Iris Marais

Experience

• 

  BNY Mellon

  Jul 2007 - Jun 2008

  Accounts Receivable Manager
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  Illico Statutory Services

  Jul 2008 - Jul 2009

  Financial Consultant
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  Standard Bank Group

  Aug 2009 - Jul 2010

  Financial Planner
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  UTi Worldwide (DSV A/S)

  Nov 2014 - Jan 2015

  Solution Analyst

  - Conducted data clean-up for the client's transition to a new database system- Assisted in mapping the As-Is process flows- Analysed data to illustrate the challenges experienced by the client according to the then-current mapped process and presented analysed data and graphs to UTi's board- Assisted in problem-solving solutions and developing To-Be process flows- Compiled the organogram for the client, both current and proposed- Assisted in SIPOC and cause-and-effect analysis for different business units of the client- Prepared presentations on project progress and the processes followed and assisted in compiling the final report for the client Show less

• 

  Meritec (Pty) Ltd

  Jan 2016 - Jun 2016

  Industrial Engineer

  - Managed the testing, implementation and installation of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)system- Assessed ERP needs of clients and delivered accordingly- Manipulated data for migration to ERP system, including general ledger accounts- Tested and trained staff on using the ERP system and created user manuals

• 

  Sunstone Logistic Systems

  Jun 2016 - Apr 2017

  Analyst & Implementation Consultant

  - Attended client meetings to identify key business requirements, priorities and system timelines- Managed the setup and implementation throughout the client project cycle - Configured and re-engineered software to fit the needs and wants of the client- Analysed, updated and improved system algorithms and analysis methodology- Designed and implemented new functionality within data-intensive applications- Provided technical expertise and training, and facilitated knowledge transfer to new clients- Acted as the point of contact between developers, senior management, and clients, communicating internal technical terms to resolve business and technical challenges to achieve objectives- Proactively coordinated and managed tasks to achieve the implementation of targeted time frames - Created training manuals, and client presentations for implementing training Show less

• 

  Fedgroup

  Apr 2017 - now

  - Developing and implementing the overall strategic plan for the organization, analysing internal capabilities to identify strategic priorities and opportunities for growth- Translating the strategic plan into actionable goals, initiatives, and projects and ensuring cross-functional alignment and effective execution of the strategic objectives- Driving strategic focus, alignment and engagement by implementing and ensuring the adoption of - Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) across the organisation- Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess progress and success - Regularly reviewing performance data to identify areas for improvement and making necessary adjustments to the strategy- Facilitating cross-functional collaboration across different departments to align strategic priorities and ensure effective communication and integration of efforts- Implementing best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness and streamline workflows- Leading and facilitating organisational change initiatives driven by strategic objectives- Communicating the rationale and benefits of strategic changes across all functions and providing support to ensure successful adoption and implementation- Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, collaborating to identify opportunities for and partnerships that align with the organisation's strategic goals- Providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship across teams, setting performance expectations, fostering a collaborative work environment, and promoting professional development opportunities Show less - Led a team of process specialists to develop and implement business process improvement initiatives, driving operational efficiency, cost reduction, and improved customer experience- Implemented innovative process optimisation solutions, enhancing efficiency and productivity and ensured the successful implementation thereof- Fostered a collaborative, results-driven work environment through effective team leadership- Collaborated effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels- Maintained relationships with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with organisational objectives- Oversaw the development and implementation of process optimisation projects, utilising various tools and methodologies to drive continuous improvement- Analysed operational data to identify trends and opportunities- Led cross-functional teams in identifying process issues and developing solutions- Developed key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and identify improvement areas Show less - Established needs and implemented Projects Office unique to the organisation, along with company-wide training on SAFe and Agile methodologies- Directed and oversaw project management activities, ensuring the effective management of project scope, timelines, budgets, resources, and risks- Developed and implemented project management frameworks, tools, processes, and methodologies to optimise project delivery- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify project requirements, goals, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with business objectives- Drove project planning and scheduling, resource allocation and utilisation, status reporting, issue and risk management, and change management activities- Built and maintained positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and effective collaboration- Provided leadership, coaching, and mentorship across functions to enhance project execution, performance, and accountability Show less

  • Assistant General Manager: Investments

    Mar 2024 - now

  • Head of Strategic Operations

    Feb 2023 - Mar 2024

  • Head of Business Solutions

    Apr 2021 - Feb 2023

  • Head of Projects

    May 2020 - Apr 2021

  • Business Solution Analyst & Project Manager

    Apr 2017 - May 2020