Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
Skills
Hi, I’m

Gugu Nzimande

Project/Program Management
Pinetown
Gugu Nzimande

Summary

COVER LETTER

To Whom It May Concern,

Results oriented & meticulous Support Services Manager offering 19 years professional working experience (11 years at management level) in field. Noted experience in Project/Program Management, Office Management, Tenancy Management, Community Development Projects, Transformation Programs, Administration, Asset Management, Budget Forecasts (Operating & Capital), Financial Control, Procurement Management, Personnel & Performance Management. Highly competent to prioritize projects and multitask effectively to achieve project goals, methodical and detail-oriented team player with expertise in team leadership of multiple work streams. Highly dependable, ethical and reliable support specialist that blends advanced organizational, technical and business acumen. Work effectively with cross-functional teams (matrix models) in ensuring operational and service excellence. Organized and efficient at supporting corporate level officers and senior management personnel with expertise in financial and operational leadership. Experienced in striking the perfect balance between considering outside opinions and making firm, resolute decisions. Strongly believe in fostering effective and positive relationships between team members, developing talent through mentorship and coaching, and providing space in which everyone feels motivated and valued. Equipped with skills and competencies that may add value to any organization.

Overview

17
years of professional experience
11
years of post-secondary education
3
Languages

Work History

EThekwini Municipality (Local Government), Durban

Support Services Manager
2018.06 - Current (6 years & 3 months)

Job overview

  • Headed support services department with staff compliment of 63, managing 7 team leaders assigned to to multiple workstreams.
  • Performance managed 7 team leaders and implemented incentives and team-building events to boost morale.
  • Coached 14 employees through day-to-day work and complex problems to promote skills transfer and succession planning.
  • Managed implementation of financial controls/procedures and provide information for financial planning sequences. Planned and prepared Capital and Operational forecasts and controlled expenditure continuously against approved budget.
  • Monitored departmental annual budget of R22million ($1,2m) and ensured all departmental projects and events are funded
  • Tracked and monitored purchase orders, deliveries and invoicing to verify accuracy and compliance.
  • Created and implemented comprehensive supply chain management strategies.
  • Leveraged valuable business relationships and skillful negotiations to obtain favorable vendor pricing.
  • Provided supply chain guidance team of 7 employees.
  • Monitored contracts' performance to detect non-compliance with terms and deficient returns and organize proactive resolutions.
  • Drafted operating procedures for multiple workstreams.
  • Reviewed Unit policies and by-laws.
  • Negotiated and administered leasing and service contracts for co-operative businesses.
  • Forwarded documents requiring legal review to Legal department to obtain instructions for subsequent document resolution.
  • Implemented Document Management System (DMS) project by overseeing scanned paper documents into computer and assigned identification numbers to simplify tracking process.
  • Facilitated Unit migration to SharePoint.
  • Monitored employee and customer interactions to assess quality of service.
  • Created, prepared, and delivered reports to various departments.
  • Completed annual rent calculations by drafting annual tariffs for Business Unit.
  • Created organized filing system to manage department documents.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with vendors and partners supporting administrative operations.
  • Analyzed and solved multi-faceted problems that effected executive leaders and business initiatives.
  • Negotiated and executed contracts on behalf of department.
  • Coordinated office events, seminars and meetings for staff and clients.
  • Conducted regular inspections of both interior and exterior of properties for damage.
  • Introduced and monitored effective lease renewal programs to maintain high occupancy rates.
  • Developed internal requirements and standards to minimize regulatory risks and liability across programs.
  • Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
  • Built highly-efficient administrative team of 30 through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
  • Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
  • Managed supervisor itinerary and appointments and streamlined scheduling procedures.
  • Evaluated employee onboarding programs and presented strategic improvement recommendations to upper management.
  • Reviewed monthly operations to assess compliance with budgets and determine necessary adjustments for future plans.
  • Prepared response strategies to avoid potential budget cuts.
    Submitted recommendations to budgets and forecasts for approval or disapproval.
  • Evaluated procurement needs and projected expenditures.
  • Monitored contracts and analyzed expenses to facilitate financial objectives.

EThekwini Municipality, Durban

Audit Administration Manager
2015.06 - 2018.05 (2 years & 11 months)

Job overview

  • Managed Administration team with staff compliment of 1 employees, 5 direct subordinates.
  • Determined operational plans which outline activities undertaken by Administrative Division on annual basis. Designed and implemented Internal Audit Admin Matrix Model.
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
  • Reported on Unit Performance by updating quarterly scorecard.
  • Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
  • Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
  • Worked with cost centers to identify opportunities for efficiencies.
  • Created and distributed reports on internal and external finances, audits, and budgets.
  • Reviewed policies to align with business operations.
  • Drafted standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guides processes.
  • Prepared corporate fiscal and business plans to help strategically direct business operations and strengthen controls.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams (matrix model) to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
  • Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through development of innovative solutions.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced environment.
  • Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
  • Worked with four (4) project executives to provide support services for various projects.
  • Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
  • Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
    Managed event logistics and operations.
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
  • Worked under pressure and met deadlines while maintaining composure in difficult situations.
  • Created, maintained and distributed event orders.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
  • Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale, talent management and promote employee retention.

EThekwini Municipality, Durban

Senior Administration Officer
2014.10 - 2015.05 (7 months)

Job overview

  • Supervised team of 8 employees
  • Liaised with staff to manage information, develop systems and compile reports using data to identify trends and take action to enhance performance.
  • Supported Deputy Head on financial management and acted as first point of contact for budget holders.
  • Partnered with HR to implement and monitor policies and procedures and recommend changes.
  • Cooperated with health and safety policies and identified and controlled hazards for tasks, projects and activities.
  • Collaborated with key stakeholders to identify and deliver quality enhancements.
  • Managed staff development, underperformance issues and employee relations to adopt consistent, fair and objective decision-making.
  • Developed and maintained productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support increased business.
  • Represented company at internal and external forums and committees for effective corporate communication and collaboration.
  • Reported building and facility repairs, defects and security issues to contractors and monitored progress toward resolutions.
  • Delivered advice and policy guidance relating to provisional project management and business analysis.
  • Developed and implemented business administration systems, databases and recording systems to support operational delivery.
  • Prepared reporting and documentation in Microsoft tools to support effective divisional, functional and strategic business activity.
  • Provided continuous quality review and spearheaded procedures and processes for program improvement.

EThekwini Municipality, Durban

Project Administrator
2013.05 - 2014.09 (1 year & 4 months)

Job overview

  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Drafted program concept proposal by drafting business plan entailing multi projects.
  • Sourced various sponsorships to fund multiple projects. Secured R1million ($55,000) sponsorships.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Facilitated workshops to collect project requirements and user feedback.
  • Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
  • Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
  • Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
  • Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
  • Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
  • Managed team meetings and discussed project's goals and objectives.
  • Planned, executed, and controlled assigned projects, ensuring work performed complied with contractual requirements.
  • Partnered with project team members to identify and quickly address problems.
    Produced quality standards, checklists, report templates, and processes.
  • Planned out and executed total of four (4) projects in year (one per cycle).
    Set up and managed team meetings.
  • Helped plan meetings, distributed agenda and took minutes.
  • Utilized social media to promote events and increase attendance.
    Contacted vendors, venue and stakeholders.
  • Researched assigned events and identified possible partnerships aligned with event concepts.
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.

Human Sciences Research Council (NPO), Pretoria

Regional Project Officer
2009.07 - 2011.03 (1 year & 8 months)

Job overview

  • Provided project support to 4 project executives on multiple projects in high-pressure fast-paced environment. Travel between Durban, Pretoria and Cape Town fortnightly.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications
  • Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
  • Demonstrated high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
  • Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
  • Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Supported planning, communications and scheduling of corporate events.
  • Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Contacted vendors, venue and stakeholders.
  • Helped plan meetings, distributed agenda and took minutes.
  • Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.
  • Monitored and controlled event expenditures to meet budgets.
  • Implemented protocols and procedures to effectively manage planning process.
  • Coordinated travel and accommodations for event attendees.
  • Provided professional services and support in dynamic work environment.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Developed strong communication and organizational skills through engaging on group tasks. Team leader of 4 work streams.

Mayivuke Community Development Projects, Pietermaritzburg

Finance and Administration Manager
2006.06 - 2009.06 (3 years)

Job overview

  • Managed expense tracking and personnel vouchers.
  • Analyzed budgets, forecasts and current trends to support overall financial operations.
  • Identified and corrected miscalculations and financial discrepancies to support quality assurance.
  • Updated daily transaction records to assist with payroll and billing administration.
  • Prepared and posted receipts and deposits to facilitate standard bookkeeping.
  • Reconciled accounts and investigated variances.
  • Prepared bi-weekly payroll for 23 employees and maintained all associated files.
  • Monitored and compiled data and reports to present to leadership.
  • Produced reports outlining latest financial information such as expenses, income and outstanding balances.
  • Complied with established internal controls and policies.
  • Performed banking, business administration and financial tasks to guarantee five-star service for clients.
  • Improved overall financial reporting by streamlining control processes and reporting structures.
  • Developed strategic plans for day-to-day financial operations.
  • Checked payroll, vendor payments, commissions and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
  • Designed and maintained financial models to identify and measure risks.
  • Supported financial director with special projects and additional job duties.
  • Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
  • Evaluated and negotiated contracts to procure favorable financial terms.
  • Analyzed business processes to identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Education

LinkedIn , Online

Certificate from Lean Six Sigma Foundations
2023.03 - 2023.03

Durban University of Technology , South Africa

Bachelor Of Management Studies from Management Science
2015.01 - 2015.12 (11 months)

University Overview

Majored in Financial Management, Marketing and Organizational Management.


Achieved over 70% aggregate

Durban University of Technology , Durban

Cost And Management Accounting from Commerce
2009.01 - 2013.12 (4 years & 11 months)

University Overview

Majored in Financial Accounting, Economics and Cost Management

University of South Africa , South Africa

Higher Certificate from Total Quality Management
2019.07 - 2020.06 (11 months)

University Overview

Statistical Process Control (SPC) Total Quality Control (TQC) Quality Assurance QA Just In Time (JIT) Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) KAIZEN Quality Function Deployment (QFD)
ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001

University of South Africa , South Africa

Certificate from Project Management
2016.01 - 2016.12 (11 months)

University Overview

Achieved above 70% aggregate


Microsoft Project, PMBOK

University of Fort Hare , South Africa

Higher Certificate from Emerging Management Development Programme
2018.08 - 2019.03 (7 months)

PrimeServ , Durban

Some College (No Degree) from Coaching & Mentoring
2015.11 - 2018.02 (2 years & 3 months)

Timeline

LinkedIn

Certificate from Lean Six Sigma Foundations
2023.03 - 2023.03

University of South Africa

Higher Certificate from Total Quality Management
2019.07 - 2020.06 (11 months)

University of Fort Hare

Higher Certificate from Emerging Management Development Programme
2018.08 - 2019.03 (7 months)

Support Services Manager

EThekwini Municipality (Local Government)
2018.06 - Current (6 years & 3 months)

University of South Africa

Certificate from Project Management
2016.01 - 2016.12 (11 months)

PrimeServ

Some College (No Degree) from Coaching & Mentoring
2015.11 - 2018.02 (2 years & 3 months)

Audit Administration Manager

EThekwini Municipality
2015.06 - 2018.05 (2 years & 11 months)

Durban University of Technology

Bachelor Of Management Studies from Management Science
2015.01 - 2015.12 (11 months)

Senior Administration Officer

EThekwini Municipality
2014.10 - 2015.05 (7 months)

Project Administrator

EThekwini Municipality
2013.05 - 2014.09 (1 year & 4 months)

Regional Project Officer

Human Sciences Research Council (NPO)
2009.07 - 2011.03 (1 year & 8 months)

Durban University of Technology

Cost And Management Accounting from Commerce
2009.01 - 2013.12 (4 years & 11 months)

Finance and Administration Manager

Mayivuke Community Development Projects
2006.06 - 2009.06 (3 years)

Skills

    Training, coaching and mentoring

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Gugu NzimandeProject/Program Management