Shaina Farrell

Experienced operations and team leader with over 12 years managing departments, budgets, staff and events within fast-paced, customer-facing environments. Proven track record of overseeing daily operations, leading and motivating teams, managing budgets with strong financial acumen, and delivering high standards of safety and customer service. Skilled at coordinating events and programmes from planning through to execution, building strong stakeholder relationships, and implementing operational procedures that improve efficiency.

Brings a calm, organised, hands-on leadership style well suited to a dynamic, family-focused activity venue.

Physical Science Educator at Redhill School, Sandton (2025-05 – Present)

• Manage day-to-day delivery of programmes for multiple groups (Grades 8-10), planning sessions, monitoring progress and adjusting on the fly to keep all participants engaged and safe.
• Oversee health and safety in practical, hands-on sessions, ensuring correct use of equipment and strict adherence to safety procedures at all times.
• Provide regular, clear feedback to parents and stakeholders, maintaining strong relationships and a high standard of customer service.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to align planning and deliver joint projects, strengthening team coordination.

Head of Department - Science at King Edward VII School, Johannesburg (2023-07 – 2025-04)

• Led and managed a team of staff, overseeing daily department operations, performance, and standards.
• Applied strategic and financial thinking (developed through postgraduate business studies at Wits University) to improve department efficiency and outcomes.
• Acted as moderator, quality-checking deliverables and giving structured feedback to staff to maintain consistent standards across the team.
• Coordinated curriculum planning and resourcing across multiple groups and stakeholders simultaneously.

Head of Department: Cambridge Science & Sustainability at Somerset College (2017-07 – 2023-07)

• Led and managed teams of staff to deliver strategic objectives, successfully implementing new processes and operational changes.
• Managed department budgets, prioritising resources effectively to meet operational and financial targets.
• Pivoted operations during Covid-19 to a new online offering, growing revenue and improving customer satisfaction during a period of major disruption.
• Built strong client-facing relationships, running productive meetings (in person and online) that consistently delivered positive outcomes.
• Planned, organised and personally ran large-scale events, including chairing the school's Sustainability Portfolio and coordinating a week-long ESTEAM Festival involving multiple stakeholders, suppliers and age groups.
• Sat on multiple operating committees (Creativity, Sustainability - as Chair, Academic, Aspirational), contributing to cross-functional planning and decision-making.

Head of Preparatory School (Grade RR - Grade 7) at Mondeor Eco School (2015-10 – 2016-12)

• Managed a phase of staff and students, overseeing daily operations, planning, and assessment standards.
• Organised and ran regular phase, subject, and parent meetings, plus outings and camps, managing logistics, budgets and supplier coordination.
• Handled escalations and disciplinary matters professionally, maintaining a safe, positive environment for all.
• Moderated assessments across multiple subjects and grade levels to ensure consistent quality standards.

Front of House Manager at Mugg & Bean (2007-10 – 2008-12)

• Managed front-of-house operations in a high-volume, customer-facing hospitality environment.
• Led shift teams, oversaw customer service standards, and handled day-to-day operational issues in real time.
• Worked varied shifts including weekends and holidays in a fast-paced service setting.

Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration & Management – University of the Witwatersrand (2023 – 2025)

Bachelor of Education – Stellenbosch University (2009 – 2012)