Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Caren Street

Caren Street

Shefford

Summary

Driven and bilingual professional with a proven track record in fast-paced environments, including managing a home-based bakery business. Excelled in mathematical tasks and training roles, demonstrating strong interviewing skills and a reliable work ethic. Achieved significant improvements in communication and service delivery, catering to diverse client requirements. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Small Business Owner and Baker

Way of the Cake
04.2021 - 08.2022

Established a loyal customer base by providing personalized attention, addressing concerns promptly, and exceeding expectations.

  • Managed daily operations for a successful small business, ensuring efficient processes and quality services.
  • Demonstrated excellent time management skills by juggling multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or timeliness.
  • Maintained strict adherence to food safety regulations and guidelines, ensuring a safe environment for customers and employees alike.
  • Developed unique recipes that catered to client tastes and preferences, resulting in a diverse product offering with strong appeal.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing high-quality, visually appealing baked goods for special occasions and everyday enjoyment.
  • Maintained accurate inventory of baking supplies and ingredients.
  • Managed customer service operations, including taking orders and resolving complaints.
  • Processed customer orders and payment transactions.

Project Manager

CWT
06.2016 - 03.2021
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
  • Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
  • Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
  • Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.

Operations Manager

Carlson Wagonlit
08.2013 - 05.2016
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
  • Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
  • Analyzed data trends to identify potential bottlenecks in operations workflow, implementing strategies to mitigate risks accordingly.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.

Section Manager

Carlson Wagonlit
01.2005 - 07.2013
  • Identified section KPIs and created measurement mechanism to track operations efficiency.
  • Led employee relations through effective communication, coaching, training, and development.
  • Mitigated potential conflicts among team members by promoting open communication and fostering a positive environment.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and coaching to facilitate continuous improvement among employees.
  • Resolved customer service issues by finding immediate solutions, increasing customer confidence, and decreasing escalations to executive office.
  • Collaborated with senior management on strategic planning efforts, aligning departmental objectives with overall company vision.
  • Stayed calm, collected and logical during stressful moments to identify and implement optimal solutions.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
  • Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.

Office Manager

DHL Travel House
03.2004 - 12.2005

Supervising a team of 5-10 Business Travel Consultants in all aspects of Travel reservations and ticket issues, ensuring all itineraries are booked and quoted in the most time and cost effective way, whilst maintaining high standards and quality of service.

Ensuring smooth running of office on a daily basis.

Participate in Supplier Negotiations and meetings and communicating any new agreements or amendments to existing agreements to members of staff.

Dealt with general office administration and was responsible for the general upkeep of the office.

Senior Travel Consultant

Boland Travel
01.2003 - 02.2004
  • Booked reservations for travel, hotels, rental cars and special events such as tours and excursions.
  • Maintained accurate records of all transactions, payments received or pending invoices while adhering to strict financial guidelines.
  • Handled sensitive personal data with discretion.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized travel itineraries and recommendations based on individual preferences.
  • Proactively identified potential challenges related to visa requirements or entry restrictions, mitigating risks associated with international business travel.
  • Applied fare rules equitably to effectively meet needs of diverse business clients.

Intermediate Travel Consultant

American Express Travel, South Africa
10.2000 - 12.2002
  • Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive client information, ensuring trust and discretion in handling corporate travel arrangements.
  • Applied fare rules equitably to effectively meet needs of diverse business clients.
  • Booked tickets for air, rail, and ground transportation.
  • Assisted clients with flight changes and cancellations to minimize travel disruptions.
  • Helped customers with passport and visa applications.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of travel industry trends, regulations and best practices to better serve customers.

Education

Diploma in Travel And Tourism - Travel And Tourism

Durbanville College, Durbanville, South Africa
12.1999

TOURISM - IATA/UFTAA STANDARD COURSE

TRAVEL AGENCY OPERATIONS & PROCEDURES

PUBLIC RELATIONS – PRISA

TICKETING & FARES

CUSTOMER CARE & COMMUNICATIONS

GALILEO

Skills

  • Highly responsible and reliable
  • Works well under pressure
  • Mathematical aptitude
  • Bilingual: English and Afrikaans
  • Ability to handle fast-paced environment
  • Interviewing and training ability
  • Project Management

Timeline

Small Business Owner and Baker - Way of the Cake
04.2021 - 08.2022
Project Manager - CWT
06.2016 - 03.2021
Operations Manager - Carlson Wagonlit
08.2013 - 05.2016
Section Manager - Carlson Wagonlit
01.2005 - 07.2013
Office Manager - DHL Travel House
03.2004 - 12.2005
Senior Travel Consultant - Boland Travel
01.2003 - 02.2004
Intermediate Travel Consultant - American Express Travel, South Africa
10.2000 - 12.2002
Durbanville College - Diploma in Travel And Tourism, Travel And Tourism
Caren Street