Astrid Roxanne Thomas

Seasoned Director and Head of Operations with over 8 years' leadership experience in the non-profit and development sector, including extensive work in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) programmes at provincial and international partnership level. Recognised for a democratic and transformational leadership style, with a strong people-centred approach to staff management, HR governance, organisational development, and conflict resolution. Highly skilled in building inclusive teams, strengthening workplace culture, and leading organisations through complex operational and social challenges.

Director/CEO - REVIVE-Empowering Emotional Change

(2016-01 - 2020-12)

Provide strategic and operational leadership for a well-established non-profit organisation delivering community-based interventions, including large-scale GBV prevention and response projects.

• Provide overall organisational leadership, guiding vision, strategy, and operational effectiveness.
• Lead, manage, and support multidisciplinary teams, ensuring staff wellbeing, accountability, and professional growth.
• Oversee all Human Resources functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, staff discipline and policy implementation.
• Conduct staff performance appraisals, development planning, and corrective interventions where required.
• Lead conflict resolution processes, applying mediation and trauma-informed approaches to foster healthy workplace relationships.
• Apply a democratic leadership style, encouraging participation, transparency, and shared decision-making across teams.
• Model transformational leadership, motivating staff through mentorship, trust-building, and values-driven leadership.
• Manage organisational budgets, donor compliance, and financial accountability.
• Oversee project design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting in partnership with funders such as DSD, GIZ and the National Development Agency.
• Ensure compliance with governance, labour legislation, and donor requirements.

Executive Assistant to the Director - REVIVE-Empowering Emotional Change

(2015-01 - 2018-12)

• Provided administrative and operational support to senior leadership.
• Supported project coordination and reporting processes.
• Assisted with staff coordination, scheduling, and internal communication.
• Compliance and Policies.

Executive Projects Assistant (Project Manager) - Spec-Savers

(2012-09 - 2015-12)

• Supported project administration and operational coordination.
• Managed documentation, reporting, and stakeholder communication.
• Small Project Management under (R1million)
• SHEQ

Project Manager(small projects) - Zingisa Civils and Construction

(2010-01 - 2012-12)

• Coordinated and supported end-to-end project administration for civil and construction projects, ensuring smooth execution from planning through to completion.
• Assisted in project planning and scheduling, monitoring timelines, deliverables, and milestones to support on-time project delivery.
• Managed project documentation, including contracts, quotations, progress reports, invoices, and compliance records.
• Acted as a central coordination point between directors, site managers, contractors, suppliers, and administrative staff.
• Supported resource coordination, including workforce scheduling, allocation of duties, and administrative oversight of site staff.
• Assisted with budget tracking and cost control, monitoring expenditures and supporting financial reporting processes.
• Administered HR-related project functions, including staff records, attendance tracking, and coordination of personnel documentation.
• Maintained confidential employee and project records, ensuring accurate filing and compliance with company standards.
• Provided executive administrative support to directors, including diary management, correspondence, meeting coordination, and reporting.
• Supported conflict resolution and issue management at an administrative level, escalating operational risks and concerns where necessary.
• Ensured compliance with internal controls, organisational procedures, and construction project documentation requirements.

Executive Assistant to Directors - Zingisa Civils & Construction

(2006-03 - 2009-08)

• Managed executive administration and office operations.
• Coordinated schedules, documentation, and internal processes.
• SHEQ

Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing - PE Technicon (2002-01 - 2005-12)

CAD - Pe College (2001-01 - 2001-12)

Matric-Grade 12 - Bethelsdorp Comprehensive School (1998-01 - 2000-12)