Summary
Overview
Work History
Cover Letter
Timeline
Generic

Marianda Schlebusch

Project & Operational Manager
Centurion

Summary

Executive Summary:

With a proven track record of exceptional organizational skills and a keen ability to think clearly under pressure, I am a seasoned professional adept at navigating complex challenges and driving strategic initiatives to success. As a Gallup Strengths Finder-certified individual with signature themes of activation, strategic achiever, and command, I possess a unique blend of strengths that set me apart in the South African landscape.

My extensive experience in managing large-scale operations remotely, combined with my proactive approach to taking on significant responsibilities, positions me as a valuable asset to any organization seeking dynamic leadership. I excel in orchestrating projects across diverse teams and time zones, leveraging my innate ability to activate and influence others to achieve collective goals.

Furthermore, my comfort in working across various time zones and managing globally dispersed teams underscores my adaptability and effectiveness in today's interconnected world. Whether it's overseeing projects, delegating tasks, or preserving confidentiality while representing executives, I bring a strategic mindset and a solutions-oriented approach to every aspect of my work.

In summary, I am a proactive and results-driven professional with a rare combination of organizational prowess, strategic vision, and leadership acumen. I am eager to leverage my strengths and experiences to make a significant impact as an Operations Manager/Executive Assistant, driving forward the vision and success of your company

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Tourism division manager

Voortrekker Monument
06.2021 - 10.2024
  • Proficiently managed the Tourism division, making strategic decisions and fostering effective stakeholder communication
  • Demonstrated adeptness in financial management, achieving targets, maintaining budgets, and negotiating new contracts
  • Led pivotal projects with innovative thinking, contributing to the revitalization of tourism post-Covid-19
  • Served as a reliable manager under the guidance of the Managing Director, ensuring seamless operations and fostering confidence
  • Showcased expertise in Trade Shows and Exhibitions, including delivering keynote speeches and representing the organization with distinction
  • Inspired and led a team of 15 individuals, cultivating a culture of excellence and surpassing ordinary expectations
  • Key Achievements: Exceeded annual financial targets (R value) within a remarkably short timeframe of four months after assuming leadership of the unit
  • Established strong stakeholder relationships spanning diverse industries, facilitating collaboration and achieving mutual success
  • Significantly contributed to the success of Indaba with measurable outcomes, showcasing effective leadership and strategic vision
  • Delivered keynote speeches at prominent events such as AVEAA and Tshwane Tourism, and presented to esteemed bodies like the Board of Voortrekker Monument and Solidariteit International
  • Attend an international learnership trip across six countries in Europe, exposing participants to various attractions and fostering cross-cultural learning
  • Successfully managed crucial projects aimed at enhancing visitor experiences at the destination, demonstrating proficiency in project management and innovation.

Management of The Heritage Foundation

The Heritage Foundation
03.2021 - 06.2021
  • Oversaw the management of The Heritage Foundation, leading project management initiatives nationwide with diverse volunteer and stakeholder groups
  • Spearheaded a team of 6 permanent workers and volunteers, fostering a collaborative environment beneficial to achieving organizational goals
  • Facilitated stakeholder engagement concerning heritage sites, ensuring their maintenance and preservation aligned with both resource availability and cultural significance
  • Developed a comprehensive course on Heritage Conservation tailored for volunteers, enhancing their understanding and capacity in preserving cultural heritage
  • Managed archives, libraries, and artifacts, implementing conservation practices to safeguard invaluable cultural assets.

Networks

Federation Afrikaans Kultuur
01.2019 - 03.2021
  • Appointed to this pioneering role as FAK embarked on expanding its presence in South Africa and Namibia, tasked with establishing a new position and driving its success
  • Managed and supervised projects spanning across the Republic of South Africa, overseeing their execution, and ensuring successful outcomes
  • Delegated tasks effectively and ensured their timely completion, maintaining a high level of productivity within the team and among volunteers
  • Cultivated engagement and collaboration from team members and volunteers, fostering an organized and motivated work environment
  • Added value to community projects through strategic planning and implementation, contributing to the organization's mission of cultural enrichment and societal impact.

Project Organizer

The Woodlands Office Park
03.2018 - 08.2018
  • Held a contract position as a Project Organizer, where responsibilities encompassed training materials coordination, project management, marketing, and office management

Selected Achievements:

  • Led the management of a tender for City Power across diverse industries and resources, overseeing submissions from more than 8 companies and reviewing over 40 CVs from technical and administrative personnel
  • Successfully compiled and submitted 6000 printed pages along with three copies of the document to City Power (Johannesburg) within the specified timeframe
  • Orchestrated a high-profile open discussion featuring prominent economists, political observers, authors, and 30 Chief Executive Officers from listed and small companies, fostering valuable dialogue and networking opportunities
  • Played a pivotal role in business development by compiling budgets and operational plans for a nascent company, contributing to its foundational growth and strategic direction.
  • Participated in strategy development and planning to grow organizing program and advance campaigns.

Project Organizer

Solidarity Centre for Continued Learning
05.2017 - 12.2017
  • Served as a Project Organizer, overseeing office administration, project coordination, and events management for training and development events.
  • Participated in strategy development and planning to grow organizing program and advance campaigns.
  • Developed comprehensive post-event reports highlighting key performance indicators, areas of improvement, and future recommendations.
  • Maintained clear communication channels between all parties involved in the event planning process, ensuring timely updates and issue resolution.

Project Organizer

Solidarity Helping Hand
09.2016 - 05.2017
  • Held a contract position as a Project Organizer, responsible for managing local and international projects, overseeing marketing initiatives, and coordinating funds from abroad
  • Selected Achievements: Developed and executed a successful project plan for the Saffas project, aiming to increase donations from abroad and enhance foreign engagement
  • Managed the application (App) development and launch of a new website, in addition to implementing a comprehensive media plan and fostering foreign liaison
  • Spearheaded the project management of flagship initiatives, including the Teachers Treasure Chest: Lunchbox Project, contributing to its successful execution and impact
  • Demonstrated exceptional time management skills while working on multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality or deadlines.
  • Led the development and maintenance of Worknet, an online platform connecting employers and employees
  • Managed the setup and upkeep of the database, ensuring its efficiency and reliability
  • Established Talent site, a platform facilitating freelance work opportunities and connecting freelancers with job opportunities
  • Conducted thorough testing of the platform's functions, compiled a comprehensive manual, and executed marketing strategies to promote its usage and effectiveness.

Consultant

Polka Daisy
08.2014 - 08.2016
  • Consulted for various companies across diverse industries, providing expertise and support in project organization, data migration, recruitment, and skills evaluation
  • Selected Achievements: Project Organizer for an engineering firm, overseeing projects funded by the Development Bank SA (DBSA) in municipalities within the Northern Cape
  • Compiled maintenance manuals and conducted skills evaluations for existing workers in Gamagara and Tsantsabane Municipalities' Electricity, Water, and Sanitation Division
  • Played an oversight role for data migration at a property law firm, managing the migration of information and financial reports for 15 blocks of SECTIONAL TITLE properties to a new online system
  • Conducted recruitment activities for various clients, including compiling skills and personality profiles for new employees
  • Recruited students for specific clients, aiming to provide training opportunities for their development.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.

Project Management

DFR Engineers
01.2009 - 01.2014
  • Held a mid-level management position with significant influence on events and operations, encompassing a wide spectrum of industry-related activities, human resource management, project management, and marketing
  • Selected Achievements: Marketing: Identified industry-related events and managed event planning, including corporate symposiums, gala evenings, tenders, proposals, and networking opportunities
  • Mid-level management: Led senior project administration, marketing efforts (including networking, tendering, presentations, and operational opportunities), and human resources initiatives such as training and skills development
  • Successfully managed projects alongside engineers, ensuring effective debtors control and fostering positive client relationships
  • Recognized for strong leadership qualities and interpersonal skills, entrusted with leadership roles within the team of engineers and office staff
  • Project Manager for the M Tech / Eskom Back2Basics programme, demonstrating proficiency in documentation control and project management
  • Awarded the position of document controller and later promoted to program manager for the document control division
  • Presented optimization strategies to project managers, securing resources and executing projects to achieve goals
  • Delivered 50 process control manuals aligned with best practices, established master data governance, and provided extensive SAP training to enhance workforce efficiency.
  • Supported project management team for optimal performance.

Co-owner

Loumar Electrical
01.2005 - 01.2008
  • Co-owner of an electrical construction firm, overseeing all aspects of operations and management to ensure successful project delivery.

Project Coordinator

Benkro Construction
01.2003 - 01.2005
  • Engaged in project coordination for electrical construction firm, contributing to the successful execution of projects through effective coordination and management.
  • Responded to requests for information on materials to inquiring parties.
  • Arranged travel and accommodation for team members and project partners.

Cover Letter

[Date], [Hiring Manager's Name], [Company Name], [Company Address], [City], [State], [Zip Code], I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the Operations Manager/Executive Assistant position at [Company Name], as advertised. With my extensive experience in project management, remote operations oversight, and team leadership, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the dynamic team at [Company Name]. Your company's innovative approach to the role intrigued me, as it aligns perfectly with my strengths and aspirations. I thrive in roles where I can actively manage projects, delegate tasks effectively, and ensure team engagement and accountability. Moreover, my experience has equipped me with the ability to step into leadership roles seamlessly, making decisions on behalf of executives with discretion and sound judgment. Throughout my career, I have successfully managed projects across different teams and time zones, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and clear thinking. I am adept at maintaining high levels of team engagement, motivation, and responsibility, even in globally dispersed teams. Furthermore, I am enthusiastic about exploring new concepts such as the use of AI and OKRs in a management setting, and I am eager to leverage these tools to drive success at [Company Name]. I am particularly drawn to the unconventional nature of this role and the opportunity to chart new territory alongside your CEO. As someone who thrives on challenges and embraces innovation, I am confident in my ability to partner effectively with your CEO to steer the company forward. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or via email at [Your Email Address]. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Timeline

Tourism division manager

Voortrekker Monument
06.2021 - 10.2024

Management of The Heritage Foundation

The Heritage Foundation
03.2021 - 06.2021

Networks

Federation Afrikaans Kultuur
01.2019 - 03.2021

Project Organizer

The Woodlands Office Park
03.2018 - 08.2018

Project Organizer

Solidarity Centre for Continued Learning
05.2017 - 12.2017

Project Organizer

Solidarity Helping Hand
09.2016 - 05.2017

Consultant

Polka Daisy
08.2014 - 08.2016

Project Management

DFR Engineers
01.2009 - 01.2014

Co-owner

Loumar Electrical
01.2005 - 01.2008

Project Coordinator

Benkro Construction
01.2003 - 01.2005
Marianda SchlebuschProject & Operational Manager