operations at Unifi Credit, adept in operational excellence and strategic planning, significantly enhanced business growth and customer satisfaction. Skilled in organizational development and problem-solving, I led teams to reduce operational costs and improve productivity by implementing innovative solutions. My adaptability and business leadership drove operational improvements, achieving notable achievements in a dynamic market environment. Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Operations
Unifi Credit
04.2013 - Current
- Increased customer satisfaction by actively addressing concerns and ensuring timely resolutions.
- Reduced operational costs through effective budget management and cost-saving strategies.
- Collaborated with executive leadership on strategic planning initiatives to drive business growth.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for staff, enhancing team performance and skill sets.
- Implemented risk assessment procedures to minimize potential disruptions across all areas of operation.
- Improved overall productivity with the introduction of innovative process improvement initiatives.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve company goals, fostering collaboration and communication.
- Streamlined operational processes by identifying inefficiencies and implementing best practices.
- Managed crisis situations effectively by developing response plans in advance.
- Built a high-performance culture by recruiting top talent and promoting professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and company policies, mitigating potential risks.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes, leveraging analytics to optimize operations.
- Facilitated change management efforts, guiding teams through periods of transition and growth.
- Automated manual processes using technology solutions, increasing accuracy and efficiency within operations.
- Spearheaded continuous improvement projects, resulting in enhanced business performance.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Monitored and handled employee claims involving performance-based and harassment incidents.
- Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires, bolstering employee job position knowledge and skillset.
- Implemented customized performance management systems, providing ongoing feedback and development opportunities for employees.
- Produced detailed proposals for events to document timelines, suppliers and budgets.
- Recruited trained, and managed teams of volunteers to assist with event operations and logistics.
- Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management strategies.
- Searched and negotiated suitable venues per setup requirements and budget constraints.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
Event Coordinator
NMA-ISKA Part Time
01.2006 - 12.2018
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Established positive relationships with clients, ensuring their needs were met throughout the event planning process.
- Handled crisis management situations promptly, minimizing negative impact on event outcomes and client satisfaction.
- Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event execution and positive outcomes.
- Coordinated with vendors to deliver exceptional catering and audiovisual services during events.
- Managed budgets effectively, negotiating contracts to secure cost savings without compromising quality.
- Acquired contracts and agreements to finalize negotiations and obtain approval signatures.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between event segments by creating detailed schedules and providing clear communication to staff and participants.
- Maintained accurate records of all event expenditures, ensuring budget compliance across multiple projects.
- Conducted post-event analysis, identifying areas of improvement for future events.
- Reviewed event bills to confirm accuracy and approve payment.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Oversaw event registration process by collecting and tracking attendee information.
- Researched and identified new vendors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing.
Financial Processor
Praesidium Finance - Half Day
04.2010 - 12.2011
- Managed a diverse portfolio of loans, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
- Increased client retention rates by offering exceptional service and fostering strong relationships.
- Handled paperwork and moved between customers and lending institutions to smoothly resolve any concerns.
- Assisted clients in securing loans by providing personalized guidance and identifying suitable products.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction rates with timely responses to inquiries and thorough explanations of loan processes.
- Negotiated favorable loan terms on behalf of clients, leveraging strong communication skills and industry expertise.
- Examined customer loan applications for loan approvals and denials.
- Identified opportunities to cross-sell and upsell loan products to customers.
Inventory and Finance Assistant
Semex - Half Day
08.2009 - 12.2011
- Supported the finance team by processing invoices and expense claims promptly and accurately.
- Entered financial data into company accounting system with stringent adherence to data security protocols
- Maintained accurate records of financial transactions in alignment with regulatory requirements.
- Organized budget documentation and tracked expenses to maintain tight business controls.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries related to billing or account status issues.
- Managed office inventory and ordered new supplies when items were running low.
- Pitched in to assist with special projects and additional tasks.
- Supported management by processing invoices and documents with consistent on-time delivery.
- Effectively communicated with clients about payment needs and kept updated, detailed and accurate ledgers.
Imports Clerk
JAS Forwarding
08.2007 - 07.2008
- Supported warehouse operations by coordinating the efficient transfer of imported goods to appropriate storage locations.
- Evaluated vendor performance, providing feedback to maintain high-quality service levels from external partners.
- Reduced customs delays by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of import regulations and compliance requirements.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize workflow and ensure that all tasks were completed on schedule.
- Maintained detailed records of all import transactions, facilitating accurate reporting and analysis for management review.
- Managed multiple priorities simultaneously without compromising attention to detail or quality of work outputted.
- Accelerated import clearance timeframes by promptly preparing and submitting necessary documentation.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries promptly and professionally, fostering positive client relationships.
- Tracked shipments processing through customs and other agencies and obtained clearances.
Loan Manager
G & A Cash Centre
03.2001 - 06.2007
- Strengthened relationships with clients by providing personalized service and addressing concerns promptly.
- Maintained a strong understanding of market trends and competitor offerings, allowing for the strategic positioning of products to attract new customers while retaining existing ones.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of loans, ensuring all accounts remained current and well-maintained through diligent oversight.
- Boosted overall profitability by identifying new business opportunities within the local market, promoting appropriate financial products to potential customers.
- Collaborated with underwriting teams to ensure thorough evaluation of loan applications, resulting in fewer errors and faster approval times.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely and accurate loan assessments, providing clear communication throughout the process.
- Reduced loan processing time by implementing efficient workflow management systems.
- Managed a high-performing team of lending professionals, consistently exceeding departmental goals in areas such as customer satisfaction and loan origination volume.
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at increasing departmental efficiency through process automation where feasible while retaining human expertise where necessary.
- Improved loan approval process efficiency by streamlining documentation and application procedures.
- Developed strategies for effective risk assessment, minimizing default rates on loans issued.
- Mentored junior team members in best practices for loan origination, underwriting, and servicing processes, fostering a cohesive work environment that prioritized professional growth.
- Processed loan applications and monitored progress from start to finish.
- Assisted customers with completing loan applications and other paperwork.
- Approved loan applications based on customer creditworthiness and provided detailed financial advice.
- Evaluated loan requests and documents to verify accuracy and completeness.
- Identified opportunities to cross-sell and upsell loan products to customers.
- Proactively identified solutions for customers experiencing credit issues.
- Obtained copies of applicants' credit histories and reviewed paperwork to determine feasibility of granting loans.
- Kept up with and reviewed changes in laws, informed staff of changes and advised appropriate departments on actions to prevent legal issues.
- Managed and supervised document database to maintain litigation records.
- Supported human resources department by addressing employment law matters such as discrimination claims and employee relations issues.
- Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants.
- Coordinated special projects and managed schedules.
- Conducted regular inventory assessments of office supplies, ordering necessary items proactively to prevent stock shortages.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
- Assisted in the recruitment process, conducting interviews and onboarding new employees to promote a seamless integration into the team dynamic.
- Controlled finances to lower costs and keep business operating within budget.
- Managed compliance to keep organization operating within legal and regulatory guidelines.
- Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Regularly analyzed workforce trends to proactively address potential skill gaps or staffing needs.
- Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires bolstering position knowledge and skillset.
- Optimized payroll processing procedures for accuracy and timeliness using advanced software solutions.
Education
Batchelor in Business Administration - Business Administration And Management
Unisa
South Africa 04.2001 -
No Degree - Exercise Science
HFPA
Observatory 04.2001 -
No Degree - Accounting
Boston Business College
Bellville 04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Hentie Cilliers
Virginia 04.2001 -
Skills
Operational Excellence
Timeline
Head of Operations
Unifi Credit
04.2013 - Current
Financial Processor
Praesidium Finance - Half Day
04.2010 - 12.2011
Inventory and Finance Assistant
Semex - Half Day
08.2009 - 12.2011
Imports Clerk
JAS Forwarding
08.2007 - 07.2008
Event Coordinator
NMA-ISKA Part Time
01.2006 - 12.2018
Batchelor in Business Administration - Business Administration And Management
Unisa
04.2001 -
No Degree - Exercise Science
HFPA
04.2001 -
No Degree - Accounting
Boston Business College
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Hentie Cilliers
04.2001 -
Loan Manager
G & A Cash Centre
03.2001 - 06.2007