Annikki Laitinen
Teynham,Kent
Summary
Motivated and reliable professional with a solid background in operations, seeking a career change into a more physical, hands-on role. I bring strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic developed through years of experience in structured and fast-paced environments. Eager to apply my discipline and teamwork abilities in a role that offers active, practical work and new challenges.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work history
Various
Self Employed
01.2025 - Current
- Developing yoga teaching business - sourcing venues; promotion and marketing; managing finances; lesson planning and teaching in a friendly and inclusive manner.
- Volunteer work at Lynsted Community Kitchen Garden - working with other volunteers to plant and maintain the garden through all weathers.
- Quality Controller at A.R.Neaves cherry orchards - working in the cherry orchards to ensure the highest quality of cherries were picked and sorted in a speedy manner; keeping checking on the weight and number of crates; managing picking teams; lifting and carrying crates.
- Dog walking and pet sitting - walking local dogs; feeding cats and dogs whose owners are working/on holiday.
Head of Operations
University of Kent
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Lead on operations for Kent Business School and the Division of Law, Society and Social Justice.
- Oversee the operational and administrative services for all areas of academic delivery to support the aims and objectives of University strategy.
- Provide support to School Senior leadership teams to advise and guide on the strategic, tactical and operational matters underpinning effective support to academic strategy and delivery.
- Working with the Operations leadership team, lead and manage divisional operations teams to ensure effective and efficient operational support, clarity of purpose and engaged and motivated staff.
- Form part of the University Strategic change team to work towards financial savings and streamlined processes.
- Interim cover for the Teaching Centre Manager in Brussels and work with the Brussels closure team to ensure a smooth handover.
Medway Head of Operations
University of Kent
, Kent
11.2020 - Current
- Lead on operations and strategic planning for Medway campus, with remit including student experience, budget management and staffing.
- Responsible for identifying, developing and maintaining opportunities for collaboration with two other universities on shared Medway campus.
- Established and Chaired Campus Student Experience Committee.
- Project managing sale of two University buildings and relocation of around 100 staff members and 8 teaching spaces.
- Analysed financial data to track and achieve budget targets.
School Administration Manager
University of Kent
, Kent
02.2015 - 10.2020
- Worked with the leadership team for School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research to improve and standardise processes across two campuses.
- Chaired Medway Managers' Committee to ensure all Medway academic and central teams worked collaboratively towards shared goals
- Worked with academic team to put together successful bids to deliver Continuing Professional Development courses externally.
- Responsible for managing School's Medway budget allocation.
- Conducted individual appraisals, set KPI targets, and devised professional development plans to improve staff performance.
Recruitment and Administration Manager
University of Kent
Medway, Kent
09.2012 - 02.2015
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student recruitment by addressing issues with course titles, marketing, timetabling and student experience which helped lead to an overall increase in student numbers of 15% in one year.
- Led and mentored 8 professional service staff, fostering a culture of community and continuous improvement.
- As part of the widening participation and recruitment strategy worked with academic staff to deliver outreach programmes for school teachers and students in local area.
Teaching Centre Manager
British Council
Rabat, Morocco
09.2010 - 08.2012
- Reviewed applications and recruited teaching centre staff.
- Negotiated with external organisations to develop opportunities for new teaching facilities.
- Developed and managed student recruitment activity and held Open Days promoting courses externally.
- Conducted teaching evaluations to improve teaching standards.
- Project managed set up and delivery of English immersion programme.
Academic Manager
British Council
Delhi, India
01.2007 - 08.2010
- Developed course portfolio in response to customer feedback and business needs.
- Established programme for teacher recruitment, induction and mentoring.
- Motivated diverse and experienced teaching team of 25 employees while demonstrating strong leadership skills.
- Implemented student support systems to identify and support at-risk students, promoting retention and success.
- Facilitated workshops and seminars to enhance students' study skills, time management and academic success strategies.
English Language Teacher
Voluntary Service Overseas/ British Council
China and South Korea
12.2002 - 12.2006
- Transformed curriculum into interesting, easy-to-comprehend lessons and resources to drive optimal student engagement.
- Built student confidence and competence through targeted exam preparation and compassionate guidance.
- Conducted and marked IELTS verbal and written exams.
Equity Settlements Analyst
Investment Banks
City of London
10.1992 - 11.2002
- Delivered financial oversight and advice to corporate stakeholders, improving strategic planning.
- Liaised with international client base, providing oversight and advice on various aspects of equity trade settlements.
- Evaluated financial data from multiple sources to produce cashflow forecasts for corporate stakeholders.
Education
Diploma in Teaching English - English
International House
London 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Politics
University of Hull
Kingston-upon-Hull 04.2001 -
A-Levels - English, Maths and Politics
Chatham Grammar School
Chatham 04.2001 -
Skills
- Customer Service
- Calm under pressure
- Quality Assurance
- Resilient
- Team building
Timeline
Various
Self Employed
01.2025 - Current
Head of Operations
University of Kent
01.2024 - 12.2024
Medway Head of Operations
University of Kent
11.2020 - Current
School Administration Manager
University of Kent
02.2015 - 10.2020
Recruitment and Administration Manager
University of Kent
09.2012 - 02.2015
Teaching Centre Manager
British Council
09.2010 - 08.2012
Academic Manager
British Council
01.2007 - 08.2010
English Language Teacher
Voluntary Service Overseas/ British Council
12.2002 - 12.2006
Diploma in Teaching English - English
International House
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Politics
University of Hull
04.2001 -
A-Levels - English, Maths and Politics
Chatham Grammar School
04.2001 -
Equity Settlements Analyst
Investment Banks
10.1992 - 11.2002
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