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
2024.11 - 2025.08
- 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.
- Planned and coordinated logistics and materials for board meetings, committee meetings, and staff events.
- Remained solutions-oriented in face of complex problems to assist management and overall business direction.
Senior Executive Assistant CEO
Fiberklaar I a Proximus Company
2024.02 - 2024.11
- 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 CEO & Prevention Counselor
Salesforce BeLux
2018.10 - 2023.11
- 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.
- Team Member in Employee Onboarding and Offboarding Processes.
Plant Director Assistant
Pringles - The Kellogg Company
2013.02 - 2018.09
- 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
2012.11 - 2013.02
- 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 General Manager EMEA & Leadership
Cummins Filtration
2008.06 - 2012.11
- 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
Price Waterhouse Coopers
2007.03 - 2008.05
- 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 Dir. Customer Care & VP Finance Europe
Avnet Technology Solutions BeNeLux
1999.12 - 2007.03
- 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 Managing Director
Royal Telecom Belgium
1998.01 - 1999.04
- Managed comprehensive secretarial duties, ensuring efficient daily operations.
Assistant Business Development Manager
Hasenbach - De Block Fine Arts
1997.01 - 1998.01
- 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 Managing Director
Berlitz
1994.07 - 1996.12
- 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 (Magna Cum Laude)
Berlitz
Antwerp01.1994
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
- Calendar management
- Event coordination
- Office administration
- Process improvement
- Relationship building
- Teamwork & Collaboration
Languages
Dutch
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Advanced (C1)
German
Intermediate (B1)
Russian
Elementary (A2)
Software
- MS Office & Outlook
- Lotus Notes
- Gmail - Gcal
- Sharepoint
Certification
- First Aid
- Mental health
- Prevention Counselor II
Affiliations
- ManAs I active member - www.manas.be
- Den Geerhoek I responsible building (internal/external stakeholders support)
Accomplishments
- Single mom I son (°1999)
- Independent
- Interior design apartment
- Belgian champion rowing
- Mentor & teacher
- Volunteering ambassador
Passions
- Crosswords
- Helping others
- Hiking & Swimming
- Reading
- Travelling
Timeline
Management Assistant & Manager Service Desk
Rode Kruis-Vlaanderen I Humanitaire Diensten
2024.11 - 2025.08
Senior Executive Assistant CEO
Fiberklaar I a Proximus Company
2024.02 - 2024.11
Executive Assistant CEO & Prevention Counselor
Salesforce BeLux
2018.10 - 2023.11
Plant Director Assistant
Pringles - The Kellogg Company
2013.02 - 2018.09
SELF-REFLECTION
2012.11 - 2013.02
Assistant General Manager EMEA & Leadership
Cummins Filtration
2008.06 - 2012.11
Internal Audit Officer
Price Waterhouse Coopers
2007.03 - 2008.05
Assistant Dir. Customer Care & VP Finance Europe
Avnet Technology Solutions BeNeLux
1999.12 - 2007.03
Assistant Managing Director
Royal Telecom Belgium
1998.01 - 1999.04
Assistant Business Development Manager
Hasenbach - De Block Fine Arts
1997.01 - 1998.01
Assistant Managing Director
Berlitz
1994.07 - 1996.12
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 (Magna Cum Laude)
Berlitz