Charmaine Curtis

Dynamic and highly resourceful Personal and Administrative Assistant with a proven track record of over 40 years in business operations and administration. Recognized for exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and multi-tasking abilities, I bring proactive support and strategic insight to executive teams. My career includes 15 years of management experience, leading small teams with efficiency and professionalism.

In addition to broad expertise in operations, I have gained exposure to finance and investor relations. Early in my career, I held senior-level roles as Public Relations Officer at both Coca-Cola and Pepsi, where I honed my leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

PA to MD at Dynachem GP (Pty) Ltd (2024-08 – Present)

• Directed and streamlined daily operations for multiple companies (Everon, Romac, Management Accounts, Audits), including scheduling, meeting coordination, notifications, and task execution.
• Organized and managed the Managing Director's agenda, ensuring seamless coordination of meetings and efficient handling of email correspondence.
• Screened and routed incoming calls and walk-in queries, providing professional communication and timely follow-up for Directors.
• Delivered comprehensive meeting support, including pre-meeting briefings, preparation of materials, and post-meeting debriefs.
• Coordinated logistics such as appointments, invitations, travel arrangements, feedback communication, and task completion.
• Maintained effective liaison with warehouse, factory, and administrative staff while conducting follow-ups with internal teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to resolve queries and align with operational priorities.
• Prepared and distributed monthly Shoprite Checkers reports, incorporating data analysis, dashboards, and visual graphs to support strategic decision-making for senior management.
• Oversaw Skynamo reporting for Shoprite Checkers, ensuring accurate performance and activity reports, resolving technical issues, and optimizing system usage.
• Facilitated new store openings (SR CH) by coordinating technician communication, conducting store evaluations, and ensuring project timelines and quality standards were met.
• Managed company document control across 10 entities, serving as Commissioner of Oaths, safeguarding Directors' personal information, and acting as password custodian for tablets, Skynamo, and computer systems.
• Developed and maintained filing systems to ensure efficient document retrieval and compliance.
• Handled finance and cash operations, including petty cash, subsistence allowances, ad hoc payments, wages, and reconciliation of Directors' credit card accounts.
• Planned and executed company events, including Spring Day, Santa Shoebox initiatives, yearend functions across five regions, birthdays, and management marketing material.
• Oversaw property management for 10 business and residential properties owned by the Directors, including building maintenance, insurance claims, and all aspects of property care and administration.

Remote half-day Executive PA / Office Manager to Owner at BG Gaskets and Sealing (Pty) Ltd (2024-01 – 2024-06)

• Maintained and optimized the owner's calendar (Outlook), ensuring seamless scheduling of appointments and commitments.
• Coordinated local travel and accommodation arrangements, delivering efficient and cost-effective solutions.
• Reconciled daily expenses and prepared accurate weekly, monthly, and quarterly financial reports.
• Managed personal accounts and prepared scheduled expense reports for accountants, ensuring alignment with bank statements.
• Processed and reconciled salaries and wages for casual staff using Xero, maintaining payroll accuracy.
• Handled client communication and financial tracking, reconciling debtors, creditors, and banking transactions.
• Followed up on outstanding payments via telephone and email to ensure timely collections.
• Oversaw transport logistics, managing driver deliveries and collections for business and personal needs.
• Assisted with facilities management of personally owned properties, including utilities, security, housekeeping, gardening, and maintenance.
• Planned and coordinated events for both professional and personal purposes, including client golf days, luncheons, and international family visits.
• Compiled budgets for personal travel, creating detailed itineraries, menus, and activity schedules (game drives, sightseeing, etc.).
• Supported management of an NPO nursery school, with responsibilities including: ensuring high standards of care, hygiene, and child protection compliance; supervising staff and children, maintaining safety protocols and emergency readiness; revising policies and procedures, attending meetings, and undertaking training; preparing long-, medium-, and short-term operational plans; marketing and promoting the group to strengthen community engagement; managing budgets, accounts, and maintaining accurate records; ensuring insurance coverage and servicing of safety equipment; building positive relationships with parents and facilitating regular staff meetings; upholding strict confidentiality and performing additional duties as required.

Executive PA / Office Manager to Owner at Blue Bottle Franchise (2015-06 – 2023-12)

• Maintained and optimized the owner's calendar (Outlook), scheduling and updating appointments to ensure seamless time management.
• Organized monthly and quarterly Bottlers Association meetings for up to 150 delegates, managing logistics and documentation.
• Prepared and formatted internal and external communications, including memos, emails, presentations, agendas, and minutes.
• Initiated, tracked, and closed tasks with stakeholders, ensuring accountability and timely completion of business priorities.
• Coordinated international travel and accommodation arrangements, delivering cost-effective and efficient itineraries.
• Reconciled daily expenses and produced accurate weekly, monthly, and quarterly financial reports.
• Collaborated with the Accountant on SARS e-filing, PAYE, UIF, and VAT returns, while reconciling salaries, wages, and commissions using SAGE.
• Managed financial operations, reconciling debtors, creditors, and banking transactions.
• Oversaw transport logistics, coordinating driver deliveries and collections.
• Assisted with facilities management of personally owned properties, including utilities, security, housekeeping, gardening, and maintenance.
• Supervised a small team of support staff, fostering efficiency and accountability.
• Handled product complaints with suppliers, ensuring resolution and maintaining service standards.
• Coordinated in-store promotions and POS material, enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement.
• Planned and executed supplier events, including golf days and other corporate functions.

PA to Divisional Director at Merck (Pty) Ltd (2013-05 – 2015-06)

• Directed daily office operations, ensuring smooth functioning of supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Developed and implemented office policies and procedures, aligning with company guidelines and compliance standards.
• Coordinated meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements for the Divisional Director and nine senior team members.
• Served as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, managing inquiries and providing support.
• Maintained office records, databases, and filing systems, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversaw administrative tasks, including correspondence management, document drafting, and report preparation.
• Supported HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee record management, and office event coordination.
• Collaborated across departments to strengthen communication and teamwork.
• Monitored and managed office budgets, expenses, and vendor relationships, ensuring cost efficiency.
• Identified and implemented process improvements, streamlining systems to enhance office productivity.
• Managed diaries for the Divisional Director and senior members, ensuring effective scheduling and prioritization.
• Handled logistics for divisional meetings and events, preparing and distributing materials and minutes.
• Executed a broad spectrum of administrative tasks, directly supporting the Director's effectiveness.
• Reconciled petty cash and processed reimbursements, maintaining financial accuracy.
• Designed and produced internal newsletters, writing articles, gathering information, and coordinating photography.

Executive PA to Owner at BellCAT Tyres (Pty) Ltd (2006-01 – 2013-04)

• Managed the CEO's diary and daily activities, ensuring efficient scheduling of appointments and seamless time management.
• Recorded and distributed minutes of meetings, while screening incoming calls, directing messages, and maintaining professional communication channels.
• Liaised with strategic stakeholders, ensuring timely responses to client and investor queries.
• Monitored and managed CEO's email correspondence, guaranteeing prompt communication and follow-up.
• Coordinated domestic and international travel arrangements, including itineraries and logistics.
• Compiled and prepared emails, agendas, and minutes, tracking action items to ensure completion.
• Administered a R10,000 petty cash float, capturing data accurately on ACCPAC for financial accountability.
• Reconciled debtors and creditors, maintaining accurate financial records and supporting cash flow management.
• Supervised small support teams (Reception, Driver, and Cleaner), fostering efficiency and accountability.

Executive PA - COO at Ecolab (Pty) Ltd (2002-02 – 2005-12)

• Diary; calendar and email management; screening of phone calls.
• Create agendas; take minutes and report on senior leadership meetings.
• Travel bookings; management and expense reconciliation.
• Support with HR processes.
• Support CEO with managing Partnerships team.
• Replenish stationery and office supplies.
• Manage petty cash reimbursements and reconciliation.
• Handle events - budget, venue location, invitations, décor, set up and evaluation.

Executive PA to COO at Kynochem (Pty) Ltd (1997-12 – 2001-12)

Public Relations Officer at New Age Beverages (PEPSI) (1996-04 – 1997-11)

Public Relations Officer at Amalgamated Beverage Industries (Coca-Cola) (1985-01 – 1996-03)

Matric Equivalent – Frans du Toit High School

Public Relations Diploma – Birnam Business College