Co-Founder & Operations / Project Manager at LIFE BY DURANDS (2019-01 – Present)
Co-manage a photography, videography and events business serving an international customer base, with responsibility for the complete project lifecycle from lead generation and sales through planning, execution and final delivery.
- Co-manage business operations and project delivery for a company that has served 2,000+ clients.
- Manage projects end-to-end, including client acquisition, discovery, proposals, budgeting, contracts, planning, supplier coordination, execution and final delivery.
- Conduct client consultations, sales meetings and project discussions in English with international customers.
- Develop customized proposals, quotations and project plans based on client requirements, budgets and logistical constraints.
- Manage negotiations with suppliers, partners and service providers to secure appropriate solutions, pricing and availability.
- Coordinate teams of up to 5 people on larger projects, ensuring clear responsibilities, timelines and delivery standards.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining client communication, schedules, budgets and operational requirements.
- Personally contribute to photography, videography, post-production and digital delivery when required, providing a complete understanding of the production workflow.
- Produce and publish SEO- and AEO-oriented content for social media and digital channels.
- Use AI tools including ChatGPT, Gemini and NotebookLM to support research, content development, planning, analysis and business workflows.
- Manage customer relationships throughout the project lifecycle, from initial inquiry to final delivery and post-project communication.
- Operate independently in a highly dynamic, international and client-focused environment requiring strong organization, prioritization and problem-solving.
Co-Founder & General Manager at CREPE BISTRO (2012-01 – 2018-12)
Co-founded and managed an events and hospitality business combining an event venue and restaurant operation. Shared ownership with spouse while taking responsibility for the company's day-to-day management and strategic and operational activities.
- Managed the complete business operation across 18+ functional areas, including finance, sales, procurement, staffing, inventory, marketing, customer service, event production and quality control.
- Led a team of 20+ employees, including recruitment, team organization, training, supervision and performance management.
- Planned and delivered 400+ events, including weddings, birthdays, marriage proposals and corporate events.
- Managed the complete event lifecycle, from initial client contact and quotation through planning, supplier coordination, execution and final delivery.
- Developed budgets, quotations and commercial proposals while negotiating pricing and requirements with clients.
- Managed procurement, supplier relationships, purchasing, inventory and operational logistics.
- Negotiated with clients, suppliers, artists, musicians and external service providers.
- Managed restaurant and kitchen operations alongside the event business.
- Oversaw quality standards, maintenance, operational procedures and customer experience.
- Managed marketing activities and social media presence to support customer acquisition and brand positioning.
- Coordinated external professionals, artists and event suppliers according to the requirements of each project.
- Managed financial and operational priorities while balancing customer expectations, staffing requirements and profitability.
- Built a strong local reputation for service quality and customer experience.
Planning & Execution Engineer / Project Management at ALIANÇA CONSTRUTORA (2011-01 – 2012-12)
Worked on the Residencial Palm Beach, a development consisting of two 21-story residential towers undertaken through a consortium with PDG.
- Participated in project planning, construction execution and operational management of a large-scale residential development.
- Performed responsibilities across planning and execution comparable to those of a project management function within the construction environment.
- Coordinated construction activities, schedules, resources and subcontracted services.
- Monitored project progress, quality standards, costs and execution requirements.
- Supported procurement, supplier coordination and technical decision-making.
- Reviewed project documentation and coordinated information between different stakeholders and operational teams.
- Followed construction activities and ensured alignment between planning and field execution.
- Supported problem-solving and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Planning Manager at WORKTIME (2010-01 – 2011-12)
Worked as a contractor supporting Petrobras, based at Petrobras facilities in Manaus and frequently travelling to the Urucu Operations Base in Coari, Amazonas.
- Managed planning activities related to the preparation of technical specifications and tender documentation for outsourced services.
- Developed technical specifications and procurement documentation for the contracting of companies supporting operational activities.
- Managed and coordinated 51 tender processes.
- Tender scope covered services supporting oil exploration, extraction, transportation and refining operations and related activities.
- Coordinated procurement documentation and technical requirements to support competitive contracting processes.
- Worked closely with operational and technical stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into formal technical documentation.
- Coordinated the activities of one building technician.
- Worked in a complex industrial environment requiring strict documentation, planning, coordination and compliance.
Contract Representative / Construction Manager / Civil Engineer at PARENTE ANDRADE LTDA. (2009-01 – 2010-12)
- Managed construction and maintenance contracts, including planning, budgeting, procurement, documentation and execution.
- Prepared budgets, quantity surveys and project schedules.
- Managed supplier and service-provider quotations, procurement and contracting.
- Supervised execution and inspection of construction and maintenance services.
- Managed contract documentation and compliance requirements.
- Developed technical and operational procedures and instructions.
- Participated in recruitment, team organization and workforce training.
- Worked on commercial and industrial projects and maintenance contracts associated with major industrial operations, including Petrobras facilities.
- Coordinated civil, electrical and mechanical maintenance activities.
- Participated in infrastructure, industrial support, utilities, earthworks, foundations, structures, paving and pipeline-related projects.
Partner / Technical Manager at DN FABRICAÇÃO DE PRÉ-MOLDADOS (2007-01 – 2009-12)
- Managed precast production operations and production planning.
- Developed technical and commercial proposals.
- Conducted technical visits and project assessments.
- Performed structural and technical calculations for retaining walls, pavements and precast slabs.
- Managed quality control and production processes.
Technical Manager / Building Maintenance Supervisor at A.R. DA AMAZÔNIA LTDA. (2007-01 – 2007-12)
- Managed building maintenance operations, planning, budgets and schedules.
- Prepared quotations and managed purchasing of materials and services.
- Supervised teams and monitored service execution.
- Prepared inspection and service reports.
- Developed hydraulic and sanitary projects.
- Worked on maintenance and installation services involving telecommunications infrastructure, electrical systems, buildings and industrial facilities.
Technical Manager / Planning Engineer at SEISUI – TECNOLOGIAS AMBIENTAIS LTDA. (2007-01 – 2007-12)
- Managed quality control, field activities and production monitoring.
- Prepared inspection and service reports.
- Developed hydraulic and sanitary projects.
- Managed personnel and operational activities.
- Developed technical procedures and standardized documentation.
- Worked on wastewater treatment infrastructure and construction support activities for the Coari-Manaus Gas Pipeline.
Quality Engineer / Construction Manager at PLASTIFLEX EMPREENDIMENTOS DA AMAZÔNIA LTDA. (2007-01 – 2007-12)
- Implemented Quality Management Systems based on PBQP-H requirements.
- Developed quality plans, inspection procedures and standardized forms.
- Managed quality control and technological testing.
- Monitored costs, measurements and execution quality.
- Developed electrical and hydraulic projects.
- Trained teams in technical, operational and quality standards.
- Worked on public infrastructure projects including a 12-classroom school and a 40-bed hospital.
Engineering Intern / Assistant Engineer at CONSTRUTORA GAFISA S/A (2005-01 – 2006-12)
- Supported construction planning, project management and quality control.
- Prepared budgets, quantity surveys and physical-financial schedules.
- Monitored costs, measurements and service execution.
- Managed supplier contracts and documentation.
- Supported procurement and competitive quotation processes.
- Organized and updated technical drawings and project documentation.
- Supported implementation of quality standards including ISO 9001:2000 and PBQP-H Level A.
- Assisted with personnel training, quality inspections and technological testing.
- Worked on residential developments involving foundations, reinforced concrete structures, masonry, waterproofing, electrical and hydraulic systems, finishes and building infrastructure.
