Thoko Elizabeth Simelane
johannesburg
Summary
Experienced professional with over 20 years in management across Travel, Education, Technology, and Sales. Expertise in Enterprise Content Management, product planning, and lifecycle execution. Led cross-departmental collaboration to align product vision with customer needs and drive revenue growth. Demonstrated capability in conducting inspections and engaging stakeholders to enhance environmental health initiatives.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Environmental Health Officer
Masike JR Projects Pty Ltd
johannesburg
01.2024 - Current
- Prepared detailed reports on inspection findings, outlining recommendations for corrective actions.
- Assessed complaints concerning workplace health and safety, conducting site visits to evaluate conditions.
- Implemented corrective actions to reduce pollution of water, air, or soil.
- Completed planned inspections of workplaces, assessing environment, equipment and practices against requirements.
- Identified policy breaches and implemented corrective action.
- Pursued continuous professional development to enhance knowledge of environmental health legislation and best practices.
- Led staff training in health, hygiene and safety standards.
- Improved workplace policies by gathering and evaluating environmental data.
- Surveyed staff to identify workplace concerns requiring attention.
- Delivered training sessions on food safety and hygiene practices to restaurant staff and managers.
- Conducted thorough inspections of restaurants and food businesses to maintain public health standards.
- Monitored radiation levels in the environment, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Produced reports on environmental and occupational health improvement strategies to guide policy and practice.
- Monitored changes in legislation and implemented required updates.
- Recorded accurate inspection findings and maintained detailed information systems for reference.
- Maintained in-depth statutory knowledge for continued workplace compliance.
- Inspected production, processing and transportation operations for conformity with governmental standards.
- Collaborated with local authorities and organisations to develop strategies for environmental health improvement.
- Advised businesses and the public on how to reduce environmental impact and improve sustainability efforts.
- Verified safe, sanitary and environmentally-friendly operations at work sites.
- Managed caseloads efficiently, prioritising tasks based on risk and urgency.
- Reviewed and approved plans for new business premises, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Delivered official recommendations on correct methods for implementing rules and regulations.
- Created estimates detailing required materials, labour and time to conduct remediation work.
- Devised risk management strategies to address core environmental concerns.
- Conducted unplanned audits to assess policy and procedure compliance.
- Issued notices and penalties for violations of environmental health regulations to safeguard community well-being.
- Responded to emergency situations, such as outbreaks of foodborne illness, providing expert guidance and support.
- Enforced occupational safety and worker protection standards across different industries.
- Analysed data from environmental monitoring to identify trends and areas for intervention.
- Led public health campaigns on topics such as smoking cessation and healthy eating to promote community wellness.
- Monitored housing conditions, identifying and addressing issues related to overcrowding and disrepair.
- Verified correct disposal processes for dangerous wastes and checked emissions levels at [Type] locations.
- Utilised geographic information systems GIS to map areas of environmental health concern, aiding in strategic planning.
- Implemented pest control measures in public and residential areas to protect public health.
- Addressed occupational health concerns through targeted business consultancy.
- Investigated complaints regarding noise, air, and water pollution, taking appropriate enforcement action.
- Cultivated effective relationships with stakeholders, including business owners and community groups, to foster collaboration on health initiatives.
- Participated in multi-agency teams to address complex environmental health challenges.
- Advocated for strategies to prevent spread of harmful substances through air and water.
Tender Specialist & Buyer
MBV Projects (Pty) Ltd
johannesburg
07.2022 - 12.2023
- Supported selection and ordering of products, ensuring timely payments aligned with supplier agreements.
- Helped supply chain managers maintain proper inventory levels for frequently used supplies.
- Collaborated with inventory management to ensure all deliveries were fulfilled and reported any missing items.
- Prepared contract drafts, purchase orders and business correspondence for team.
- Managed tender process timelines to guarantee timely submissions and compliance with deadlines.
- Prepared detailed cost estimations to support competitive but realistic tender pricing.
- Coordinated work with professionals across multiple locations, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
- Analysed tender documents to identify key requirements and assess potential risks.
- Conducted post-tender analysis to understand decision factors and integrate learnings into future bids.
- Sourced vendors for supply, office equipment and facilities maintenance needs.
- Monitored procurement portals for new tender opportunities relevant to the organisation's services.
- Photocopied and printed documents on behalf of clerical support teams.
- Prepared and processed wills, deeds and legal briefs.
- Utilised specialised knowledge of organisation's business activities to optimise operations.
- Analysed tender documents to identify key requirements and crafted tailored responses for submission.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of procurement legislation and compliance requirements.
- Drafted and reviewed contracts, ensuring accuracy and alignment with tender proposals.
- Sat in on meetings, hearings and conferences to document activities.
- Helped staff with special projects by setting up schedules and organising resources.
- Continuously monitored contract fulfilment to ensure compliance with agreed terms and conditions.
- Coordinated tender submissions, aligning responses with client requirements and project objectives.
- Negotiated terms and conditions with clients and suppliers to secure favourable agreements.
- Assessed risks associated with tender opportunities and devised mitigation strategies.
- Reviewed and updated tender strategies to maximise chances of winning bids, considering market trends.
- Customised proposals to reflect the brand's voice and align with potential clients' expectations.
- Provided post-submission follow-up, addressing queries and clarifications from clients.
- Conducted debriefs on unsuccessful tenders to identify areas for improvement and refine future submissions.
- Liaised with suppliers and subcontractors to gather necessary information and quotes for tender preparation.
- Facilitated training sessions for junior staff on tender preparation and submission techniques.
- Oversaw large team of clerical staff and set clear tasks and work objectives.
- Took messages from clients and relayed them to relevant staff promptly.
- Maintained organised calendar covering team meetings, trips and appointments.
- Developed and maintained a database of previous tender submissions for benchmarking and continuous improvement.
- Established and nurtured relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers to enhance bid quality.
- Provided feedback and recommendations on tender outcomes to improve future submissions.
- Prepared detailed cost estimates and pricing strategies in collaboration with finance teams.
- Customised tender responses to highlight company strengths and unique selling points.
- Negotiated terms and conditions with clients and suppliers to secure favourable outcomes.
- Reviewed legal and medical records and documents, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and accuracy.
- Researched issues and compiled reports, presentations and summaries from data.
- Streamlined tender processes by introducing efficient document management systems and tools.
- Monitored market trends and competitor activity to inform tender strategies and approaches.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to gather necessary information and documentation for tenders.
- Led pre-tender meetings to outline objectives, timelines, and responsibilities for team members.
- Worked with accounting to collate financial records for management team budget meetings.
- Developed and maintained a comprehensive database of past and current tenders for performance analysis.
- Trained and mentored junior administrative team members in procedures.
- Assisted associated departments with clerical and administrative support.
- Led cross-functional teams in the preparation of comprehensive tender documents.
- Authored compelling executive summaries that highlighted the unique value proposition of bids.
- Participated in industry forums and workshops to stay updated on best practices in tender management.
- Used technical and detailed information to prepare comprehensive reports.
- Tracked expenditures against budget targets and spending limits.
- Implemented quality control measures to ensure all tender submissions met company and client standards.
- Fostered relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and industry partners.
- Collaborated with marketing and sales teams to ensure alignment between tender submissions and brand messaging.
- Utilised project management tools to track tender progress and ensure accountability across teams.
- Ensured compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements throughout the tendering process.
- Developed and delivered training sessions for staff on tender processes and best practices.
- Facilitated tender review meetings, presenting findings and recommendations to senior management.
- Arranged supplies and spaces for staff meetings and trips.
Sales & Marketing Manager
Protech Training (Pty) Ltd
09.2020 - 03.2022
- Managing and setting targets for the Sales Team.
- Encouraging and motivating sales team.
- Increased brand awareness and acquired new customers through targeted marketing strategies.
- Pursued new business opportunities via market research and strategic networking efforts.
- Developed and managed customer care programmes to enhance customer satisfaction and drive sales growth.
- Maintaining relationships with key clients.
- Excellent lead generation and development skills.
- Compiled weekly and monthly reports to track performance and progress.
- Written and verbal reporting to executives.
- Preparing Presentations, drafting contracts and agreements.
- Developing content for product and company collateral.
- Attending meetings, exhibitions, expos, campaigns etc to get updates, trends and upskill my knowledge and pass over the information to the sales team.
- Organising team building, training, incentives etc. for the sales department.
- Attending to customer queries, complaints and compliments.
- Prepared and drafted tender documents for funding applications and discretionary grants.
Corporate Marketer & Acting Campus Manager (Sandton Branch)
CTU Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd
06.2017 - 08.2020
- Achieved KPIs and revenue targets set by the Director.
- Generated leads, converting them into viable sales opportunities.
- Negotiate prices with potential customers and closing sales.
- Contacting potential customers via telephone, email and face to face.
- Arranging meetings with prospects in order to demonstrate products.
- Identify opportunities for new business within the market.
- Developed long-term relationships with new and existing customers.
- Monitored competitor activities to identify industry trends.
- Ensuring all administration relating to sales is completed effectively.
- Working closely with other campuses and finding opportunities to cross-sell.
- Preparing documents and tendering.
Lifestyle Specialist
eBucks Lifestyle - FNB
01.2016 - 03.2017
- Coordinated leisure and corporate travel arrangements for private and wealth clients, ensuring tailored service and meticulous attention to detail.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through the development and implementation of feedback mechanisms and service improvements.
- Maintained accurate documentation to meet programme requirements and contractual obligations.
- Conducted comprehensive market research to identify emerging trends, informing strategic planning and decision-making.
Senior Corporate Consultant
Tourvest Travel Services
10.2012 - 12.2015
- Coordinated logistics and arrangements for extensive travel across South Africa and the United Kingdom for IBM.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Managed complaints with calm, clear communication and problem-solving.
- Maintained clean, safe working environments to eliminate accident risks.
Senior Travel Consultant - General Manager
Harvey World Travel
10.2003 - 09.2012
- Managed leisure and corporate travel operations at Travel Cafe, delivering client satisfaction and seamless service.
- Collaborated with team members to share knowledge and best practices, fostering a supportive and efficient work environment.
- Developed travel itineraries for clients based on budgets and client needs.
- Trained junior consultants on travel industry trends and customer service excellence, elevating team performance.
Intermediate - Senior Travel Consultant
Tourvest Travel Services (Under SEEKERS Travel Umbrella)
09.1999 - 09.2003
- Coordinated travel arrangements for Premier Soccer League in-house teams to ensure seamless logistics and scheduling.
- Collaborated with team members to share knowledge and best practices, fostering a supportive and efficient work environment.
- Developed travel itineraries for clients based on budgets and client needs.
- Trained junior consultants on travel industry trends and customer service excellence, elevating team performance.
Junior - Intermediate Travel Consultant
Gentravel now World Travel Services
01.1996 - 08.1999
- Guided customers in leisure travel planning to create memorable holiday experiences.
- Reserved tickets, booked accommodations and rental transportation to accommodate needs of customers.
- Handled travel arrangements for groups, couples, executives and special needs clients.
- Managed bookings for flights, hotels, and excursions, securing competitive rates and confirming reservations accurately.
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - Sales & Marketing
UniAthena
Cambridge International01-2025
Diploma of Higher Education - Environmental Health & Safety Management
UniAthena
Cambridge International01-1994
Certificate of Higher Education - FIRST AID
Alison
Online01-2024
Certificate of Higher Education - Digital Marketing
UniAthena
Cambridge International 01-2024
NVQ Level 4 - Commercial Subjects
East Bank High School
Johannesburg, GP01-1994
Secretarial Business Travel and Tourism Diploma - Secretarial Business, Travel and Tourissm
Kelly Green-Oaks Secretarial and Business College
Johannesburg, GP01-1995
Skills
- QuickTrav and intranet systems
- Microsoft Office
- Reissue expertise
- Ticketing and fare processing
- BSP ZA familiarity
- Customer relationship management
- Risk assessment
- Data analysis
- Workplace inspections
- Pollution assessment
- Report writing
- Tender management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Staff training
- Vendor negotiation
- Project management
- Customer relationship management
- Communication skills
- Problem solving
- Safety auditing procedures
- Safety inspection techniques
- Customer service excellence
- Accident and incident investigation
- Inspection reporting
- Confidence
- Personal protective equipment knowledge
- Time-management
- Decision making
- Hazard identification
- Active listening
- Incident investigation
- Effective communication
- Safety improvement strategies
- Radiation safety
- Relationship-building
- Product knowledge
- Customer engagement
- Inspection reports
- Written communication
- Proactive oversight
- Report-writing
- Investigation techniques
- Leadership qualities
- Computer literacy
- Communication proficiency
- Risk Assessments
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Fire risk assessment
- Substance analysis
- Stress tolerance
- Waste management techniques
- Safety strategy implementation
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Negotiation expertise
- Strategic planning
- Safety consulting
- Environmental awareness
- Community health initiatives
- Workplace safety standards
- Critical-thinking
- Emergency response planning
- Environmental advocacy
- Project coordination
- Organisation
- Stress management
- Equipment Maintenance
- Customer service orientation
- Interpersonal communication
- Quality management
- Strategic thinking
- Negotiation
- Industrial hygiene practices
- Environmental reporting
- Analytical-thinking
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Examining planning application
- Data collection and analysis
- Safety programme development
- Flexibility in approach
- Risk assessment proficiency
- Ethical decision making
- Policy implementation
- Process Improvement
- Hazardous waste management
- Sensitivity to confidentiality
- Crisis response
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Technical reporting
- Conflict Resolution
- Housing health standards knowledge
- Case management
- Community outreach and education
- Quality control testing
Awards
- 1987, Overall Top Position at school
- 1987, Best in Drama at school
- 1988, Overall Achievement at school
- 1993, Technological Career Workshop - Star News
- 1994, Radio Broadcasting - Drum Magazine
- 2001, Top Intermediate Commission Earner - Tourvest Travel Services
- 2002, Top SAA Supporter - Tourvest Travel Services
- 2016, Overall Top Sales Lifestyle Consultant - eBucks Lifestyle
- 2016, Top British Airways/Comair Consultant - eBucks Lifestyle
- 2017, New Comer Sales Contributor Corporate Sales - CTU Training Solutions
- 2018, Sales Fanatic Corporate Sales - CTU Training Solutions
References
- CTU Training Solutions, Alta Weeks, Manager, 078 894 9630 or 073 922 7446
- EBucks Lifestyle, FNB Shared Services, HR, 061 532 0369
- Tourvest Travel Services, Andrea Pavlou-Van Schalkwyk, Supervisor, 083 400 0034
- Harvey World Travel, Dr. Kiran Daya, Director
- Gentravel, Mirriam Khalipa, Manager, 083 894 6182
Languages
Afrikaans
Intermediate
B1
Certification
- Code 8 Driver's License
- Diploma in Environmental Health and Safety Management
- Diploma in Sales and Marketing
- Certificate in Basic Digital Marketing
- Certificate in CPR, AED & First Aid
Interests
- Travel
- Athletics
- Reading
Timeline
Environmental Health Officer
Masike JR Projects Pty Ltd
01.2024 - Current
Tender Specialist & Buyer
MBV Projects (Pty) Ltd
07.2022 - 12.2023
Sales & Marketing Manager
Protech Training (Pty) Ltd
09.2020 - 03.2022
Corporate Marketer & Acting Campus Manager (Sandton Branch)
CTU Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd
06.2017 - 08.2020
Lifestyle Specialist
eBucks Lifestyle - FNB
01.2016 - 03.2017
Senior Corporate Consultant
Tourvest Travel Services
10.2012 - 12.2015
Senior Travel Consultant - General Manager
Harvey World Travel
10.2003 - 09.2012
Intermediate - Senior Travel Consultant
Tourvest Travel Services (Under SEEKERS Travel Umbrella)
09.1999 - 09.2003
Junior - Intermediate Travel Consultant
Gentravel now World Travel Services
01.1996 - 08.1999
Diploma of Higher Education - Sales & Marketing
UniAthena
Diploma of Higher Education - Environmental Health & Safety Management
UniAthena
Certificate of Higher Education - FIRST AID
Alison
Certificate of Higher Education - Digital Marketing
UniAthena
NVQ Level 4 - Commercial Subjects
East Bank High School
Secretarial Business Travel and Tourism Diploma - Secretarial Business, Travel and Tourissm
Kelly Green-Oaks Secretarial and Business College