Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Software
Interests
Timeline
Generic
Karen Kotzenberg

Karen Kotzenberg

Executive Assistant
Johannesburg

Summary

Proven track record in enhancing client relationships and sales pipeline management, evidenced by a significant role at Clive Teubes Group. Skilled in CRM software and adept at multitasking, I consistently exceed sales targets through strategic account development and effective problem-solving. My approach boosts client retention and drives revenue growth, marking me as a dynamic asset to any sales team.

Customer-oriented Sales Administrator with extensive 10-year background dealing with customer requests and providing quotations, stock availability and delivery date information. Experienced in resolving customer disputes and processing sales orders and contracts. Organized professional recognized for creating and implementing new, efficient methods for both inventory and shipping.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages

Work History

Sales Administrator

Clive Teubes Group
11.2023 - Current
  • Supported sales representatives with timely generation of accurate quotes, proposals, and contracts to close deals faster.
  • Provided exceptional administrative support for high-performing sales teams, enabling them to focus on selling and meeting revenue goals.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and resolving issues related to products and services.
  • Analyzed sales data to identify trends and areas of improvement, providing insightful reports to the sales team for strategic planning.
  • Managed a comprehensive database of customers and prospects to track opportunities, follow-ups, and account history.
  • Boosted sales revenue by efficiently processing orders and coordinating with the sales team on customer requirements.
  • Established strong relationships with clients through regular communication, fostering trust and loyalty in our brand.
  • Tracked trends and suggested enhancements that would both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
  • Continuously improved internal processes by suggesting and implementing changes that led to streamlined workflows and time savings for the sales administration team.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless order fulfillment, liaising between production, shipping, and finance departments.
  • Discussed sales strategies and promotional plans with VP of Sales on regular basis.
  • Improved lead generation by researching potential clients and market trends for targeted prospecting efforts.
  • Facilitated smooth onboarding of new clients by preparing necessary documentation, scheduling training sessions, and conducting follow-up calls.
  • Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting or exceeding personal quotas.
  • Recorded accurate and efficient records in customer database.
  • Served customers with knowledgeable, friendly support at every stage of shopping and purchasing.
  • Collaborated with managers to provide customer feedback and recommend operational changes to meet emerging trends.
  • Informed customers of promotions to increase sales productivity and volume.
  • Negotiated prices, terms of sales and service agreements.
  • Achieved or exceeded company-defined sales quotas.
  • Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
  • Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
  • Attended monthly sales meetings and quarterly sales trainings.
  • Selected correct products based on customer needs, product specifications and applicable regulations.
  • Greeted customers and offered assistance with selecting merchandise, finding accessories and completing purchases.
  • Contributed to marketing, sales and brand promotion.
  • Creating promotional material on Photoshop.
  • Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
  • Fielded customer complaints and facilitated negotiations, resolving issues and reaching mutual conclusions.
  • Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
  • Consulted with businesses to supply accurate product and service information.
  • Met existing customers to review current services and expand sales opportunities.

Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer

Clive Teubes Group
12.2018 - Current
  • Supported decision-making processes by compiling research data and presenting findings to the CEO.
  • Managed complex calendar scheduling with focus on proper allocation of executive availability.
  • Prepared meeting agendas and briefing papers for members of board of directors and executive team.
  • Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
  • Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
  • Contributed to smooth business operations by planning and organizing meetings and conferences.
  • Screened calls and emails and initiated actions to respond or direct messages for managers.
  • Updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze, and report on performance and sales data.
  • Created expense reports, budgets, and filing systems for management team.
  • Ensured timely completion of action items by tracking progress and following up on delegated tasks from the CEO.
  • Increased meeting effectiveness with detailed preparation of agendas, materials, and minutes.
  • Safeguarded high standards in all documentation produced under my purview for accuracy.
  • Anticipated potential challenges in daily operations and devised appropriate solutions to maintain uninterrupted workflow in the executive office.
  • Managed complex projects to successful completion, ensuring timely delivery of results to the CEO.
  • Improved team collaboration by acting as a liaison between the CEO, executive team, and staff members.
  • Reduced expenses through effective negotiation of vendor contracts for office supplies and services.
  • Met with top national and international executives on self-designed schedules both monthly and annually.
  • Contributed to strategic planning by providing administrative support during Board of Directors'' meetings.
  • Maintained confidentiality by handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
  • Enhanced productivity with meticulous organization of documents and files for easy access and retrieval.
  • Facilitated smooth operations within the executive office by overseeing daily tasks and assignments.
  • Answered high volume of phone calls and email inquiries.
  • Used advanced software to prepare documents, reports, and presentations.
  • Updated and maintained confidential databases and records.
  • Managed mail and both incoming and outgoing correspondence, mail, email and faxes.
  • Wrote reports, executive summaries and newsletters.
  • Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.

Operations Assistant

Bluegrass Lifestyle Real Estate
04.2017 - 04.2018
  • Managed day-to-day department operations with effective workflow coordination.
  • Provided administrative support with accurate document preparation and data entry.
  • Supported daily operations by organizing office spaces for maximum functionality and ease of use.
  • Assisted in the development of standard operating procedures to maintain consistency and accuracy across all tasks.
  • Solved problems timely and effectively, ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with other departments to foster smooth operation of daily processes.
  • Prepared and delivered operational performance reports to inform management.
  • Assisted operations manager with planning of routine operations and special projects.
  • Processing of payment requisitions for suppliers
  • Creation of company documents.
  • Arranging contractors for complex projects
  • Compilation of AGM, SGM and Director's Meeting documentation.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by promptly resolving issues and answering inquiries via phone, email, and in-person interactions.
  • Assisted with preparation of operational reports, providing insights for strategic planning sessions.

Personal Assistant to the Owner

Gary Bruyns Properties
04.2015 - 04.2017
  • Increased productivity by prioritizing tasks and ensuring deadlines were met consistently.
  • Reduced administrative workload for the owner through proficient handling of routine tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-level responsibilities.
  • Maintained appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation.
  • Contributed to successful project execution by assisting with planning, implementation, and monitoring progress.
  • Marketing: Creation and placement of all property listings.
  • Creation of company documents.
  • Managing of all rental invoices.
  • Project management from planning to completion.
  • Tenant billing management.
  • Improved communication between the owner and external parties by drafting professional correspondence on their behalf.
  • Streamlined the owner''s schedule by managing appointments, meetings, and travel arrangements.
  • Safeguarded sensitive information through meticulous maintenance of confidential files and records.
  • Sourced and ordered office equipment and supplies.
  • Facilitated smooth business transactions through diligent management of invoices, expense reports, and budget tracking.

Administrative Manager

Du Pont Telecoms - Pandacom Distribution
02.2012 - 03.2015
  • Supervised staff and delegated tasks to maintain positive, productive administrative operations.
  • Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
  • Ensured smooth daily operations with timely completion of all essential administrative tasks and responsibilities.
  • Improved office efficiency by implementing streamlined administrative processes and procedures.
  • Maintained accurate record-keeping systems to ensure easy access to critical information for decision-making purposes.
  • Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
  • Managed sensitive information discreetly, ensuring proper storage and disposal practices were followed at all times to maintain confidentiality compliance standards.
  • Provided exceptional administrative support for executive-level staff, ensuring that their needs were met promptly and accurately in order to facilitate smooth daily operations.

Personal Assistant to the Owner

Eish Studios
11.2008 - 01.2012
  • Increased productivity by prioritizing tasks and ensuring deadlines were met consistently.
  • Reduced administrative workload for the owner through proficient handling of routine tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-level responsibilities.
  • Maintained appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation.
  • Contributed to successful project execution by assisting with planning, implementation, and monitoring progress.
  • Optimized time management for the owner with effective calendar organization and event coordination.
  • Improved communication between the owner and external parties by drafting professional correspondence on their behalf.
  • Provided multifaceted services to career professionals by running errands, managing mail, scheduling appointments, and arranging transportation.
  • Safeguarded sensitive information through meticulous maintenance of confidential files and records.
  • Sourced and ordered office equipment and supplies.

Digital Illustrator

Eish Studio
11.2008 - 01.2012
  • Delivered high-quality digital artwork under tight deadlines, ensuring project success and client satisfaction.
  • Balanced multiple ongoing projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and importance levels.
  • Established strong relationships with clients by effectively communicating creative vision throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Successfully translated client briefs into visually compelling illustrations that aligned with brand guidelines and messaging goals.
  • Adapted quickly to changing project requirements, demonstrating flexibility and versatility as a digital illustrator.
  • Enhanced visual storytelling by creating impactful digital illustrations for various projects.
  • Designed character concepts for various multimedia projects, contributing to the development of memorable and engaging stories.
  • Streamlined workflow by implementing efficient digital illustration techniques and software tools.
  • Collaborated with writers and editors to ensure accuracy and relevance of visual elements within educational or instructional materials, enhancing user comprehension and retention.
  • Efficiently managed personal workload by setting clear objectives, scheduling tasks appropriately, and meeting deadlines consistently.
  • Sought constructive criticism from colleagues and supervisors to ensure continuous improvement in artistic quality and technique mastery.
  • Mentored junior team members in best practices for digital illustration techniques, software usage, and overall skill development.
  • Collaborated with design teams to develop cohesive visual styles, elevating brand consistency across all platforms.
  • Contributed to creative brainstorming sessions, generating innovative ideas for new projects or clients'' needs.
  • Maintained organized digital asset libraries, streamlining project management and enhancing productivity.
  • Designed educational illustrations for school text books.
  • Applied artistic and illustrative techniques to print, electronic and print media.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Criminology

Monash University
Roodepoort, South Africa
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Education - English Education

University of South Africa
South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

Sales Support

Report Generation

Client Retention Strategies

Sales Tracking

Production Support

Account development

Sales Pipeline Management

Client Relationship Management

CRM Software

Cross-selling strategies

Problem-solving abilities

Multitasking Abilities

Accomplishments

  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
  • Resolved product issue through consumer testing.

Software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Powerpoint

Photoshop

Pastel Evolution

Interests

Animal Rehabilitation

Nature Conservation

True Crime

Timeline

Sales Administrator

Clive Teubes Group
11.2023 - Current

Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer

Clive Teubes Group
12.2018 - Current

Operations Assistant

Bluegrass Lifestyle Real Estate
04.2017 - 04.2018

Personal Assistant to the Owner

Gary Bruyns Properties
04.2015 - 04.2017

Administrative Manager

Du Pont Telecoms - Pandacom Distribution
02.2012 - 03.2015

Personal Assistant to the Owner

Eish Studios
11.2008 - 01.2012

Digital Illustrator

Eish Studio
11.2008 - 01.2012

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Criminology

Monash University
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Education - English Education

University of South Africa
04.2001 -
Karen KotzenbergExecutive Assistant