Katherine (Kate) Hurpaul
Executive Assistant
Midrand
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in executive support and project management, honed at Wabtec Corporation. Skilled in optimizing schedules and enhancing team communication. Proven track record in managing confidential information and driving organizational efficiency. Adept at fostering strong interpersonal relationships and delivering exceptional administrative support to achieve strategic objectives.
Driven and resourceful administrative professional with 3 decades of experience assisting with work of high-achieving executives. Track record supporting professional needs with well-organized precision. Successfully manages high-volume workloads in rapidly changing environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Executive Assistant/Office Manager
Wabtec Corporation
08.2018 - 06.2025
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Streamlined executive communication by managing emails, phone calls, and scheduling appointments.
- Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate effective communication throughout the company.
- Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Coordinated events for staff members, promoting team-building activities and boosting morale within the workplace.
- Managed office inventory, tracking supplies and placing orders to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Delivered exceptional organizational support enabling executive focus on high-level strategic initiatives fostering company growth.
- Ensured smooth daily operations through consistent maintenance of office equipment, troubleshooting issues when necessary.
Project Assistant
General Electric Company
10.2013 - 07.2018
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in all project documentation, ensuring consistency and clarity throughout the lifecycle of projects.
- Researched and analyzed data to support project-related decisions.
- Provided assistance with preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts and presentations
- Handled administrative duties, filing, and errands.
- Contributed to successful project outcomes by providing comprehensive administrative support to the team.
- Worked with senior leadership to complete complex projects on time and under-budget.
- Maximized use of resources by coordinating procurement activities such as vendor selection, contract negotiation, and purchase order management.
- Completed multiple tasks simultaneously to optimize project completion.
- Provided technical support to project stakeholders to help meet project objectives.
- Maintained a well-organized document repository for easy access to vital information during the lifecycle of projects.
- Strengthened working relationships between team members with effective collaboration on tasks and open communication channels.
- Enhanced team communication by organizing and maintaining accurate documentation of meeting notes, action items, and followups.
- Assisted project managers in achieving timely completion of projects through diligent monitoring and tracking of deadlines.
Head Hostess/Waitress Supervisor
La Casa Nostra
10.2010 - 07.2013
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Took reservations by phone and walk-in, keeping scheduling demands, and kitchen output in time to avoid overbooking.
- Assigned work tasks and coordinated activities of dining room personnel to provide prompt and successful service to patrons.
- Monitored seating area and checked restrooms regularly to keep spotless.
- Handled guest complaints with tact and diplomacy, working to find satisfactory resolutions promptly.
- Trained and mentored new staff members to ensure consistent service quality and adherence to restaurant policies.
- Established a welcoming atmosphere by greeting guests promptly and professionally upon arrival.
- Oversaw the dining room layout and table settings, ensuring compliance with restaurant standards and aesthetics.
- Participated in regular staff meetings to discuss operational improvements, share customer feedback, or address any challenges faced by the team.
- Ensured that all opening/closing duties were completed accurately and thoroughly each shift for optimal daily operations.
- Collaborated with management to develop strategies for improving overall guest experience and increasing repeat business.
- Maintained a clean, organized hostess stand, contributing to an inviting ambiance throughout the restaurant.
Marketing Assistant
Japan Tobacco International
01.2006 - 08.2010
- Input new data, updated old records and cross-checked information to keep marketing database up-to-date.
- Increased brand awareness by implementing targeted marketing campaigns and social media strategies.
- Created engaging content for Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Boosted sales performance by assisting in the creation of persuasive marketing materials such as brochures and product sheets.
- Maximized event attendance with thorough planning, promotion, and logistics support for conferences, webinars, or workshops.
- Amplified social media reach, creating engaging visual assets such as infographics and videos for widespread distribution.
- Strengthened brand identity with consistent messaging across various platforms including print, digital, and social media channels.
- Enhanced customer engagement with the development of compelling content for email newsletters and blog posts.
- Proofread marketing collateral ahead of printing to eliminate errors.
- Streamlined marketing processes, optimizing efficiency through the use of project management tools and software.
- Supported content creation for corporate social responsibility initiatives to strengthen brand reputation.
- Improved website traffic, monitoring analytics data to inform adjustments to content strategy and search engine optimization efforts.
- Coordinated trade show presence, ensuring effective representation at industry events to generate leads and increase brand visibility.
Sales Assistant
Aqua Innovate/Pristine Water Supply
01.2003 - 12.2005
- Increased sales by building strong customer relationships and providing excellent service.
- Handled customer inquiries, complaints, and returns professionally, ensuring a positive experience for all clients.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Assisted customers in making informed decisions by offering detailed product knowledge and comparisons.
- Managed inventory to ensure optimal stock levels, minimizing overstock and out-of-stock situations.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with personalized product recommendations based on their needs and preferences.
- Assisted customers with prompt and polite support in-person and via telephone.
- Remained calm and poised in high-stress, dynamic environment to promote service to customers and staff.
- Kept up-to-date records of daily sales activities, monitoring progress towards individual goals.
Education
GED -
Alison Academy
United Kingdom 04.2001 -
Skills
Administrative support
Executive support
Office management
Information confidentiality
Calendar management
Customer service
Scheduling
Schedule management
Mail management
Schedule & calendar planning
Office administration
Meeting planning
File organization
Business administration
Interpersonal communication
Project management
Travel arrangements
Timeline
Group Executive Assistant/Office Manager
Wabtec Corporation
08.2018 - 06.2025
Project Assistant
General Electric Company
10.2013 - 07.2018
Head Hostess/Waitress Supervisor
La Casa Nostra
10.2010 - 07.2013
Marketing Assistant
Japan Tobacco International
01.2006 - 08.2010
Sales Assistant
Aqua Innovate/Pristine Water Supply
01.2003 - 12.2005
GED -
Alison Academy
04.2001 -