Kara Thomas

Experience

• 

  Fujifilm NZ Ltd

  Jan 1996 - Jan 2001

  Managing the relationship and sales programmes with core FMCG clients to negotiate customised in-store product initiatives. Expanding product sales into non-traditional channels. Managing product and system end to end logistics from sales to delivery, invoicing and payment. Managing external parties contracted to provide in-store services.Achievements● Turned around a significant FMCG client about to delist our brand into the companies first $1million client● Implemented systems and workflows that streamlined the end to end sales to delivery process, reducing rework and errors, increasing margins and volumes Show less Operationally managing team of inbound sales coordinators, developed training program for sales coordinators. Subject Matter Expert for sales technology systems. Streamlining and managing the logistical administration of efficient order processing and supplyAchievements● Drove process efficiencies to reduce timeframes, reduce errors, increase sales volumes and margins and improve overall customer experience● Key lead on implementation of windows based sales system - selection, piloting, customisation and training to become subject matter expert Show less

  • Key Account Manager

    Jan 1999 - Jan 2001

  • Sales Team Leader

    Jan 1996 - Jan 1999
• 

  ASB Bank

  Jan 2001 - Oct 2014

  Manage a team of Learning specialists providing end to end services to internal ASB staff. Providing consultation, design, development, building, deployment and maintainance of internal learning programmes. Resource management, customer relationships, change management, process management and building and supporting great teams. Creating a culture of life time learning that supports high performance.Achievements● Successfully led team through transformational changes including the transition to centralised learning model providing L&D services enterprise wide and into an ABW (Activity Based Work) environment● Led project to design and implement an internally designed automated learning maintenance system to manage the lifecycle of learning saving hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars● Mentoring and coaching aspiring leaders to achieve internal promotions, increased seniority and excellence in end year performance results Show less Leading a team of Learning specialists focussed on consulting, designing and facilitating a wide range of Learning solutions across the ASB internal business teams. Creating an environment that enables learning professionals to support speed to capability in the business. Responsible for efficient management of a dedicated learning site. Facilitating customer service programmes, chairing the Continuing Professional Development committee to meet FAA regulations. Driving risk management, technology liaison and support, business continuity and process improvements.Achievements● Implemented a Learning Community Forum to create a hub for sharing excellence within a decentralised learning model● Led the initiative to create and implement an automated workflow system that streamlined Learning project resources, saving hundreds of resource hours● Chair for committee responsible for delivering Continuous Professional Development for AFAs (Authorised Financial Advisors) that exceeded FMA expectations Show less Direct line management of up to 22 Project Management professionals at multiple levels from Project Co-ordinators, to Senior Project Managers and Business Analysts. Responsible for efficient resource management across the strategic project portfolios and all people management responsibilities for staff and contractors. Creating a professional services environment that enables a newly centralised team to provide effective project delivery services enterprise wide.Achievements● Managed the transition from a decentralised project model into a centre of excellence for project professionals providing enterprise wide services with zero turnover● Implemented a buddy mentoring framework to provide a self-sustaining support system Show less An ever changing role with multiple responsibilities leading a group of up to 30 IT professionals supporting 5000+ staff. Accountable for delivering 1st and 2nd Tier IT Support services, Group IT Administration, Change management and Critical Incident management. Driving process improvement initiatives, cost efficient vendor contracts and rigorous recruitment and resourcing strategies.Achievements● Implemented the first successful Six Sigma process improvement IT project across the ASB and Commonwealth Banks to achieve best practice performance by global standards● Successfully led team through multiple restructures utilising effective change management methodologies to ensure team retained high engagement and quality output Show less Leading a multifunctional team responsible for the relationship between the technology teams and internal business units. Managing key communications, IT Change management, Critical Incident management, vendor and contractual relationships. Managed the integration of Sovereign and ASB IT Services. Responsible for creating Business Continuity Management and Disaster Recovery processes.Achievements● Implemented efficiencies in technology communications that streamlined speed to delivery and ensured customers were kept well informed ● Identified cost efficiencies in hardware vendor suppliers that reduced technology hardware support budget by 20% - $200k Show less

  • Manager Learning Design

    Dec 2012 - Oct 2014

  • Manager Learning Centre

    May 2011 - Dec 2012

  • Resource Manager - Project Delivery

    Apr 2010 - May 2011

  • Manager IT Support Services

    Jan 2003 - Apr 2010

  • Relationships Manager

    Jan 2001 - Jan 2003
• 

  The University of Auckland

  Nov 2014 - Dec 2021

  To develop and implement learning and development initiatives/programmes to support the technical skill needs of staff, to maximise staff performance and engagement, in alignment with the University's strategic objectives.

  • OD Practice Lead

    May 2019 - Dec 2021

  • Organisational Development Manager

    May 2016 - May 2019

  • Transition Manager - People & Organisational Development (Contract)

    Nov 2014 - May 2016
• 

  Manaia Life Coaching

  Jul 2021 - now

  Director

  My passion is coaching and mentoring people to realise their potential, discover their unique strengths and achieve their aspirations.My aim is to create a safe environment and walk alongside clients to create a pathway to a life or career they love.Clients work with me to find their purpose and create their best life.

• 

  Prosci

  Feb 2022 - now

  Producer - Contractor