Trever Pestana

I am a friendly, passionate, and ambitious individual with a positive outlook on life, driven by a commitment to excellence in everything I do. My perfectionism ensures that I approach every task with meticulous attention to detail, enabling me to deliver high-quality results consistently.

Over the next two years, my goal is to establish myself as a self-employed Project Manager Consultant, helping various companies successfully implement their IT project solutions. I believe that every project presents unique learning opportunities and I am eager to leverage my 20 years of career experience, combined with my PMP Certification, to navigate the complexities of project management.

My expertise spans crucial project management areas, including scope, time, cost, quality, risk, and communications. Alongside my technical skills, I possess strong soft skills that allow me to effectively manage and motivate project teams and stakeholders. I thrive in collaborative environments, where I can facilitate productive meetings, encourage team building, conduct insightful one-on-one interviews, and foster open discussions.

With my background and personal experiences, I am confident in my ability to guide projects to successful completion while supporting the development and engagement of the teams I work with.

Replacement of MTN Application EVD (2020)

Project Overview: To enhance the sales and vending capabilities for MTN Agents by implementing a new, improved solution that supports MTN prepaid products and third-party services (e.g., Electricity, DSTV, etc.).

Implemented Portfolio Management System for FNB (2015)

Project Overview: Led the development and implementation of a comprehensive Portfolio Management System that enhances the operational efficiency of the Project Management Office (PMO) at First National Bank. This system is designed to optimize project prioritization, capacity planning, resource allocation, and performance tracking.

Outcomes:

• Enabled the PMO to operate at an optimal level, significantly improving project delivery timelines and resource utilization.
• Improved transparency and accountability in project management processes, resulting in better stakeholder satisfaction.
• Facilitated strategic decision-making through enhanced data analysis and reporting capabilities.

Conclusion: This Project Management System empowers FNB’s PMO to effectively manage its portfolio of projects, align with organizational goals, and achieve enhanced operational efficiency.

Project Summary: Deposit Automation Solution (2009)

Project Overview: In 2008-2009, I successfully managed the Deposit Automation Solution project, guiding it from inception to implementation within a tight timeframe of six months. Utilizing the Rational Unified Process (RUP) fundamentals, I ensured a structured approach to project management while fostering effective collaboration among all stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Vendor Engagement: Conducted thorough market research and engaged with multiple vendors to assess and select the best technological solution tailored to FNB's needs. This involved evaluating features, costs, and scalability to ensure optimal long-term benefits.
• Stakeholder Management: Actively communicated with internal stakeholders, including executive leadership, technology teams, and customer service departments, to gather requirements and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Project Execution: Led cross-functional teams in the development and implementation phases, ensuring adherence to RUP methodologies by managing requirements, analysis, design, and testing phases effectively.
• Quality Assurance: Ensured comprehensive testing of the solution to guarantee a seamless user experience and compliance with banking regulations.

Outcomes:

• Successfully delivered the first 24-hour real-time deposit solution in South Africa, positioning FNB as a market leader in banking innovation.
• The project was recognized for its excellence, winning the first prize at the bank's annual internal innovation competition, with a total prize money of R1 million.

Conclusion: The Deposit Automation Solution project not only enhanced FNB’s operational capabilities but also significantly improved customer satisfaction by providing a groundbreaking service. This achievement demonstrated my ability to drive innovation and deliver results in a competitive banking sector.

Project Summary: Transitioning Legacy Systems to Windows Technology for FNB (2005)

Project Overview: As the Project Manager, I successfully led the transition of FNB's legacy backend and monitoring systems to a cutting-edge Windows technology platform—an unprecedented achievement on a global scale. My primary responsibilities included.

Key Responsibilities:

• System Analysis and Documentation: I conducted thorough analyses of the existing systems’ functionalities using use case modeling techniques. This process involved identifying key actors and outlining the necessary use cases for their interactions with the new system, ensuring a seamless transition and user experience.
• Project Management: I oversaw the entire project lifecycle, coordinating cross-functional teams and managing timelines, resources, and stakeholder communications. The project was completed within 18 months, meeting all critical milestones and objectives.

Outcomes:

• Recognition and Impact: The project's success not only enhanced FNB's operational capabilities but also garnered recognition for Microsoft at their annual conference in the United States. The collaboration between Microsoft and FNB in innovating ATM technology was highlighted as groundbreaking, showcasing our commitment to leading advancements in the banking sector.

This project exemplifies my expertise in project management, system analysis, and strategic collaboration, contributing significantly to both FNB's technological evolution and Microsoft’s global reputation.

• Adrie Rossouw, Previous Manager [FNB], +27 82 782 2244, arossouw2@fnb.co.za
• Prabhakar Manikonda, Current Manager [PSS Director], +27 78 862 6506, prabhakar.manikonda@providencesoft.com
• Deon Nel, Current Manager [MTN], +27 83 212 4622, deon.nel@mtn.com