Ashraf Classen

Experience

• 

  Old Mutual South Africa

  Apr 1990 - Jun 1997

  Report to Divisional ManagerEffective Management of the Portfolio and the development of my staff.Had to produce production reports and clients income & expenditure.Ensured the smooth operation of Computex, Trafex and Papex clients on my section.Produced monthly reports for management meetings on monthly income received compared to member data received.Managing people development, Career planning and performance progress.Representative on the Project Owner Team for Member UpdateAnalyze existing Procedures & ProcessesTesting and re-design processes.Implement re-designed processes and ensure the measurement thereof.Reason for leaving : Promoted to New Department Show less

  • Section Head

    Jun 1996 - Jun 1997

  • Section Head

    Jun 1992 - Jun 1996

  • Portfolio Specialist

    Apr 1990 - Jun 1992
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  Old Mutual Investment Group

  Jun 1997 - Sept 1998

  Department Head

  Reports to Senior ManagerOptimize resource allocation in order to take full responsibility for all administration functions of the portfolio of clients.Full responsibility of HR management.Accountable for business measurements.Manage production (including productivity) of department.Full responsibility of financial management (including budgeting and expense monitoring.Operate within retirement fund products in the financial industry and legislative and regulatory governing Acts (e.g. Income Tax, Pension Fund Act.)Managing people development, Career planning and performance progress.Management MeetingsMonthly report on Production issues.Smooth operation of New & Existing clients.Liaison OfficerDealing with internal & external clients.Negotiate deadlines between Old Mutual and Clients.Conversion of “paper data” into electronic form (i.e. Computex)Technical SupportAssist Staff (i.e. 64 users) on Computex Support.Do Computex installation.Assist clients with Computex support.Assist with all types of technical support (i.e. MS Excel, MS Word, SAS, VM- System, Access, Power Point & Print Artist.All Systems Project LeaderYear 2000 Project testingMillennium system testingDefined Contributions Data Ware HouseSAS – Mainframe and PC Show less

• 

  Old Mutual South Africa

  Oct 1998 - Jan 2001

  Analyze New & Existing SystemsMonthly report on Production issues.Smooth operation of New & Existing Systems.Investigating user requirements and legislation and producing detailed specificationsTechnical SupportTesting systems to ensure that specification requirements are met.Install and Support New systems for internal and external clients.Providing first level of support of applications to support staff and second level support to users.Microsoft support (i.e. MS Excel, MS Word), SAS, VM-System, Access, Power Point & Print Artist, Visual Basic 6)Documenting Process ProceduresProducing accurate written communication of all changes to the different processes and provide training.Assimilating and acceptable and conceptualising information through effective interaction with clients.Constructing an acceptable and properly designed creative solution using appropriate methods and tools. Show less Analyze New & Existing SystemsMonthly report on Production issues.Smooth operation of New & Existing Systems.Investigating user requirements and legislation and producing detailed specificationsTechnical SupportTesting systems to ensure that specification requirements are met.Install and Support New systems for internal and external clients.Providing first level of support of applications to support staff and second level support to users.Microsoft support (i.e. MS Excel, MS Word), SAS, VM-System, Access, Power Point & Print Artist, Visual Basic 6)Documenting Process ProceduresProducing accurate written communication of all changes to the different processes and provide training.Assimilating and acceptable and conceptualising information through effective interaction with clients.Constructing an acceptable and properly designed creative solution using appropriate methods and tools. Show less Reports to Senior Divisional ManagerReport on Measurements.Investigating and documenting business needs in the light of changing products.Ensure profitability of Department on projects.Investigating user requirements and legislation and producing detailed specifications.Supply valuation information for Auditors and Financial Services BoardAnalyze New & Existing SystemsMonthly report on Production issues.Smooth operation of New & Existing Systems.Liaison OfficerDealing with internal clients.Negotiate deadlines between Users and Uskotec (Systems).Technical SupportTesting systems to ensure that specification requirements are met.Install and Support Payroll systems for internal and external clients.Providing first level of support of applications to support staff and second level support to users.Assist with all types of technical support (i.e. MS Excel, MS Word, SAS, VM- System, Access, Power Point & Print Artist.Documenting Process ProceduresProducing accurate written communication of all changes to the different processes and provide training.Assimilating and acceptable and conceptualising information through effective interaction with clients.Constructing an acceptable and properly designed creative solution using appropriate methods and tools.QuestAlways improving on existing processes. Show less

  • Senior System Analyst

    Jan 2000 - Jan 2001

  • Senior System Analyst

    Jan 2000 - Jan 2001

  • Senior Business System Analyst

    Oct 1998 - Dec 1999
• 

  Duferco Steel Processing

  Jan 2001 - Dec 2002

  ORACLE/VBA Developer

  Development Development and Enhancement of user requirement using VB and MS ACCESS. Maintenance of STELPLAN system and supporting ERP applications Daily reporting to IT Manager.Technical Support Testing systems to ensure that specification requirements are met. Providing first level of support of applications to business areas during office hours and while on standby duty.

• 

  Business Connexion

  Jan 2003 - Dec 2003

  Senior IT Consultant

  Analyze New & Existing SystemsMonthly report on Production issues.Ascertain user requirements and legislation and producing detailed specificationsTechnical SupportTesting systems to ensure that specification requirements are met.Providing first level of support of applications to support staff and second level support to users

• 

  Santam Insurance

  Jan 2004 - Mar 2006

  IT Project Manager

  Project ManagementEnsuring smooth operation of projects with detailed Project plans.Deliver projects on time, within budget & according to methodology (PMBOK).Simulating information through effective interaction with different business units.Constructing an acceptable and properly designed creative solution using appropriate methods and tools.Managing progress and following critical paths.Finding innovative solutions to “problems” opportunities.Identify dependencies and actively manage deliverables.Effectively managing resources & sub-contractors.Ensuring adequate Risk Management Strategies and Back out plans are in place.Keep System Managers and Business Managers constantly informed of progress.Minute meetings for record purposes.Ensure sign-off of Test Plan by all relevant parties. Do post-mortem on implemented projects to establish learnings from them where possible.Managing people development, Career planning and performance progress with 360 degree evaluationsDocumenting Process ProceduresEffective communication of all changes to the different System processes.Ensuring project documentation and procedures are followed.Logging of New & maintenance work on SAM(Santam Architectural Model). Show less

• 

  NET1 UEPS Technologies Inc.

  Apr 2006 - Feb 2009

  IT Project Manager

  Project ManagementEnsuring smooth operation of Web Developing, Bill Payment, Settlement and Reconciliation projects with detailed Project plans and schedules.Deliver projects on time, within budget & according to methodology(PMBOK).Simulating information through effective interaction with different business units.Managing progress and following critical paths.Finding innovative solutions to “problems/opportunities”.Identify dependencies and actively manage deliverables.Effectively managing resources & sub-contractors.Ensuring adequate Risk Management Strategies and Back-out plans are in place.Keep System Managers and Business Managers constantly informed of progress.Minute meetings for record purposes.Do post-mortem on implemented projects to establish learningsPeople ManagementManaging people development.Doing career planning and Performance Reviews.Enhancing the ability of the staff to the maximum potential by encouraging staff to attend training courses to empower themselves and enhance their self esteemConduct performance reviews with staffMentoring team membersCommunication of all changes to the different System processesEnsuring project documentation and procedures are followedLogging of New & maintenance work on PS Next application tool(similar to – MS Project) Show less

• 

  Telkom

  Mar 2009 - Aug 2016

  Information Technology Service Delivery Manager and Scrum Master

  Delivery ManagementSingle Point of Contact for project status and progress reports in the Software Delivery domainOverall accountability for delivery of IT solutionPerform the role of SCRUM Master for Agile TeamsCompile ReportsAlign and manage project deliverables according to methodology(PMBOK and Agile)Ensure delivery of solution documentationManagement of cross functional project team and resource constraintsMonitor Project ExecutionProvide consultancy to process improvementsCommunication ManagementHR ManagementMonitor and manage people performance and targetsConduct and Participate in grievance and disciplinary processesResponsible for the Project Management of ITS related projectsProvided leadership with regards to the visibility of Telkom initiatives in the domain with special focus on Team WorkFinding innovative solutions to problemsIdentify dependencies and actively manage deliverablesEnsuring adequate Risk Management Strategies and Back out plans are in placeKeep System Managers and Business Managers constantly informed of progressCommunication of release statuses and escalationsEnsure that targeted work is prioritized based on business needs and committed for the appropriate releases(Maintenance and Quarterly)Manage the scope and the MS Project schedule of the projectsPerformed a SCRUM master roleEnsure projects are delivered on time, within budgetDo post-mortem on implemented projects to establish learnings from them where possible.Reporting;1- Senior Manager of Telkom in the Operational System Support(OSS layer)People ManagementManage and coach the Team(40 people)Doing career planning and Performance ManagementDevelop and empower peopleEnhancing the ability of team to maximum potentialManagement skills poolProvide support to Analysts, Developers, and Testers Show less

• 

  Old Mutual South Africa

  Sept 2016 - May 2018

  Senior Project Manager (Digital) /Scrum Master

  Project ManagementSingle Point of Contact (SPOC) for project status and progress reports to executives on Mobile projects.Overall accountability for delivery of project solution end-to-endmanaging the team's deliverables including the vendor deliverables.Align and manage project deliverables to ensure time, quality and within budgetEnsure delivery of solution as per Agile process.Management of cross functional project team and resourcesMonitor Project ExecutionHR Management (incl. Contractor process management)Manage project SDLC, Analysis, Design, Develop, Testing, Implementation and WarrantyManage administration of people e.g. time sheets, leave and mentoring junior project managersPerformed a key role in enabling the Agile framework which included resource planning and levelling.Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budgetManage project deviationEscalate of Risks and Issues to project stakeholdersConducting monthly budget review Forecast vs. Acual and communicate variances where applicable.ReportingCommunication of portfolio statuses and escalationsKeep Executives and PMO constantly informed of progress.Manage the scope and the MS Project schedule of the projects Show less

• 

  Old Mutual Limited

  Jun 2018 - Apr 2019

  Senior Information Technology Project Manager

  Responsible for;Successful initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, controlling and closure of the project. Accountable for multiple projects at the same time and ensured the prioritisation of each project.My direct reports are 2 Project Managers and an assistant. The project management and delivery of the ETL project. Ensure project built is scalable for future business benefit. Stake holder engagements are key to manage expectationsar basis. Some Agile aspects are used for effective deliveries within a Sprint cycle, while waterfall methodologies were used for overall project progress and reporting. Scrum Master/SAFe Software EngineerEnsure SAFe methodology is applied across Team, Program, Value Stream and Portfolio.Ensure setup of DevOps operations for every application integration to ProductionAllow teams to implement Lean-Agile software and systems in enterprise level.Manage agile ceremonies, scrum standups, grooming sessions, sprint planning, sprint review and retrospectives while ensuring the SDLC is still adhered to.Coaching the Development Team in self-organization and cross-functionalityRemoving impediments to the Development Team’s progressCoaching the Development Team in organizational environmentsEnsuring the effective use of Agile Software tools, i.e. JIRA, Rally, Trello, etcCapable of managing the team and its deliverables remotelyBuild effective and strong relationships with Project Sponsor and Stakeholders Show less

• 

  Old Mutual South Africa

  May 2019 - Jan 2021

  Senior Scrum Master

  Main Job Functions:Conduct Daily Scrum/Stand-Up meetings, timeboxed 15 minutesFacilitate Sprint PlanningTo define the delivery for the sprint.The What – The product owner describes the objective/goal) of the sprint and what backlog items contribute to that goal.HOW that work will be achieved.WHO is required for the delivery of the sprint and achieving its goalAssist PO with Sprint Backlog Grooming/RefinementCollaborate with the Product Owner(PO) and the rest of the team to review items on the backlog and ensure the backlog contains the appropriate items.Ensure items/tickets are prioritized and items at the top of the backlog are ready for delivery.Facilitate with Scrum Team the definition of READY and definition of DONE.Facilitate Sprint ReviewI ensure that the Scrum team, the PO and the stakeholders attend. During this session the team gives a demo on the product and will determine what are finished and what aren't.Facilitate RetrospectivesI ensure the Scrum team has an opportunity to inspect itself and create a plan for improvements to be enacted during the next Sprint.Facilitate Stakeholder engagement sessions and software demonstrations.Protect the development team from distractions, impediments or conflicts.Work closely with the Product Owner in backlog management and continuous delivery of features.Work closely with Programme and Project management office to ensure team delivery aligns with product roadmap.Conduct Bi-weekly Scrum of ScrumsFoster a sense of coordination and co-operation (cross-teams and ensure collaboration between all the teams. Manage the end-to-end integrated DevOps toolchain and the associated portfolio of SDLC solutions required to enable the defined SDLC methodologies and to facilitate the automation of SDLC processes (JIRA, Bitbucket, QC, Jenkins, GitHub, etc.)Ensure Stakeholder engagements. Manage expectations effectively. Show less

• 

  Woolworths

  Feb 2021 - now

  Senior Scrum Master

  Main Job Functions:Facilitate Sprint PlanningDefine Sprint delivery, i.e. WHAT, HOW and WHO Conduct Daily Scrum/Stand-Up meetings, timeboxed 15minutes. Objective is to ensure sharing of information not solution design with the teamFacilitate Sprint Backlog Grooming/RefinementCollaborate with the Product Owner and Dev team to review items on the backlog that are appropriate, prioritized and ready for delivery.Facilitate with the Scrum Team the definition of READY and definition of DONE.Facilitate Sprint ReviewEnsure that the Scrum team, the product owner and the stakeholders attend.Facilitate RetrospectivesEnsure the Scrum team has an opportunity to inspect itself and create a plan for improvements to be included for the next SprintOther Responsibilities:Facilitate Stakeholder engagement sessions and software demonstrations.Protect the development team from distractions, impediments, or conflicts.Work closely with the Product Owner in backlog management and continuous delivery of features.Work closely with the Programme and Project management office to ensure team delivery aligns with the product roadmap.Conduct Bi-weekly Scrum of ScrumsFoster a sense of coordination and cooperation (cross-teams and ensure collaboration between all the teams. Keeping processes running smoothly and tracking of all the moving pieces in the projectProviding support and facilitating eCommerce activities and ensuring processes run smoothly, resolve issues among the team, and track all the moving pieces in the eCommerce taskforce.Conduct the project with the application of knowledge skills, tools, and techniques in a structured manner to reach project goals and requirements.Accountable for multiple projects and ensured the prioritization of each projectPerformed a key role in enabling the Agile framework which included resource planning and leveling.Escalation of Risks and Issues to project stakeholders and driving mitigations to resolution. Show less