Grace Chigumba

Experienced Office Management and Operations professional, knowledgeable in optimising productivity, efficiency, and service quality across various environments. Highly dependable, ethical, and reliable support specialist and leader who blends advanced organisational, technical, and business acumen. Works effectively with cross-functional teams in ensuring operational and service excellence.

Operations Lead - Belvedere Wealth Management - Cape Town (Hybrid)

(2026-02)

• Promoted from Operations Assistant to Operations Lead within three months of joining, taking ownership of the firm's operational infrastructure across its UK and South Africa business.
• Rebuilt the firm's monthly Business Summary report, covering AUM by platform, AUA by adviser, and protection commission performance.
• Built nine Standard Operating Procedures and a Master Operations Manual to standardise processes across the practice.
• Designed and implemented a protection commission tracking system with provider-specific clawback logic across Zurich, Royal London, MetLife, and One Family.
• Developed the firm's commission calculation framework, including the adviser revenue split and per-adviser retention holdback.
• Restructured the firm's SharePoint to improve document management and team-wide access.
• Leading research into the firm's South Africa company registration to support its Cape Town operations hub, and evaluating VoIP infrastructure for UK-to-SA telephony.

Legal Office Manager - Diale Mogashoa Inc - Cape Town

(2023-08 - 2026-01)

• Oversaw the smooth running of the Cape Town branch, ensuring effective workflow, staff support, and operational coordination.
• Managed procurement of office supplies, assets, IT equipment, facilities, and contractor services.
• Member of the Supply Chain Group, contributing to procurement strategy and cost-efficiency initiatives.
• Supported procurement of new business through public tender applications, including document compilation, compliance checks, and collaboration with head office.
• Coordinated daily operational logistics, including staff movement planning, scheduling, and travel arrangements for attorneys and support staff.
• Booked national and international travel and accommodation for senior management and legal teams.
• Managed internal office moves, maintenance schedules, utilities, and contractor call-outs.
• Maintained inventory and asset registers and ensured compliance with internal procedures and audit readiness.
• Oversaw facilities management for office buildings and vehicles.
• Managed the Cape Town office funds and operational budget, including expense tracking, petty cash administration, and monthly reconciliation with finance.
• Supported onboarding and managed workspace allocation and equipment setup.
• Acted as key liaison for couriers, catering, building access, and internal communications.
• Led system implementation and workflow improvements for support staff and professionals.
• Key Achievement: successfully led the relocation from the 8th to the 9th floor, coordinating layout, logistics, and contractor management with zero operational disruption.

Office Administrator / Office Assistant - Equites Property Fund - Cape Town

(2021-08 - 2023-07)

• Managed office inventory, vendor sourcing, and facility maintenance requirements.
• Booked executive travel, including flights, vehicles, and accommodation.
• Facilitated employee onboarding, biometric registrations, and issued office equipment.
• Captured and processed financial data for billing, procurement, and internal reporting.
• Handled internal payment requests and monitored monthly expense records.
• Renewed B-BBEE certificates and filed annual returns with CIPC.
• Maintained accurate inventory records and ensured continuous availability of office resources.

Sales Consultant - 1Life Insurance (Telesure)

(2019-07 - 2020-01)

• Conducted warm lead follow-up calls to convert interest into sales opportunities.
• Handled a high volume of incoming and outgoing client calls in a telesales environment.
• Addressed and resolved client queries promptly and professionally.
• Maintained customer satisfaction through strong client retention practices.
• Supported sales targets by nurturing leads and building client relationships.

Personal Assistant & Legal Administrator - W Shawa Attorneys

(2017-01 - 2019-06)

• Drafted affidavits and notices.
• Prepared liquidation and distribution accounts for deceased estates in compliance with legal requirements.
• Reported estates to the Master of the High Court and managed the full administration process.
• Assisted walk-in clients with legal inquiries and documentation support.
• Managed firm bill payments and facilitated estate advertising in relevant publications.
• Attended client consultations alongside attorneys and compiled case research.
• Performed deed searches and handled the opening and closing of legal files (new and archived).
• Maintained consistent and professional communication with clients throughout matter lifecycles.

Voluntary Mentee, Deceased Estates - Master of the High Court

(2015-12 - 2016-12)

• Lodged documents and handled admin for deceased estates, and assisted with dispute resolution management.

Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Administration - University of South Africa (UNISA) (2024-03)

Higher Certificate in Law - Law - UNISA (2017-03 - 2018-11)

Matric - Jules High School (2015)