Diane Dixon-Harris
Executive Assistant
Durban
Summary
With extensive experience as an Executive Assistant and Project Administrator, I have successfully supported high-performing teams within organizations listed on major global stock exchanges. I consistently deliver accurate, timely results in fast-paced, high-pressure, deadline-driven environments.
My expertise includes managing sensitive and confidential projects, ensuring seamless coordination, and maintaining exceptional attention to detail at all times. I possess strong planning, organizational, and problem-solving abilities, enabling me to streamline processes and contribute to the efficient execution of projects and daily operations.
Recognized for my proactive and dependable approach, I take ownership of responsibilities and see tasks through to completion, often exceeding expectations to ensure deadlines, quality standards, and organizational objectives are achieved. I am equally effective working independently or collaboratively and thrive in environments where professionalism, adaptability, and operational excellence are valued.
Overview
46
46
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant to the Executive Manager: Corporate Services and General Manager, Marketing & Communications
Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal
Durban
07.2014 - 05.2026
- Efficiently managed daily executive and senior management diaries, ensuring optimal scheduling, prioritisation and coordination of appointments and commitments
- Scheduled and coordinated meetings, compiled agendas and accurately transcribed minutes
- Prepared EXCO, MANCO and Board reports, including quarterly operational performance reporting to support business units' strategic decision-making
- Produced accurate and timely correspondence, memoranda, submissions and reports ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with organisational standards
- Coordinated travel arrangements, including flights, accommodation and ground travel for staff and stakeholders attending domestic, national and international activations and conferences
- Accurately reconciled monthly expense and travel claims, ensuring timely processing and strict compliance with financial procedures
- Prepared submissions, sourced quotations and oversaw the requisition process, including the administration of RFQs in line with supply chain management procedures
- Conducted market research and compiled findings to support decision-making processes
- Prepared and distributed comprehensive information packs for various projects worked on
- Provided comprehensive support in the development and production of the annual report, ensuring accuracy, consistency and alignment with corporate standards
- Supported the end-to-end coordination and execution of domestic, national and international events and exhibitions, ensuring efficient planning, accurate logistics and successful delivery
- Coordinated and managed the planning and execution of annual golf days, ensuring seamless organisation and stakeholder satisfaction
- Managed the reception area and provided training to new administrators and interns, ensuring professional front-office operations and consistent service standards
- Mentored staff on the alignment of the corporate identity and layout of company templates
- Supported staff with clerical tasks for well-maintained office administration
- Assisted in the implementation of new office procedures, improving overall efficiency and productivity
- Provided administrative support during audits, compiling necessary documentation and reports
- Organised and updated document management systems to improve risk management, audit and reference processes
- Expedited work completion by coordinating internal and external resources to fulfil organisational goals
- Organised internal events, from planning stages through to execution, enhancing team morale
- Processed expense claims and invoices, supporting the finance team with accurate record-keeping
- SHEQ representative
- General office duties
- Transitioned to retirement after a fulfilling career
Assistant to General Managers of Investment Promotion and Business Retention & Expansion
Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal
Durban
04.2013 - 06.2014
- Finalised short-term contract ensuring timely project deliverables
- Executed responsibilities aligned with contract specifications, supporting operational continuity
Personal Assistant
Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd
Durban
04.2012 - 08.2012
- Delivered comprehensive administrative support to KwaZulu-Natal Director and Executive Manager Indian Ocean, facilitating efficient operations
- Monitored emails and correspondence, prioritising and responding on behalf of the executive to streamline workflow
- Handled emails and written business correspondence on behalf of senior office staff
- Coordinated travel arrangements, including flights, accommodation and ground travel for staff
- Accurately reconciled monthly expense and travel claims, ensuring timely processing and strict compliance with financial procedures
- Prepared submissions, sourced quotations and oversaw the requisition process, including the administration of RFQs in line with supply chain management procedure
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and company policies
- Submitted formal resignation letter to management
Project/Site Manager – COP17
Anglo Platinum Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Durban
10.2011 - 12.2011
- Delivered project objectives and health and safety regulations through short-term contract execution
- Coordinated site logistics and monitored project progress to ensure timely installation of hydrogen fuel cell project
- Supervised a team of subcontractors and workers, promoting a culture of safety and productivity on site
- Developed strong relationships with clients, building trust and facilitating smooth project execution
Owner Operator
Nkalakatha Skid Loaders
Johannesburg
04.2004 - 04.2009
- Construction company clearing rubble from construction sites sites
- Transferred ownership of shares to business partner to facilitate relocation to KwaZulu-Natal
Contract Administrator
Hatch Africa (Pty) Ltd
Johannesburg
09.2007 - 12.2008
- Negotiated contract terms with suppliers and vendors to secure advantageous agreements, reducing costs and improving service quality
- Prepared comprehensive procurement documentation, including contracts, proposals, and supplier evaluations, for audit compliance
- Established tracking and reporting frameworks to identify challenges and meet KPIs effectively
- Managed supplier relationships to develop long-term partnerships and maintain supply chain stability
- Fulfilled fixed-term contract with Anglo Platinum to support development of greenfield platinum processing plant
Co-owner
Visa World
Johannesburg
06.2004 - 08.2008
- Assisted travellers with ID, visa applications and work permits
- Facilitated sale to partner, enhancing collaboration and expanding market reach
- Executed transfer of share ownership to business partner following her misconduct.
Project Administrator
Murowa Diamonds Pvt Ltd
Harare, Zimbabwe
03.2006 - 08.2007
- Coordinated project administration for pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for Murow Diamonds, Zimbabwe, ensuring timely completion of key tasks
- Facilitated project planning, documentation, and coordination of tasks to streamline project processes and enhance team collaboration
- Documented project progress and challenges during fixed-term contract
- Paused project development to address challenges posed by political unrest in Zimbabwe
Co-owner
Nkalakatha Recruitment Services
Johannesburg
05.2004 - 02.2007
- Assisted in recruitment services for Transnet, Bell Equipment and Anglo American Corporation
- Managed daily operations to support business continuity
- Facilitated smooth workflow to enhance team productivity
Events Coordinator
Village Exhibitions & Events
Durban
07.2003 - 09.2003
- Coordinated venue bookings, arranged technical and catering services, and developed event programmes for seamless execution
- Oversaw on-site event operations, managing staff and promptly resolving issues to uphold exceptional service standards for national and international stakeholders
- Delivered short-term contract for World Parks Congress, meeting all deadlines and quality standards.
Trauma Counsellor
World Health Organisation, Zambia
Chingola, Zambia
02.2001 - 03.2002
- Completed World Health Organisation trauma counsellor course in Zambia, enhancing skills in trauma support, whereafter volunteering as a trauma debriefer at Kasanqa Mine and surrounding communities
- Volunteered as first responder for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, delivering immediate support to individuals during emergency situations and providing trauma debriefing support at South African Police Services, aiding individuals affected by trauma
Personal Assistant
Super Holdings Limited
Johannesburg
04.1997 - 09.1997
- Managed day-to-day administrative tasks for the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
- Facilitated communication between executives and teams, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Resigned due to relocation to a different city.
Administrative Officer
Vaal Reefs Exploration & Mining Co. Ltd
Vaal Reefs
02.1984 - 01.1991
- Managed various administrative tasks for clients, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication.
- Started with family
- Handled emails and written business correspondence on behalf of senior office staff.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and company policies.
- Monitored emails and correspondence, prioritising and responding on behalf of the executive to streamline workflow.
Branch Manager
B & H Instrumentation
Klerksdorp
09.1983 - 02.1984
- Managed daily operations of branch, overseeing staff performance and customer service standards.
- Maintained high levels of customer satisfaction through exceptional service and prompt resolution of complaints.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to communicate targets, performance expectations, and company updates.
- Evaluated job opportunities to identify pathways for career advancement
Junior Buyer
Anglo American Purchasing
Klerksdorp
12.1979 - 08.1983
- Negotiated pricing, credit terms and transportation with suppliers.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives, significantly reducing expenses without compromising on quality.
- Identified opportunities for growth in customer base
Education
Matric - English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Science, Typing, Home Economics
Milner High School
Klerksdorp01-1979
Skills
- Confidentiality maintenance
- Professionalism
- Dedicated team player
- Interpersonal skills
- Data confidentiality
- Staff motivation
- Self-directed
- Deadline-oriented
- Office administration
- Communication coordination
- Contract negotiation
- Event planning
- Microsoft Office
- Scheduling management
- Data entry
- Document creation
- Time management
- Client management
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Multitasking efficiency
- Adaptable communication
- Customer Service
- Microsoft Office
- Multitasking prioritisation
- Documentation and reporting
- Customer orientation
- Complaint resolution
- Task management
- Administration tasks
- Document processing
- Relationship management
- Inter-department coordination
- Client building
- Training development
- Call management
- Administrative operations
- Advanced MS Office Suite knowledge
- External communications
- Employee training
- File maintenance
- Document production
- Diary management
- Spreadsheet creation
- Workplace organisation
- Technical aptitude
- Information compiling
- Email management
- Report analysis
- Office etiquette
- Appointment scheduling
- Professional presentation
- Organisational proficiency
- Verbal articulation
- Email management
- Record accuracy
- Equipment management
- Report generation
- Deadline adherence
- Process Improvement
- Proofreading
- Record-keeping
- Tracking documents
- Records management
- Diplomatic skills
- Workforce mentoring
- Document preparation
- Multitasking
- Multitasking and prioritisation
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Professional and mature
- Customer service orientation
- Task coordination
- Administrative tasks
- Resolving errors
- Documentation
- Stress resilience
- Customer relationship management tools
- Basic accounting
- Meeting coordination
- Excellent judgement
- Training and Development
- Telephone handling
- Employee training and development
- Schedule management
Languages
English
Native language
English
Master or proficient
C2
Afrikaans
Upper intermediate
B2
Custom Section
None
References
- Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal, Manqoba Mbatha, General Manager, Marketing & Communications, 031 368 9620
- Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal, Thulisile Galelekile, Executive Manager: Corporate Services, 031 368 9601
- Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal, Mandlenkosi Mdletshe, General Manager, Human Resources, 031 368 9641
Personal Information
- ID Number: 61*********85
- Dependents: Nil
- Health Status: Good
Interests
- Motorcycling
- Interior design
- Architecture
- Reading
- Gardening
- Fishing
- Walks on the beach
- Nature
Timeline
Assistant to the Executive Manager: Corporate Services and General Manager, Marketing & Communications
Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal
07.2014 - 05.2026
Assistant to General Managers of Investment Promotion and Business Retention & Expansion
Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal
04.2013 - 06.2014
Personal Assistant
Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd
04.2012 - 08.2012
Project/Site Manager – COP17
Anglo Platinum Management Services (Pty) Ltd
10.2011 - 12.2011
Contract Administrator
Hatch Africa (Pty) Ltd
09.2007 - 12.2008
Project Administrator
Murowa Diamonds Pvt Ltd
03.2006 - 08.2007
Co-owner
Visa World
06.2004 - 08.2008
Co-owner
Nkalakatha Recruitment Services
05.2004 - 02.2007
Owner Operator
Nkalakatha Skid Loaders
04.2004 - 04.2009
Events Coordinator
Village Exhibitions & Events
07.2003 - 09.2003
Trauma Counsellor
World Health Organisation, Zambia
02.2001 - 03.2002
Personal Assistant
Super Holdings Limited
04.1997 - 09.1997
Administrative Officer
Vaal Reefs Exploration & Mining Co. Ltd
02.1984 - 01.1991
Branch Manager
B & H Instrumentation
09.1983 - 02.1984
Junior Buyer
Anglo American Purchasing
12.1979 - 08.1983
Matric - English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Science, Typing, Home Economics
Milner High School