Paula Vicente
Montijo
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Operations
Coffee Ithaka S.A
01.2019 - 05.2024
- Supervision of operational activities across the company to ensure performance with efficiency and excellence
- Collaboration with other managers (Logistics, quality, finance, trading, human resources) in strategic planning, with the aim of ensuring the best operational strategies and implementing new practices to improve quality and/or increase productivity
- Logistics and quality management of a team of 9 employees, based in Addis, Ethiopia
- Including budget management, recruitment of new employees, yearly performance evaluation and yearly targets for each member
- Managing and follow up on post-sales shipments and deliveries to assurance contract completion and client satisfaction
- Spot contracts management: landing instruction, releases, invoicing, sample instructions
- Warehouse inventory reports control
- Negotiating rates with services providers (warehouses, freight brokers, insurance companies)
- Resolving and executing all marine insurance claims
- Executing price fixation requests in New York and London futures exchange, including issuance, and sending of fixations letters
- Negotiating prices, contracts, and terms of sales with costumers including issuance of contracts internal system Eximware
- Support the Trade Department in monitoring Sales Book Performance and Long Positions
- Preparing cupping sessions including, green coffee roasting, tasting and recording results
- Monitoring industry trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector.
Marketing & Sales
Coffee Ithaka S.A.
05.2017 - 01.2019
- Manage existing customer accounts and develop new relationships with clients and suppliers
- Business development and implementation of new strategies to increase sales
- Negotiating prices, contracts, and terms of sales with costumers
- Contribute to purchase planning through awareness of origin product availability and clients needs
- Managing and recording costumers’ sales, needs, issues, completive activities and potential interest in new products.
Operation Executive
Equatorial Traders Ltd
09.2013 - 04.2017
- Responsible for monitoring and handling shipments and logistics worldwide
- Liaise with relevant parties in preparing shipping instructions and tracking shipments
- Preparing shipping advice and invoices, processing incoming and outgoing shipping export documentation
- Leasing with brokers and shipping lines for shipping quotations and rates
- Opening and managing Letters of Credit with correspondent banks
- Creating credit and debit notes as necessary
- Updating database with sample results, shipping details, document information, freight costs, stock reports
- Leasing with warehouses for stock updates and spot deliveries.
Quality Manager Assistant
Equatorial Traders Ltd
09.2013 - 04.2017
- Setting up cupping sessions including, green coffee roasting, tasting and recording results
- Analysing green and roasted bean quality and making sure customer requirements are met
- Arranging samples as required to buyers and shippers
- Maintaining sample room in order by making sure samples are replaced and disposed accordingly
- Defining quality procedures in conjunction with operating staff
- Setting up and maintaining controls and documentation procedures.
Operations Coffee Traffic Assistant
Armajaro Trading Ltd
10.2012 - 07.2013
- Responsible for handling worldwide logistics as part of the operations department on the coffee physical trading desk
- Updating in house database with sample results, shipping details, invoices / payment information
- Paying service invoices, freight invoices, warehouse rents and charges
- Managing daily origin shipping activities of Far East, East Africa, Brazil and Ivory Coast
- Liaising with origin offices and customers, planning shipment schedules, sample approvals, documentary requirements including LC opening instructions.
Education
GCSE's - English Lit., Mathematics, French, History, Art, Business Studies, Portuguese
Highworth Warneford School
England, UKA Level's - Portuguese Lit., English, Physical Education, History, French
Escola D. Maria II, E.B. 2,3/S
V. N. Barquinha, PortugalSCAE Foundation Sensory
01.2016
MJ Hayward Associates Ltd - Training "Understanding Commercial Risks for Export Sales and Project Managers"
03.2012
Skills
- Microsoft Office - EximWare Operatiing System
- Strong leadership and team building skills
- Exceptional organizational and management skills
- Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills
- Work well under pressure with strengths in problem solving and decision making
Languages
Portuguese
English (fluent)
Spanish (intermediate)
Timeline
Head of Operations
Coffee Ithaka S.A
01.2019 - 05.2024
Marketing & Sales
Coffee Ithaka S.A.
05.2017 - 01.2019
Operation Executive
Equatorial Traders Ltd
09.2013 - 04.2017
Quality Manager Assistant
Equatorial Traders Ltd
09.2013 - 04.2017
Operations Coffee Traffic Assistant
Armajaro Trading Ltd
10.2012 - 07.2013
GCSE's - English Lit., Mathematics, French, History, Art, Business Studies, Portuguese
Highworth Warneford School
A Level's - Portuguese Lit., English, Physical Education, History, French
Escola D. Maria II, E.B. 2,3/S
SCAE Foundation Sensory
MJ Hayward Associates Ltd - Training "Understanding Commercial Risks for Export Sales and Project Managers"
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