Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Referees
Timeline
Generic
Enya Kennedy

Enya Kennedy

Aberdeen,Aberdeenshire

Summary

PERSONAL PROFILE

Senior business improvement and change professional with experience delivering operational and organisation change and improvement initiatives across regulated, multi-stakeholder environments. Combines strategic awareness with hands-on delivery, translating organisational priorities into practical and workable outcomes.

Currently working within public sector housing, leading improvement initiatives across process, performance and accountability including ongoing GDPR-related governance implementation. Acts as a trusted partner to operational and management teams, providing constructive challenge and driving change where existing approaches are not delivering required outcomes.

Previously held Managing Director roles with responsibility for international operations across the UK and Azerbaijan, including leading regulatory-driven business change, establishing governance structures, and maintaining performance through periods of transition.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work history

Business Improvement Manager

Mears Group Plc
Enfield, Remote, Remote
2024.05 - Current
  • Lead complex improvement and change initiatives across operational service areas, acting as a subject matter expert for process and performance.
  • Act as a trusted partner to operational and management teams, providing constructive challenge where existing approaches are not delivering required outcomes.
  • Leading an ongoing GDPR governance project, establishing controls and processes and strategic proposals to ensure compliance and risk management.
  • Write strategic proposals and business cases identifying gaps between intent and execution and implementing workable solutions.
  • Navigate organisational and contractual constraints, developing pragmatic approaches to enable delivery within a complex, government contract environment.
  • Drive improvements in performance, accountability and service outcomes, ensuring changes are adopted and sustained in day to day operations.

Management / Business Consultant (Self Employed)

Maxi-Mize QA Limited
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
2023.01 - Current

UK & Global ISO Standards Implementation Services

  • Managing growth strategies to boost client engagement and project implementations.
  • Innovating business practices for enhanced client relations and streamlined operations.
  • Crafting comprehensive proposals, Statements of Work (SOWs), and implementation plans.

Managing Director

Avanteq Limited
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
2016.07 - 2021.12

Well Engineering & Subsea Manpower Consultancy (Ltd & AW)

  • Led the repositioning of the business in response to IR35, transitioning latterly from a consultancy model to an agency-based operating model.
  • Implemented revised contractual frameworks, compliance structures and delivery processes aligned to regulatory requirements.
  • Steered the strategic direction and operational control of the company in both the UK and Azerbaijan, achieving operational longevity and client satisfaction.
  • Wrote and executed business plans aligned with shareholder expectations, leading to significant cost reductions and operations efficiencies (30% reduction in company spend).
  • Championed financial and operational planning, maintaining stringent control over costs in response to market fluctuations.
  • Drove the company towards financial, quality, cultural, and legislative goals, enhancing forecasting accuracy through keen business and risk analysis.
  • Managed HR functions, including recruitment and mentoring, fostering a culture of exceptional client service and subsequent staff development.
  • Negotiated and communicated effectively with key stakeholders and clients internationally.
  • Ensured compliance with regulations and internal policies through meticulous record-keeping.
  • Implemented strategic technology upgrades and process improvements, achieving ISO and BSI Certifications and improved operational efficiency (paperless environment).
  • Represented the organization in public, government and client forums in the UK and Azerbaijan.
  • Identified and acted on opportunities for operational and financial improvement, including senior account management with key clients.
  • Established and maintained strong relationships with clients and third parties, resulting in Preferred Supplier List (PSL) inclusions and excellent vendor relations.
  • Notable achievement: Managed the Caspian Region entity from inception in 2005, growing turnover from circa £11M to £45M.
  • Successfully navigated the company through numerous legislative processes and changes in the Caspian Region, minimizing financial impacts and preserving company reserves.
  • Implemented alternative operational models post-exit, maintaining seamless service delivery.
  • Achieved an overall 50% turnover growth from 2017 to 2020.
  • Led multiple M&A attempts, culminating in the company’s successful Member’s Shareholder Voluntary Liquidation (MVL) in 2021/22.

Global Operations Manager

Avanteq Ltd
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
2010.11 - 2016.06
  • Developed and managed all aspects of recruitment, business development, contractual affairs, performance improvement, and quality control across multiple regions (UK, Azerbaijan, Norway, Africa, Far East, Europe), leading to over 30 client contracts.
  • Established and maintained profitable in-country agency agreements, ensuring compliance with local immigration and tax laws.
  • Crafted and executed a comprehensive global business strategy, overseeing international operations and adherence to operational policies and Quality Management Systems.
  • Served as Baku Branch Manager, overseeing a locally staffed team and managing key client contracts.
  • Regularly coordinated with key client contacts, government bodies, and legal & tax advisors to maintain legislative compliance in the UK and abroad.
  • Formulated and executed strategies to enhance employee performance and efficiency.
  • Analysed client and consultant feedback to drive continuous improvement in service delivery.

Business Development Manager

Avanteq Ltd
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
2003.04 - 2010.11
  • Led Business Development initiatives, ensuring comprehensive client awareness of the company’s services.
  • Identified and capitalized on new business opportunities within existing client networks.
  • Explored and developed international business prospects globally.
  • Managed corporate marketing, advertising activities, and website development, actively promoting the company through targeted campaigns.
  • Notable achievement: the Caspian Entity Business Plan, positioning Avanteq as the exclusive provider of contingent Wells consultants for a major client’s Global Wells and Subsea units.

Business Relationship Coordinator

Instalec Networking Ltd
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
2001.05 - 2003.03
  • Managed client relationships and project coordination, aimed at promoting company IT products and network support services to both existing and potential clients.
  • Acted as a key liaison between the company and clients, managing and expanding accounts.
  • Proactively identified new business opportunities through regular client engagements.
  • Coordinated internal teams for project rollouts, ensuring smooth client communication throughout.

Bids and Proposals Coordinator

Instalec Networking Ltd
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
2001.03 - 2001.05
  • Created and quality-controlled network support contract proposals and agreements.
  • Collaborated closely with internal teams and clients to ensure accurate reflection of service requirements in all contracts.
  • Undertook account management responsibilities to enhance business growth.

Marketing & Management Assistant

Safe Service Ltd (ProSafe ASA)
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
1993.06 - 2001.02
  • Developed marketing, public relations, and advertising initiatives to elevate company profile.
  • Developed marketing materials and promotional content, overseeing projects from conception to completion within budget.
  • Coordinated with internal teams and external media contractors.
  • Provided comprehensive executive support to senior management.

Education

APMG International Accreditation & Certification - Change Management Practitioner

APMG
International
/2023 - /2024

Skills

  • Business Improvement & Change Delivery
  • Governance & Operating Model Design
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
  • Process & Performance Improvement
  • Regulatory & Compliance Environments
  • Strategic to Operational Delivery
  • Private & Public Environments

Referees

Available on request.

Timeline

Business Improvement Manager

Mears Group Plc
2024.05 - Current

Management / Business Consultant (Self Employed)

Maxi-Mize QA Limited
2023.01 - Current

Managing Director

Avanteq Limited
2016.07 - 2021.12

Global Operations Manager

Avanteq Ltd
2010.11 - 2016.06

Business Development Manager

Avanteq Ltd
2003.04 - 2010.11

Business Relationship Coordinator

Instalec Networking Ltd
2001.05 - 2003.03

Bids and Proposals Coordinator

Instalec Networking Ltd
2001.03 - 2001.05

Marketing & Management Assistant

Safe Service Ltd (ProSafe ASA)
1993.06 - 2001.02

APMG International Accreditation & Certification - Change Management Practitioner

APMG
/2023 - /2024
Enya Kennedy