Rita Vaz Haley
Bow, Crediton ,Devon
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented professional with comprehensive experience across administration, marketing, and event planning. With excellent communication and project management skills used to streamline operations, enhance client engagement, and ensure the successful execution of company initiatives. A resourceful problem-solver committed to delivering exceptional operational and marketing outcomes. Very friendly and great to work with. Committed to leveraging these competencies to drive success in future roles.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Admin Specialist (previously Marketing Assistant)
Synopsys
Exeter, Devon
02.2017 - 12.2025
- Monitored mailboxes; collated and generated reports; managed research grants; advertised job positions on University job boards; and collaborated with partners, vendors and cross-functional teams within Synopsys;
- Contributed to quarterly marketing reports; supported the sales team with budget management and booking exhibition boots, equipment and furniture at events and trade shows; performed lead and competitor research; entered campaigns and leads onto Salesforce and generated reports; posted social media updates including newsletters, blogs, and articles; and contributed to scripts and storyboards for video production.
- Responsible for the management and efficient running of the office; budget management; raising POs and approving invoices; planning, organising and running meetings and events in the office and other venues including catering and activities; liaising and collaborating with the Facilities team and Contractors (this included the project management of the office refurbishment); and organising Health & Safety at the office.
- Supported the R&D team with reports for senior management; software testing and testing related tasks; system back to prevent data loss; producing instruction manuals for databases and R&D processes; and cutting evaluation keys for software trials.
Postgraduate Research Administrator for CEMPS
University of Exeter
Exeter, Devon
08.2015 - 01.2017
- Monitored mailboxes and was the contact for PGR students and academic staff in need of accurate and prompt information and advice.
- Collaborated with many cross-functional teams within the University , such as Finance, Admissions, Events at Exeter, etc; and with external partners, including other Universities and Research Councils.
- Responsible for the lifecycle of PGR students, ensuring follow up actions were undertaken and compliance in line with immigration regulations. Used several databases on a daily basis to update data, collate and generate reports.
- Produced financial offer letters to prospective students and updated various financial systems.
- Delivered and revised the contents of the College induction to new PGR students. Produced adverts for PhD studentships on the University webpages and other platforms,
- Organised the 2nd year PGR conference for all disciplines within the College. Responsible for organising meetings, taking minutes, and booking rooms, accommodation and catering.
Catchment Sensitive Farming National Team Adviser
Natural England
Exeter, Devon
04.2013 - 03.2015
- Produced and costed collaborative agreements; drafted single tender authorisation requests; raised POs and approved invoices; monitored several CSF mailboxes; replied to queries, and sent or requested information.
- Used various NE databases and generated reports. Responsible for sending confidential information to CSF partners.
- Team lead on NE's central recording system and Huddle (information sharing site) administrator; and responsible for collating reports for senior management.
- Planned and organised training days, staff conferences, meetings and webinars by obtaining quotes and booking venues, catering, activities, accommodation and travel. Monitored farmer events and workshops.
- Responsible for monitoring CSF in Media (i.e. press, radio, web, twitter and NE intranet) and producing CSF monthly media reports. Worked closely with the CSF communications team on press releases and uploading new information on NE's intranet and internet. Supported the delivery of the national show program.
Support Worker
SENSE for deafblind people
Exeter, Devon
06.2010 - 03.2012
- Supported several individuals to live as independently as possible in secure accommodation, through provision of appropriate individualised, flexible and high quality personal support. Dealt with challenging people and situations in an appropriate manner by keeping calm and thinking fast.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Biosciences
University of Exeter
Exeter /2007 - /2013
Double Degree - MSc in Molecular Medicine and Biotechnological Engineering
University of Algarve & Cranfield University
Faro & Silsoe 10.2000 - 09.2006
A-Levels - Science
Escola Secundaria de Leal da Camara
Rio de Mouro /1997 - /2000
Skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills and record keeping
- Multitasking & time management
- Problem solving
- Database management
- Interpersonal skills & customer service
- Computer literacy
Languages
Portuguese
Native
English
Fluent
References
Viet Bui Xuan - Simpleware R&D Manager at Synopsys
vbuixuan@synopsys.com
Claudia Chan - Program Manager at Synopsys
claudiac@synopsys.com
Ingrid Weber - Program Manager at Synopsys
iweber@synopsys.com
Timeline
Admin Specialist (previously Marketing Assistant)
Synopsys
02.2017 - 12.2025
Postgraduate Research Administrator for CEMPS
University of Exeter
08.2015 - 01.2017
Catchment Sensitive Farming National Team Adviser
Natural England
04.2013 - 03.2015
Support Worker
SENSE for deafblind people
06.2010 - 03.2012
Double Degree - MSc in Molecular Medicine and Biotechnological Engineering
University of Algarve & Cranfield University
10.2000 - 09.2006
Doctor of Philosophy - Biosciences
University of Exeter
/2007 - /2013
A-Levels - Science
Escola Secundaria de Leal da Camara
/1997 - /2000