Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Interests
Timeline
Zaheed Desai

Zaheed Desai

Resolutions Manager
Johannesburg

Summary

Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Team Manager: Resolutions/Social Media Servicing

1Life: Long-term insurance (life and funeral)
2022.10 - Current
  • Managing the complaint resolution, Regulator engagement and social media servicing functions.
  • Improved communication between departments involved in the resolution process, reducing delays and increasing collaboration.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop strategies for improving issue identification and resolution.
  • Created comprehensive reports on resolution trends, identifying areas of improvement for future resolutions.
  • Recognized as an expert in conflict resolution techniques, often consulted by colleagues on challenging cases.
  • Championed continuous improvement initiatives within the resolutions team, fostering a culture focused on excellence.
  • Conducted regular reviews of customer feedback to identify recurring issues and propose potential solutions.
  • Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
  • Increased team productivity by providing guidance, training, and support to junior staff members.
  • Streamlined resolution processes for quicker response times and increased customer satisfaction.

Complaints Resolution Officer

1Life: Long-term insurance (life and funeral)
2017.02 - 2022.09
  • Achieved high levels of customer satisfaction by consistently going above and beyond in addressing their concerns and ensuring they felt heard, valued, and respected.
  • Trained new employees on company policies and procedures related to complaint resolution, fostering a positive work environment focused on teamwork and collaboration.
  • Consistently exceeded departmental goals related to case closures, customer satisfaction ratings, and turnaround time metrics.
  • Negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between customers and the company, fostering long-term relationships.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.

Customer Sales and Service Expert

1Life
2012.03 - 2017.01
  • Collaborated with team members to achieve monthly sales targets and improve overall performance metrics.
  • Exceeded sales goals consistently through effective negotiation tactics and persuasive communication skills.
  • Maintained high levels of customer retention through exceptional service and follow-up communication.
  • Delivered excellent customer service by actively listening to concerns, empathizing with their situation, and offering practical solutions promptly.
  • Handled calls promptly and with courteous professionalism.

Financial Planner

Liberty Life: Long-term insurance (life, funeral, investment, wills and medical aid)
2011.01 - 2012.01
  • Negotiated competitive insurance policies on behalf of clients, securing optimal coverage at favorable rates.
  • Developed comprehensive financial plans for clients, resulting in improved long-term stability and growth.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, fostering positive word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients.
  • Navigated complex regulatory requirements, ensuring full compliance throughout all aspects of the financial planning process.
  • Continuously updated industry knowledge through professional development opportunities and staying abreast of market trends.

Corporate sales representative

Mango Airlines: Aviation


  • Created detailed reports on sales activities, forecasts, and results for management review and strategic planning purposes.
  • Boosted overall sales revenue by establishing strong relationships with key corporate clients.
  • Delivered comprehensive product training sessions for new corporate customers, ensuring proper usage and maximizing value from purchased solutions.
  • Expanded market reach for company products through targeted presentations and product demonstrations.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing client concerns and resolving issues.
  • Organized and attended trade shows, conferences, and networking events to generate leads and increase brand visibility.

Call centre team leader

Mango Airlines: Aviation
2006.01 - 2008.01
  • Fostered a positive work environment by promoting open communication, teamwork, and employee recognition initiatives.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous learning, providing ongoing training opportunities and resources for call center team members.
  • Assisted with recruitment efforts by participating in interviews, helping to select top talent to join the call center team.
  • Served as an escalation point for challenging customer situations, resolving conflicts professionally while preserving strong client relationships.
  • Partnered with management on strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing overall business effectiveness through improved customer engagement and team performance.
  • Leveraged advanced problem-solving skills to address customer inquiries quickly and effectively, leading to increased satisfaction rates.
  • Reduced employee turnover rates through effective coaching techniques and ongoing support for team member success.
  • Oversaw call-monitoring, coaching, performance and corrective action for all team members.
  • Motivated employees to increase productivity and maximize service quality with hands-on leadership style.

Education

Certificate in Supervision -

Damelin

Certificate in Business Writing - undefined

PMADS

Diploma in Marketing Management - undefined

IMM GSM

Wealth Management - undefined

Damelin

BCom Marketing Management - undefined

IMM GSM

Matric -

Matriculated with Merit

Compliance Management Short Course - Legal Studies

UCT, CPT
2019

Leadership X

TIH
2001.04 -

Skills

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References


  • Zubair Cassim, 1Life Business Manager, 072 934 3407
  • Ntsako Manganyi, Senior Manager - Customer Experience, Ntsakop.m@gmail.com
  • Brendon Ephraim, Previous 1Life Business Manager, 081 545 3403
  • Denvor Pillay, 1Life Claims Manager, denvorp@1life.co.za
  • Andrew Cunningham, Liberty Life, 082 882 1884

Interests

Love for the outdoors

Following up on current events

Reading

Timeline

Team Manager: Resolutions/Social Media Servicing - 1Life: Long-term insurance (life and funeral)
2022.10 - Current
Complaints Resolution Officer - 1Life: Long-term insurance (life and funeral)
2017.02 - 2022.09
Customer Sales and Service Expert - 1Life
2012.03 - 2017.01
Financial Planner - Liberty Life: Long-term insurance (life, funeral, investment, wills and medical aid)
2011.01 - 2012.01
Call centre team leader - Mango Airlines: Aviation
2006.01 - 2008.01
TIH - , Leadership X
2001.04 -
Corporate sales representative - Mango Airlines: Aviation
Damelin - Certificate in Supervision,
PMADS - Certificate in Business Writing,
IMM GSM - Diploma in Marketing Management,
Damelin - Wealth Management,
IMM GSM - BCom Marketing Management,
- Matric,
UCT - Compliance Management Short Course, Legal Studies
Zaheed DesaiResolutions Manager