Personal Assistant to the MD
BuroHappold Engineering
Total years of experience :27 years, 5 Months
BuroHappold is an international engineering consultancy, founded the UK, operating in 23 locations worldwide. My role is to support the AIME (Asia, India & Middle East) Managing Director through:
• email management, delegating and/or responding where appropriate
• managing complex global travel schedules
• extensive diary management
• screening calls, client contact and staff requests, delegating where appropriate
• producing and collating presentations and staff briefings
• Regional Board Secretary role
• Global Co-ordinator for the CSR scheme - Share Our Skills - a Dragons’ Den style initiative
• general secretarial/administrative duties
Macsteel International is a steel trading company, founded in South Africa. My role was to support the CEO of the Dubai Branch with the operational running of the branch through:
• prepared/collated reports
• serviced high-level meetings
• supply ordering/administration support
• managed personal properties and other assets
• supported family/maid
• produced extensive travel itineraries for the CEO & Directors
• office management duties, supporting 40 staff
• supervision of 6 junior members of staff
• HR administrator role for Dubai office
Terraseis is a geophysical seismic company, originally founded in Canada. My role was multi-dimensional, supporting the Chairman:
• managed personal business/finances/assets
• extensive support to family
• Secretary to the Board of Directors
• organised team-building events in various countries
• established efficient filing system for legal documentation for group of 12 companies
• Office Manager role supporting Dubai office
• collated data, weekly status reports and conducted ad hoc research
• managed company’s rental accommodations/vehicles
• supervision of 5 office/domestic staff
Dubai First was a start-up company in the consumer finance market. I supported the Chief Operating Officer and the Managing Director by:
• produced reports and presentations
• ensured the MD and COO were well prepared for meetings
• managed extensive travel itineraries
• diary management/administrative support
• organising and storing paperwork and computer-based information
Due to the global recession, this business was unable to fulfill many of its ambitions, and scaled back their services and personnel. I, therefore, sought another role after only 6 months.
A new Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected each May to Chair the full Council meetings and to carry out civic duties on behalf of the Local Authority. My role was to provide a comprehensive PA/secretarial, events management and administrative service:
• arranged the attendance of Mayor and/or Deputy at approx 500 civic events per year
• planned and attended up to 5 large annual civic events for up to 300 people
• organised and attended up to 150 receptions per year in the Mayor’s Parlour
• assisted the Lord Lieutenant’s Office in organising Royal family/VIP visits to the borough
• liaised with organisations, agencies, members of the public, and MPs to establish Mayor’s role at events
• produced briefing notes, speeches and appropriate background information for engagements
Previous Positions at North Tyneside Council: PA to Head of Community Services; Head of Secretarial Services; Secretarial Services Assistant; Shorthand Typist
European Computer Driving Licence
B/Tech National Certification in Public Administration
1 'O/A' Level Grade 5 'O' Level Grades RSA III Typewriting Distinction Pitman 110 wpm Shorthand Pitman Advanced Word Processing Pitman Advanced Audio-Typewriting