PALNA GANATRA
London
Summary
Strategic operations and premises management leader with strong financial acumen and a track record of elevating organisational performance across multi-site, high-growth environments. Brings a modern, commercially-aligned approach to facilities oversight, budget control, stakeholder engagement and operational governance. Known for precision, clarity and structured execution. Skilled at simplifying complexity, strengthening operational systems, and driving efficiency through data-informed decision-making. Operate with a forward-thinking mindset, ensuring environments, processes and people function at peak performance.
Overview
4
4
years of post-secondary education
22
22
years of professional experience
Work history
Library Assistant
Dulwich College Junior School
2025.09 - 2026.07
- Maintain a structured, safe and high-functioning learning environment
- Manage stock integrity, repairs, cataloguing preparation and borrower records
- Oversee daily operational needs including stationery, displays and premises upkeep
- Provide digital and in-person support to pupils and staff
- Contribute to wider school operations and event delivery
HR Business Partner & Office Operations Lead
AnyVan Ltd
2018.04 - 2019.12
- Led operational management across London and Newcastle sites
- Owned annual budgets for HR Operations & Office Management across four countries
- Supported payroll processes and managed employee expenses and approvals
- Acted as escalation point for 200+ employees across the UK and Europe
- Delivered onboarding/offboarding, policy frameworks and culture-enhancing initiatives
- Partnered with senior leadership to strengthen organisational practices
HR Advisor / Office Manager / Accounts Payable
Upstream Marketing Programs Ltd
2015.05 - 2017.05
- Oversaw full facilities management including maintenance and business insurances
- Managed AP/AR, reconciliations, invoicing, purchase orders and multi-currency transactions
- Supported external audits, budget forecasting and financial reporting
- Negotiated supplier contracts, reducing overheads by 30%
- Coordinated domestic/international travel, events and executive schedules
- Delivered HR onboarding/offboarding and policy design
HR Generalist / Office Manager
Innovate Finance & Think Jam
2017.01 - 2017.01
- Managed facilities, travel, supplier relationships and safety protocols
- Coordinated high-impact internal and external events
- Delivered recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration and HR advisory support
- Enforced building safety standards including pest control, PAT testing and fire warden duties
- Short-term contracts
Service Delivery & Operations Manager
ClickOn IT London Ltd
2014.03 - 2015.05
- Directed AP/AR, reconciliations, management reporting and ledger improvements
- Identified cost reductions and growth opportunities through MI analysis
- Managed client accounts, supplier partnerships, SLA performance and KPI delivery
- Strengthened internal controls and supported HR policy implementation
- Oversaw business insurances and operational compliance
Practice Manager
Splendent Care Ltd
2013.08 - 2014.03
- Led full operational and premises management of a dental practice
- Controlled budgets, procurement and weekly/monthly financial reporting
- Introduced new procedures, marketing initiatives and community outreach
- Increased revenue through private client growth and targeted events
Customer Service & Library Roles
London Borough of Croydon Council
2005.01 - 2014.01
- Delivered customer-facing services, digital support, cash handling and statistical reporting
- Organised community engagement events and maintained premises standards
- Liaised with schools, senior staff, external contacts and the public
- Ensured compliance with council procedures and the Data Protection Act
Education
BA (Hons) - Theology & Religious Studies
University of Roehampton
2006.01 - 2010.01
Skills
- SAP
- Sage
- Xero
- QuickBooks
- KashFlow
- MS Office (Advanced Excel)
- Canva
- Heritage Library System
- Jira
- Slack
- ICIMS
- Google Workspace
- Mac & Windows OS
CORE STRENGTHS
- Strategic Premises Management — Multi-site oversight, compliance, supplier optimisation, operational continuity
- Financial Operations & Control — AP/AR, reconciliations, payroll support, forecasting, multi-currency processing, month-end discipline
- Executive Stakeholder Engagement — Senior leadership alignment, cross-functional collaboration, strategic communication
- Operational Systems & Efficiency — Process optimisation, governance, risk mitigation, performance improvement
- Time-Critical Delivery — High-volume workload control, deadline accuracy, structured prioritisation
- Detail-Driven Quality — Auditing, compliance, documentation accuracy, policy implementation
Timeline
Library Assistant
Dulwich College Junior School
2025.09 - 2026.07
HR Business Partner & Office Operations Lead
AnyVan Ltd
2018.04 - 2019.12
HR Generalist / Office Manager
Innovate Finance & Think Jam
2017.01 - 2017.01
HR Advisor / Office Manager / Accounts Payable
Upstream Marketing Programs Ltd
2015.05 - 2017.05
Service Delivery & Operations Manager
ClickOn IT London Ltd
2014.03 - 2015.05
Practice Manager
Splendent Care Ltd
2013.08 - 2014.03
BA (Hons) - Theology & Religious Studies
University of Roehampton
2006.01 - 2010.01
Customer Service & Library Roles
London Borough of Croydon Council
2005.01 - 2014.01