Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Vanessa Aitken

Caringbah,NSW

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven leader with extensive experience spanning Sales, Mining, and Tourism industries. Proven track record in building high-performing teams through transparent communication, mentorship, and measurable KPIs. Adept in business development, financial forecasting, and delivering operational excellence. Recognized for fostering strong client relationships, nurturing positive team cultures, and implementing innovative solutions to drive sustainable growth. Equipped with strong analytical and leadership skills, ensuring quality outcomes and strategic business advancements.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Payments Associate

Cloud Pay
Sydney
11.2023 - Current
  • Sold and onboarded EFTPOS solutions for small to medium-sized businesses, ensuring seamless integration
  • Cultivated long-term client relationships, driving retention and consistently exceeding sales targets
  • Utilized outbound calls and face-to-face engagements to generate new business and expand market reach
  • Collaborated with internal teams and external stakeholders to optimize onboarding and customer experiences
  • Stayed informed on industry trends, product offerings, and competitive pricing to deliver tailored solutions

Business Development Manager

American Express (via Retail Safari/CPM)
Perth & Sydney
01.2021 - 01.2023
  • Activated American Express payment solutions on existing terminals for small to medium-sized businesses, driving increased merchant acceptance
  • Secured new business opportunities through B2B sales while building relationships with SME owners to expand market presence
  • Presented tailored financial solutions, highlighting the benefits of American Express acceptance to boost revenue for merchants
  • Generated leads through cold calling, referrals, and on-site visits, consistently exceeding sales and activation targets

Sales Consultant

Accor Plus
Perth
01.2017 - 01.2020
  • Exceeded KPIs and quotas through high-volume outbound cold calling to sell Accor Plus memberships
  • Provided expert product knowledge and resolved client queries, successfully upgrading travel packages
  • Built and maintained strong relationships with clients, ensuring high satisfaction and long-term loyalty
  • Consistently met performance targets in a fast-paced, phone-based sales environment

Remote Site Services Manager

Sodexo
Pilbara, WA
01.2014 - 01.2016
  • Managed mining camp operations, overseeing up to 150 staff on rotating rosters and ensuring compliance with client agreements and KPI targets
  • Coordinated travel, accommodation logistics, staff performance reviews, and quality assurance standards
  • Directed budgets, financial reporting, and health and safety programs
  • Tracked work orders, maintained maintenance logs, and ensured smooth inter-departmental operations
  • Ensured regulatory compliance through safety audits, inspections, and staff training programs
  • Investigated workplace incidents and coordinated return-to-work plans with HSE advisors

Food & Beverage Manager

The Esplanade Hotel
Port Hedland
01.2012 - 01.2013
  • Directed daily operations of the food and beverage department, ensuring exceptional guest experiences
  • Led hiring, training, and performance management for a motivated and high-performing team
  • Collaborated with the kitchen team to develop innovative menus and uphold strict hygiene standards
  • Monitored budgets, controlled costs, and ensured compliance with health and safety regulations

Cruise Attendant

Coral Princess Cruises
Broome, WA
01.2011 - 12.2011

Food & Beverage Supervisor

Cable Beach Club Resort
Broome, WA
01.2009 - 01.2011

Restaurant Team Leader

Club Med Lindeman Island
Whitsundays, QLD
01.2008 - 01.2009

Boat Hostess/Tour Guide

Southern Cross Sailing Adventure
Whitsundays, QLD
01.2007 - 12.2007

Education

Bachelor of Commerce - Project Management & Marketing

11.2023

Diploma of Commerce -

North Metropolitan TAFE
01.2020

Certificate IV - Bookkeeping

Great Lakes TAFE
01.2016

Certificate IV - Hospitality, Food & Beverage Operations

Port Macquarie TAFE
01.2005

Certificate IV - Tourism Operations

Port Macquarie TAFE
01.2004

Skills

  • Leadership & Team Management
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Relationship Management
  • Problem Solving & Innovation
  • Mentorship & Talent Development
  • Technical Proficiency

Certification

  • Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety, Royal Life Saving, 12/31/17
  • Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting with Breathing Apparatus, Shipboard Safety, 12/31/11
  • Personal Survival Techniques & Crisis Management, Cairns Maritime TAFE, 12/31/10

Timeline

Payments Associate

Cloud Pay
11.2023 - Current

Business Development Manager

American Express (via Retail Safari/CPM)
01.2021 - 01.2023

Sales Consultant

Accor Plus
01.2017 - 01.2020

Remote Site Services Manager

Sodexo
01.2014 - 01.2016

Food & Beverage Manager

The Esplanade Hotel
01.2012 - 01.2013

Cruise Attendant

Coral Princess Cruises
01.2011 - 12.2011

Food & Beverage Supervisor

Cable Beach Club Resort
01.2009 - 01.2011

Restaurant Team Leader

Club Med Lindeman Island
01.2008 - 01.2009

Boat Hostess/Tour Guide

Southern Cross Sailing Adventure
01.2007 - 12.2007

Bachelor of Commerce - Project Management & Marketing

Diploma of Commerce -

North Metropolitan TAFE

Certificate IV - Bookkeeping

Great Lakes TAFE

Certificate IV - Hospitality, Food & Beverage Operations

Port Macquarie TAFE

Certificate IV - Tourism Operations

Port Macquarie TAFE
Vanessa Aitken