Patience Mahlare

I am an experienced operations, finance, and programme support professional with over 14 years of experience across corporate, NGO, and professional services environments. My background includes operations management, stakeholder engagement, financial administration, and programme coordination within organisations such as Standard Bank, Goldman Sachs, and the Hollard Foundation Trust. Since 2022, I have also founded and managed Fabric Haven, an upholstery small business where I oversee end-to-end operations, financial management, supplier coordination, and client delivery.

This experience has strengthened my leadership, accountability, and execution capabilities. I am particularly interested in roles within operations, programme management, and development-focused organisations where I can contribute to efficient execution and meaningful impact.

Founder & Operations Manager at Fabric Haven (2022-01 – Present)

• Founded and manage Fabric Haven, providing customised upholstery and furniture restoration services.
• Lead end-to-end operations including client engagement, quotations, procurement, scheduling, and quality control.
• Manage financial administration including pricing, cost control, invoicing, and cashflow monitoring.
• Coordinate suppliers, materials, and artisans to ensure timely delivery and consistent service standards.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
• Apply formal operations, project coordination, and people management skills in a small business environment.

Operations Manager at Duma Nokwe Advocate Chambers (2022-07 – 2023-01)

• Led daily operations of a private law practice, ensuring efficient workflow and service delivery.
• Managed staff schedules, performance standards, and operational processes.
• Implemented procedural improvements to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.

Programme Team Lead Support at Hollard Foundation Trust (2019-02 – 2020-11)

• Supported the Trust's flagship Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme.
• Facilitated monthly payments to franchisees, achieving a 90% payment efficiency rate.
• Onboarded 937 franchisees and parents onto programme systems.
• Managed stakeholder engagement with donors and corporate partners.
• Implemented employee wellness initiatives and electronic filing systems.
• Managed a successful Youth Employment Services (YES) Programme.
• Negotiated favourable telecom contracts to enable remote working during COVID-19.

Professional Executive Assistant at Goldman Sachs (2018-01 – 2018-07)

• Managed complex international travel and executive schedules.
• Coordinated high-level meetings with senior stakeholders.
• Supported the implementation and staff training of a new CRM system.

Administration Officer (Group Inclusion) at Standard Bank of South Africa (2014-04 – 2016-05)

• Managed executive schedules, travel, and expense reporting.
• Developed tracking systems that improved financial transparency.
• Supported reasonable accommodation initiatives and expenditure analysis.

Lecturer – Sport Management & Sport and Physical Recreation Studies at Tshwane University of Technology (2012-01 – 2013-12)

Administration Officer / Personal Assistant at Standard Bank of South Africa (2004-01 – 2013-12)

MPhil in Development Finance – Stellenbosch University

Postgraduate Diploma in Development Finance – Stellenbosch University

Bachelor of Technology in Sport Management – Tshwane University of Technology

National Diploma in Sport Management – Tshwane University of Technology