Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Certification
Software
Affiliations
Passions
Timeline
Generic
San(dra) Cools

San(dra) Cools

Willebroek

Summary

As an exceptional entrepreneur and skilled personal assistant, I bring a unique blend of vision, focus, and unwavering dedication to every endeavor. My expertise in planning is matched only by my commitment to embodying and promoting the core values of company culture. I am a true ambassador for the organizations I serve, consistently striving to elevate both my personal contributions and the collective success of the team.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Management Assistant & Manager Service Desk

Rode Kruis-Vlaanderen I Humanitaire Diensten
11.2024 - Current
  • Pro-active support/business partner to the Director Humanitarian Services I inbox - calendar - travel and expense reporting management.
  • Leading/coaching the Service Desk through team & process improvements.
  • Active member of the Management Committee I preparing agenda - minutes taking - defending projects.
  • Highly focused on mental well-being I go-to-person for the broader team + hosting workshops.

Senior Executive Assistant

Fiberklaar I a Proximus Company
02.2024 - 11.2024
  • Provided comprehensive administrative support to the CEO and his leadership team, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Closely collaborated with the Junior Executive Assistant through mutual knowledge sharing & coaching.
  • Office & facility management I reviewed & executed internal processes through improvement efficiency.
  • Organized and executed corporate events.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & PREVENTION COUNSELOR

Salesforce BeLux
10.2018 - 11.2023
  • Dynamic Executive Assistant specializing in Workplace Services, Well-being, and Ohana culture.
  • Proactive Mental Health Advocate and Volunteerism Champion.
  • Ambassador and Lead Coordinator for Volunteering Initiatives and Careforce Programs.
  • Engaged Member and Contributor to Women's Network and Sustainability Efforts.
  • Trusted Informal Advisor and Point of Contact for Colleagues.
  • Certified in First Aid and Mental Health Response.
  • Qualified Prevention Counselor II with expertise in proactive wellness strategies.
  • Integral Team Member in Employee Onboarding and Offboarding Processes.

PLANT DIRECTOR ASSISTANT

Pringles - The Kellogg Company
02.2013 - 09.2018
  • Provided comprehensive administrative support to the Pringles Production Plant Director and leadership team, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Spearheaded multiple project executions and follow-ups, including general services coordination with Securitas and Sodexo personnel.
  • Facilitated facility branding initiatives for the administrative building and implemented 5S office organization methodologies.
  • Managed key stakeholder relations through events such as Family Day 2014 and Open Bedrijvendag 2015, alongside bi-yearly neighborhood receptions.
  • Organized and executed corporate events, including the strategic planning session for CBN Vision 2020, aligning with five-year company goals.
  • Contributed to community engagement through the 'Breakfast for Better Days' initiative, demonstrating corporate social responsibility.

SELF-REFLECTION

11.2012 - 02.2013
  • Leveraged 15+ years of experience as a dynamic Management Assistant, demonstrating exceptional flexibility and a robust passion for Corporate Social Responsibility.
  • Exhibited outstanding organizational skills, thriving as an innovative developer with a keen appetite for new input and challenges, underpinned by a responsible and deliberative approach.
  • Provided interim administrative support at Manasco - Etex Group - Kapelle-op-den-Bos, ensuring seamless daily operations during the maternity leave of the incumbent assistant.

ASSISTANT TO GENERAL MANAGER EMEA AND EMEA LEADERSHIP

Cummins Filtration
06.2008 - 11.2012
  • Provided comprehensive administrative support to the Vice President of EMEA/APAC and the Lead team, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and business trip planning.
  • Facilitated efficient workflow by preparing and submitting expense reports, coordinating communication plans, and offering general administrative assistance.
  • Delivered expert legal translation services to support cross-functional communication within the EMEA/APAC region.
  • Stepped in to provide Human Resources support during the HR Manager's absence, ensuring uninterrupted HR operations.
  • Championed Customer Support Excellence initiatives, focusing on enhancing customer experience and implementing the 'Through the Lens of the Customer' and 'WOW Recognition' programs.
  • Led Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, managing community partnerships and projects within the Belgian cross-Business Unit (x-BU) organization.
  • Acted as a core team member in the construction and facility management project for the European Headquarters, contributing to strategic planning and execution.
  • Achieved LEAN & 6 Sigma Green Belt certification, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

INTERNAL AUDIT OFFICER

Pricewaterhouse Coopers
03.2007 - 05.2008
  • Provided comprehensive administrative support and conducted thorough research to facilitate non-technical audit operations.
  • Developed detailed project plans, ensuring timely monitoring and adherence to client deliverable deadlines.
  • Efficiently organized client meetings, compiled agendas, documented minutes, and tracked action items.
  • Executed administrative audit procedures with precision and due diligence.
  • Prepared and managed budgets and billing schedules, actively followed up on billing issues and cash collection processes.
  • Kept management and team informed with up-to-date business and industry insights.

ASSISTANT TO DIRECTOR CUSTOMER CARE EUROPE & VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE EUROPE

Avnet Technology Solutions BeNeLux
12.1999 - 03.2007
  • Provided comprehensive administrative support to the Director of Customer Care and Vice President of Finance Europe, enhancing executive productivity.
  • Expertly managed executive calendars, coordinated meetings, and meticulously planned business trips.
  • Spearheaded the E-RMA Translation program, demonstrating leadership in cross-functional project management.
  • Functioned as Office Manager, skillfully negotiating non-trading contracts and authoring a detailed supplier instructions manual.
  • Oversaw car and mobile phone fleets, ensuring efficient asset management and cost-effectiveness.
  • Led internal relocation projects, overseeing construction, electrical adjustments, and seamless staff transitions.
  • Coordinated internal audits, prepared audit plans, executed audits, and facilitated ISO certification readiness.
  • Revolutionized secretary and reception tasks, significantly improving both internal and external customer service experiences.
  • Served as a Prevention Counselor, advocating for workplace safety and health.

ASSISTANT TO MANAGING DIRECTOR

Royal Telecom Belgium
01.1998 - 04.1999
  • Managed comprehensive secretarial duties, ensuring efficient daily operations.

ASSISTANT TO BUSINESS MANAGER

Hasenbach - De Block Fine Arts
01.1997 - 01.1998
  • Spearheaded gallery operations and sales, driving financial success through diligent daily management.
  • Orchestrated the preparation and execution of national and international art fairs, enhancing brand visibility and market reach.

ASSISTANT TO MANAGING DIRECTOR

Berlitz
07.1994 - 12.1996
  • Managed comprehensive secretarial duties, ensuring efficient daily operations.
  • Coordinated calendar scheduling for faculty, balancing day school and private lesson commitments.
  • Prepared and issued invoices, while actively overseeing cash collection processes.
  • Successfully orchestrated open house events, enhancing community engagement and school visibility.

Education

Mental Masterclass - knowledge & know-how, the master of your fate, accepting the past, setting goals, setting the right attitude

Marc Sluszny
01.2017

Master's degree - French-English-Russian

Berlitz
01.1994

BACHELOR/TEACHER - French, history/geography

Instituut Katholiek Pedagogisch Onderwijs
01.1993

1ST BACHELOR - Language Interpretation and Translation

Katholieke Vlaamse Hogeschool
01.1990

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA - Sciences-Modern Languages

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Presentatie
01.1989

Skills

  • Adaptability & Flexible
  • Attention to detail
  • Business Communications
  • Business Management
  • Can-do-attitude
  • Client Relationship building
  • Crisis Management
  • Multitasker guru
  • Organizational talent
  • Project Management
  • Problem Solver
  • Teamwork & Collaboration

Accomplishments

  • Single mom I son (°1999)
  • Independent
  • Interior design apartment
  • Belgian champion rowing
  • Mentor & teacher
  • Volunteering ambassador

Languages

Dutch
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Advanced (C1)
German
Intermediate (B1)
Russian
Elementary (A2)

Certification

  • First Aid
  • Mental health
  • Prevention Counselor II

Software

  • MS Office & Outlook
  • Lotus Notes
  • Gmail - Gcal
  • Sharepoint

Affiliations

  • ManAs I active member - www.manas.be
  • Den Geerhoek I responsible building (internal/external stakeholders support)

Passions

  • Crosswords
  • Helping others
  • Hiking & Swimming
  • Reading
  • Travelling

Timeline

Management Assistant & Manager Service Desk

Rode Kruis-Vlaanderen I Humanitaire Diensten
11.2024 - Current

Senior Executive Assistant

Fiberklaar I a Proximus Company
02.2024 - 11.2024

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & PREVENTION COUNSELOR

Salesforce BeLux
10.2018 - 11.2023

PLANT DIRECTOR ASSISTANT

Pringles - The Kellogg Company
02.2013 - 09.2018

SELF-REFLECTION

11.2012 - 02.2013

ASSISTANT TO GENERAL MANAGER EMEA AND EMEA LEADERSHIP

Cummins Filtration
06.2008 - 11.2012

INTERNAL AUDIT OFFICER

Pricewaterhouse Coopers
03.2007 - 05.2008

ASSISTANT TO DIRECTOR CUSTOMER CARE EUROPE & VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE EUROPE

Avnet Technology Solutions BeNeLux
12.1999 - 03.2007

ASSISTANT TO MANAGING DIRECTOR

Royal Telecom Belgium
01.1998 - 04.1999

ASSISTANT TO BUSINESS MANAGER

Hasenbach - De Block Fine Arts
01.1997 - 01.1998

ASSISTANT TO MANAGING DIRECTOR

Berlitz
07.1994 - 12.1996

BACHELOR/TEACHER - French, history/geography

Instituut Katholiek Pedagogisch Onderwijs

1ST BACHELOR - Language Interpretation and Translation

Katholieke Vlaamse Hogeschool

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA - Sciences-Modern Languages

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Presentatie

Mental Masterclass - knowledge & know-how, the master of your fate, accepting the past, setting goals, setting the right attitude

Marc Sluszny

Master's degree - French-English-Russian

Berlitz
San(dra) Cools