Cortney Blanchard
Head Of Operations
Cape Town,WC
Summary
Operations professional with strong background in streamlining processes and enhancing productivity. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams and executing strategic plans to achieve organizational goals. Known for flexibility and reliability in dynamic environments, with excellent problem-solving abilities and focus on delivering results. Enjoys being part of, as well as managing, motivating and developing, a successful and productive team. Thrives in highly pressurized and challenging working environments. Skilled in planning with the ability to meet timeous deadlines and expectations. High performing individual who is self-leading, self-motivated and accountable. Meticulous attention to detail and always strives to deliver work of the highest quality.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of Operations
Hogarth Worldwide
12.2020 - Current
- Manage and run the Cape Town office in its entirety
- Oversee all primary and postproduction jobs from briefs, budgeting and ensuring a high level of creative output
- Play an active role defining problems, recommending solutions and establishing resourceful conclusions both internally and externally
- Track and identify new opportunities from all partner agencies
- Coach and develop all direct reports - 13 members
- Financial reporting monthly
- MANCO member
Service Design Manager
Kaleidoscope
07.2020 - 12.2020
- New Ways of working facilitator
Guest Logistics Manager/Producer
Freelance Event Manager
04.2019 - 06.2020
- Planning, organising, implementing and operationally executing various elements on all events. From preproduction, budgeting to onsite execution
Business Unit Director, Logic
VWV Group
01.2016 - 03.2019
- Ensure yearly targets set and reached. Department budgets maintained.
- Manage and maintain logistics department. Participate in all pitches and presentations.
- Manage and grow team. Member of EXCO
Head of Operations, Logic
VWV Group
06.2015 - 12.2015
- Manage budgets on all events and pitches.
- Manage onsite implementation of all jobs.
- Management of all departmental tasks.
Senior Logistics Manager, Logic
VWV Group
11.2011 - 06.2015
- Lead the planning and implementation of all logistics elements.
- Develop full scale event logistics plans
- Compile and manage logistics budget
- Plan and schedule logistics timelines
- RSVP management
- Oversee onsite logistics across registration, accommodation and transfers
- Manage, train and develop junior logistics coordinators
- Build and maintain positive relationships with clients and suppliers
- Quality assurance of the overall delegate experience
- Budget, recons, postproduction reports
Talent Champion
The Platinum Group
10.2009 - 10.2011
- Overall supervision and management of the people side of the Vertigo brand, encompassing 11 stores +/- 100 people
- Acquisition of Talent (Identifying, Attaining, Recruitment and Selection)
- Performance management of all teams - evaluating and tracking performance on a daily, weekly, monthly basis
- Vertigo Brand Strategic Management Team
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Marketing, Advertising
08.2003 - 05.2007
- Awarded a full scholarship for field hockey.
- Completed my degree with a major in Marketing, minor in Advertising
Public Relations - undefined
01.2002 - 06.2003
Incomplete due to obtaining an international scholarship
Skills
Communication
Leadership and Team work
Creative Problem Solving
Executive Time Management
Event Production
Adaptability
Highly Coachable
Operational excellence
Workforce planning
Logistics management
Cross-functional coordination
Problem-solving abilities
Decision-making
Performance evaluation and monitoring
Operations management
Team building
Attention to detail
Interpersonal skills
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 06/08/83
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: Yes
- Place of Birth: Cape Town
Hobbies
Hockey
Running
Cycling
Outdoors
Timeline
Head of Operations - Hogarth Worldwide
12.2020 - Current
Service Design Manager - Kaleidoscope
07.2020 - 12.2020
Guest Logistics Manager/Producer - Freelance Event Manager
04.2019 - 06.2020
Business Unit Director, Logic - VWV Group
01.2016 - 03.2019
Head of Operations, Logic - VWV Group
06.2015 - 12.2015
Senior Logistics Manager, Logic - VWV Group
11.2011 - 06.2015
Talent Champion - The Platinum Group
10.2009 - 10.2011
Central Michigan University - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Marketing, Advertising
08.2003 - 05.2007
Cape Peninsula University of Technology - Public Relations,
01.2002 - 06.2003