Tiffany Mabunda

Chief of Staff at WeThinkCode, South Africa's leading tuition-free software development academy, operating across Johannesburg and Cape Town. I lead the operational function of a 38-person organisation: translating strategy into clear processes, building the systems and workflows that enable consistent execution, and coordinating across finance, operations, and programme teams to keep the business running effectively. My work covers the full operational scope, process design, technology integration, budget management, procurement, contract oversight, and project delivery.

I manage the CEO's strategic priorities end-to-end, maintain relationships with over 65 corporate partners and funders, and serve as the operational reporting line for all staff below ExCo level. I identify where execution is breaking down and put the right structures in place to fix it. WeThinkCode's model only works if the inside of the organisation runs well.

That's the job.

Chief of Staff to CEO - WeThinkCode

(2023-05)

• Operations Strategy. Translated the CEO's strategic priorities into documented operational processes, clear ownership structures, and phased delivery plans, giving the organisation a defined path from decision to execution across all three campuses.
• Systems & Workflow Development. Designed and implemented the tools, systems, and workflows the organisation depends on for consistent execution, including project tracking in Monday.com and ClickUp, financial operations in Xero, CRM management in HubSpot, and documentation and knowledge management in Notion.
• Technology & Automation. Led the assessment and rollout of technology platforms across the organisation, identifying automation opportunities and overseeing integration of tools across finance, HR, and programme operations to improve efficiency and reduce manual workload.
• Cross-Functional Coordination. Coordinated across finance, operations, and programme teams to ensure effective organisational delivery, owning the governance structures, meeting cadences, and reporting rhythms that keep departments aligned and accountable to shared goals.
• Budget Management. Managed the operations budget end-to-end: annual planning, departmental allocation, expenditure tracking, variance analysis, and financial reporting to the CEO and board.
• Procurement & Contracts. Strengthened procurement and contract management systems, developing policies, managing supplier relationships, overseeing contract negotiations, and ensuring compliance with organisational and funder requirements.
• Gap Analysis & Improvement. Conducted ongoing operational reviews to identify gaps in process, reporting, and execution. Introduced targeted improvements to budgeting, procurement, and reporting systems that reduced operational risk and improved performance across the organisation.
• Project Management. Delivered between 3 and 5 cross-functional projects per year, depending on funding cycles, managing scope, resources, risks, milestones, and stakeholder reporting from initiation through to completion.
• People Operations. Built HR and people systems from the ground up across a 38-person organisation: recruitment and selection, onboarding, performance management, compensation benchmarking, and retention frameworks. As an ExCo member, I have direct oversight of the Placements, Operations, and Student Recruitment teams.
• Stakeholder & Partner Management. Oversee the team responsible for managing relationships with over 65 corporate partners, including briefings, reporting on programme outcomes, follow-through on commitments, and representation at external engagements and negotiations, stepping in directly where escalation or executive input is required.
• Board & Executive Reporting. Collaborate with ExCo to prepare board packs, executive briefings, and performance dashboards. Co-own the governance calendar, including board reporting cycles, quarterly reviews, and leadership meeting cadences.

Executive Assistant to CEO - WeThinkCode

(2021-02 - 2023-04)

• Executive Operations. Managed the CEO's diary, travel, board correspondence, and confidential Executive Operations. Managed the CEO's diary, coordinated domestic and international travel, handled confidential correspondence, and ensured the day-to-day running of the executive office across a rapidly scaling organisation.
• Stakeholder Coordination. Served as the first point of contact between the CEO's office and internal teams, board members, and external partners, managing communication flow and ensuring the right people had the right information at the right time.
• Meeting & Governance Support. Prepared meeting packs, recorded minutes, tracked action items, and followed up on outstanding decisions to ensure accountability between meetings.
• Administrative Systems. Documented and maintained the administrative processes, filing systems, and communication protocols that kept the executive office running consistently and efficiently.

Special Programme Coordinator - WeThinkCode · WomenThinkCode

(2019-12 - 2021-01)

• Inclusion Strategy. Designed and led WeThinkCode's gender inclusion programme, auditing all marketing materials, tone, and imagery, and implementing changes that made the programme accessible and relevant to women considering a career in software development.
• Community Partnerships. Established formal partnerships with women-focused community organisations to build trust, expand outreach, and increase applications from underrepresented groups, managing those relationships from initial engagement through to sustained collaboration.
• Enrolment Outcomes. Achieved 50% female enrolment by 2021, a measurable result of targeted programme design, structured community engagement, and consistent stakeholder follow-through over the course of the initiative.
• Retention & Support. Designed and implemented internal support structures, mentorship pairings, peer forums, and reporting channels to improve the experience and programme completion rates of female students once enrolled.

Boutique Manager · EA to MD - Indique Hair Health & Beauty

(2014-06 - 2016-12)

• Operations & Team Management. Managed full boutique operations, including sales, customer service, stock control, supplier relationships, financial reconciliation, and oversight of a specialist team in a high-end retail environment.
• Executive Support. Supported the Managing Director with scheduling, correspondence, and operational reporting, providing early exposure to executive-level decision-making that laid the groundwork for a career in organisational operations.

BCom - Law - University of South Africa (UNISA)