Lauren Shaw
Durban
Summary
Experienced business administration and project management professional with a solid background in scheduling, budgeting, and cost management. Proven ability to manage international client relationships and design processes that improve operational efficiency. Proficient in staff management, operations oversight, market research, and strategic planning. Dedicated to applying advanced data analysis for effective financial budgeting and logistical organization to meet strategic goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
8045
8045
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Director
Truckworx SA (Spar International B.V.)
Durban
01.2019 - 09.2025
- Oversaw daily business operations, collaborating with technical teams to meet client requirements and maintain quality standards.
- Scheduled vehicle maintenance for a fleet exceeding 200 trucks and trailers, achieving 97% up time.
- Managed financial department activities, liaising with accountants and legal teams to establish budgets and contracts.
- Compiled monthly reports for clients, ensuring transparency and accountability in operations.
- Working with suppliers to ensure parts availability, best prices and quality and sourcing of new products that may be required.
- Built key stakeholder relationships to facilitate business growth.
- Established and monitored key performance indicators, gauging organisational success.
- Spearheaded strategic planning initiatives, aligning organisational objectives with long-term goals.
- Championed customer-centric approach, enhancing overall service delivery and satisfaction.
- Directed team to deliver high-quality customer service.
- Managed negotiations with clients to secure profitable contracts.
- Championed change initiatives within the organisation for streamlined operations.
- Drove process improvements, optimised workflow efficiency.
- Established solid partnerships for enhanced market presence.
- Scheduling of vehicle maintenance for fleet of over 200 trucks and trailers (ensuring 97% uptime)
- Business administration processes
- Design and implementation of all required systems and processes
- Overseeing all HR and Financial systems within the company
- Implemented operational changes for improved efficiency.
- Work closely with clients to ensure all requirements are met
- Identified and capitalized on growth opportunities in the market.
- Instituted cost control measures, mitigated financial risk.
General manager
Truckworx SA (Spar International B.V.)
Durban
01.2015 - 12.2018
- Led administrative functions, ensuring clerks performed duties efficiently.
- Collaborated with accountants to fulfill all financial year-end requirements.
- Developed and executed systems that minimized task turnaround time and stock loss.
- Conducted month-end reconciliations for accurate supplier payments.
- Streamlined administration processes to improve overall effectiveness.
- Achieved customer satisfaction with regular feedback and improvement sessions.
- Delivered results under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
- Regularly reviewed performance data, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Developed strategic business plans, enhancing corporate vision and objectives.
- Introduced effective cost control measures, reducing unnecessary expenditure.
- Oversaw all aspects of daily operations, ensuring smooth running of the organisation.
- Managed key stakeholder relationships for smoother project completion.
- Successfully negotiated contracts with suppliers to reduce costs.
- Established a positive work environment which promoted staff morale and productivity.
- Fostered a high-performance culture, resulting in increased productivity.
- Maintained organisational compliance with applicable legislation and regulations.
- Worked with board of directors to establish objectives and decisively lead operations.
- Put in place clear controls for financial administration and business management.
- Partnered with management team to optimise operations and reduce costs.
- Spearheaded strategic planning and decision-making processes aligning with mission and stakeholder interests.
Administration Consultant
Truckworx SA (Spar International B.V.)
Durban
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Established administrative systems and trained administrative team for optimal efficiency.
- Opened supplier accounts and managed staff contracts to streamline operations.
- Liaised with accountants for financial accuracy and compliance.
- Contributed to proposal and marketing materials, securing Truckworx SA's (Spar International B.V.) primary client with a fleet exceeding 200 trucks and trailers.
- Developed comprehensive reporting system, enhancing operational transparency.
- Scheduled meetings and appointments to ensure seamless executive calendar management.
- Chaired weekly team meetings, promoting open communications across the organisation.
- Implemented new administrative procedures for improved organisational effectiveness.
- Simplified complex data into understandable reports using excel functionalities for easy interpretation by senior management team.
- Assisted in budget preparation and expense monitoring to control cost overheads.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, resulting in cost savings without compromising on quality or service levels.
- Resolved operational issues swiftly, minimising disruptions in daily activities.
- Controlled, monitored and documented administrative processes and procedures.
- Streamlined office workflows for enhanced productivity.
- Documented workflow charts, records and job descriptions to guide overall organisational improvements.
- Highlighted undetected organisational needs to improve business performance.
- Encouraged development of clear objectives and action plans.
- Assisted teams with implementing new recommendations and revising instructions for staff.
- Enhanced resource utilisation to better capitalise on current resources and minimise expenditure.
International Trade Advisor for the State of Florida (USA) - Africa Office
Zurcom International
Durban
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Conducted market research for companies in Florida seeking expansion into African markets.
- Specialised in Southern Africa and SADC region to identify opportunities.
- Provided on-ground support for delegates travelling to Africa for meetings.
- Coordinated meeting schedules, transportation, and accommodation for delegates.
- Managed logistics for Trade Mission to South Africa, facilitating engagement for 22 companies.
- Oversaw event planning, including B2B marketing events with over 200 participants.
- Attended signing of MOU between Port of Cape Town and Port Miami.
- Received 'Salutes' and 'Certificate of Appreciation' from Miami-Dade County officials.
- Collaborated on innovative marketing campaigns, boosting brand visibility in the market.
- Developed new trading strategies for increased profitability.
- Fostered positive work environment, enhancing team productivity significantly.
- Implemented efficient logistics processes, ensuring smooth transportation of goods.
- Established strong relationships with international partners to facilitate trade negotiations.
- Checked investment viability to limit client risk.
- Sourced new business through strategic networking to maximise investment opportunities.
- Assessed client asset portfolios to maximise return on investment.
Administrative Manager
Intelli-Weigh
Centurion
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Updated company policies leading to enhanced workplace safety standards.
- Oversaw recruitment processes to attract high-quality candidates.
- Ensured data protection compliance with meticulous record keeping.
- Coordinated with other departments for seamless workflow integration.
Administrative Manager
Itex Consulting
Pinetown
01.2010 - 12.2012
Administrator
Tradevest Construction
Richards Bay
01.2008 - 12.2010
Secretary
Bill Roberts Financial Planning
Pietermaritzburg
01.2007 - 12.2008
Chief Oversight Officer
Splashy Fen Music Festival
Underburg
01.2024 - 09.2025
- Oversaw bar operations for Splashy Fen Music Festival, ensuring efficiency across all areas.
- Collaborated with security to address and resolve issues at bars promptly.
- Communicated effectively with sub-contractors regarding bar setup and stock orders.
- Implemented supervisor checklists to enhance operational consistency.
- Conducted on-site training for staff, introducing necessary changes and improvements.
- Compiled a comprehensive report detailing strengths and weaknesses of each bar area.
- Reported directly to co-owners, providing insights and recommendations for enhancements.
Chairman of Board of Trustees
Cottonfields Complex
Durban
01.2022 - 09.2025
Freelance Event Management (specialising in Beverages)
Event Bars
Durban
01.2009 - 09.2025
- Managed turnkey bar services across South Africa, overseeing operations for major events.
- Conducted site inspections and provided recommendations to enhance suite bar setups.
- Supervised setup and management of suite bars at prestigious stadiums, ensuring efficient operations.
- Coordinated team management, directing setup staff, runners, bar staff, and supervisors during events.
- Handled problem-solving and decision-making to address challenges during events.
- Organised stock orders and deliveries to suite bars to ensure adequate supplies.
- Executed post-event strike management, including breakdown and reporting processes.
- Oversaw operations for significant events like South African Rugby Incoming Tour 2024 and Soweto Derby, managing VIP guests and suites.
Freelance Event Manager
Freelance Event Manager (Beverages)
Durban
01.2009 - 09.2025
- Executed freelance event management on an ad-hoc and seasonal basis.
- Assisted in managing bars at multiple events, ensuring operational efficiency.
- Supervised bar supervisors and scheduled staff to optimise service delivery.
- Handled customer queries, providing prompt resolutions and enhancing experience.
- Oversaw stock control and distribution to maintain inventory accuracy.
- Managed cash floats and performed cash ups to ensure financial integrity.
- Ensured smooth operation of all bars during events for seamless guest experiences.
Management of all public bars
Kings Park Rugby Stadium
Durban
01.2009 - 09.2025
- Managed all public bars at Kings Park Rugby Stadium during major tournaments.
- Oversaw operations for Super Rugby, Currie Cup, and international rugby matches.
- Coordinated bar services for ad-hoc events, including concerts and New Year's Eve parties.
Second in charge of the management of all bars
Splashy Fen Festival
Underberg
01.2009 - 09.2025
- Managed all bars at festival during Easter Long Weekend.
- Conducted pre-opening bar checks to ensure operational readiness.
- Oversaw supervisors and provided support for staff as needed.
- Executed cash management and stock control procedures effectively.
Second in charge for the management of all bars
Durban Botanic Gardens
Durban
01.2009 - 09.2025
- Coordinated ad-hoc concerts to enhance audience engagement.
- Assisted in managing all bars, ensuring smooth operations.
- Performed administrative duties as required for effective management.
Second in charge for the management of the General Public Tickets Marquees
Durban July Horse Racing
Durban
01.2009 - 09.2025
- Managed General Public Tickets Marquees for events including Jack Daniels Boom Town and Eyadini Lounge.
- Assisted with administrative duties during Splashy Fen, ensuring smooth operations.
- Oversaw second-in-charge responsibilities over several years, enhancing event management processes.
Education
Higher National Diploma - Road Transport Management
University of Johannesburg
Bachelor of Commerce - General Management
University of South Africa
Diploma in Bookkeeping -
Varsity College
Diploma in Project Management -
Varsity College
Skills
- Business administration
- Project management
- Scheduling and planning
- Budgeting and cost control
- International client management
- Process design and implementation
- Staff management and leadership
- Operations management
- Market research and reporting
- Strategic planning and execution
- Advanced data analysis
- Financial budgeting
- Logistical organisation
- Operational efficiency
Technical Proficiencies
- Microsoft Office 365 (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, MS Outlook)
- Pastel Accounting
- BPW Products
- Jost Products
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Chief Oversight Officer
Splashy Fen Music Festival
01.2024 - 09.2025
Chairman of Board of Trustees
Cottonfields Complex
01.2022 - 09.2025
Director
Truckworx SA (Spar International B.V.)
01.2019 - 09.2025
General manager
Truckworx SA (Spar International B.V.)
01.2015 - 12.2018
Administration Consultant
Truckworx SA (Spar International B.V.)
01.2015 - 12.2016
International Trade Advisor for the State of Florida (USA) - Africa Office
Zurcom International
01.2014 - 12.2014
Administrative Manager
Intelli-Weigh
01.2012 - 12.2012
Administrative Manager
Itex Consulting
01.2010 - 12.2012
Freelance Event Management (specialising in Beverages)
Event Bars
01.2009 - 09.2025
Freelance Event Manager
Freelance Event Manager (Beverages)
01.2009 - 09.2025
Management of all public bars
Kings Park Rugby Stadium
01.2009 - 09.2025
Second in charge of the management of all bars
Splashy Fen Festival
01.2009 - 09.2025
Second in charge for the management of all bars
Durban Botanic Gardens
01.2009 - 09.2025
Second in charge for the management of the General Public Tickets Marquees
Durban July Horse Racing
01.2009 - 09.2025
Administrator
Tradevest Construction
01.2008 - 12.2010
Secretary
Bill Roberts Financial Planning
01.2007 - 12.2008
Higher National Diploma - Road Transport Management
University of Johannesburg
Bachelor of Commerce - General Management
University of South Africa
Diploma in Bookkeeping -
Varsity College
Diploma in Project Management -
Varsity College
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