Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Key Achievements
References
Timeline
Generic

Danielle Gardner

Helensburgh,NSW

Summary

I am a dedicated project manager with over six years of experience driving digital transformation across the education sector. From leading the rollout of various system implementations to upgrading critical platforms that support both students and staff, I’ve helped education providers adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital world. I bring a collaborative, people-first approach to every project, focusing on clear communication, strong stakeholder relationships, and practical solutions that make a real difference. With a sharp eye for risk management and a commitment to delivering on time and within budget, I take pride in seeing complex projects come to life.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Principal Consultant, Digital Implementations

DVE Business Solutions
Remote
01.2022 - Current
  • Provide strategic leadership for the DVE Digital Transformation team, with full accountability for product delivery, quality assurance, process governance, and continuous improvement across the portfolio.
  • Direct complex system implementations across university environments, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and a seamless student experience.
  • Oversee all phases of delivery, including:
    - Strategic project planning, scheduling, and implementation under robust governance frameworks.
    - Management of agile implementation practices, including sprint planning, requirements gathering, user story development, and backlog prioritisation.
    - Oversight of critical deployment activities such as configuration governance, UAT coordination, change management, go-live execution, and post-deployment warranty support.
    - Ensure comprehensive project documentation, artefact management, and structured handover to BAU teams.
    - Full ownership of project budgeting, financial tracking, and release cycle management.
    - Oversight of cross-functional resource planning, team capacity, and performance optimisation.
  • Championed strong vendor and partner relationships, acting as a senior liaison to ensure alignment on scope, delivery timelines, service levels, and innovation opportunities.
  • Lead the coaching, mentoring, and development of team members and stakeholders, fostering a high-performing culture and ensuring knowledge transfer across internal and external delivery teams.

Project Manager

DVE Business Solutions
Remote
01.2019 - 12.2021
  • Lead the strategic design and end-to-end implementation of project solutions, ensuring delivery exceeds client expectations, and is aligned with broader institutional objectives.
  • Directed the development and continuous optimisation of detailed project plans, schedules, and governance tools to drive efficient execution and accountability across all workstreams.
  • Provided leadership to a cross-functional project team, setting clear objectives and ensuring alignment of all activities with key milestones, deadlines, and quality benchmarks.
  • Oversaw resource planning and allocation, proactively identifying workload fluctuations and reallocating resources to maintain delivery momentum and optimise team performance.
  • Maintained firm control over project scope, implementing structured change management processes to address out-of-scope requests and manage stakeholder expectations.
  • Oversaw day-to-day engagement with key vendors, ensuring shared understanding of deliverables, timelines, and quality standards, while holding partners accountable to contract terms.
  • Strengthened strategic partnerships by streamlining operating rhythms and improving cross-organizational collaboration, resulting in a significantly enhanced client experience for the university.
  • Delivered executive-level reporting, including comprehensive updates on progress, risks, and dependencies.
  • Conducted risk analysis at both tactical and strategic levels, developing proactive mitigation plans to address emerging issues and safeguard project outcomes.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with senior stakeholders, maintaining transparent and consistent communication on project performance, decisions, and critical risks.

Head of Customer Service

Laureate Australia and New Zealand
Sydney, NSW
04.2016 - 12.2017
  • Developed and implemented the national customer service model for campuses, contact centre and digital platforms.
  • Lead the development and delivery of an overall contact management strategy for inbound and outbound enquiries.
  • Developed a suite of customer service training programs, using best practice to deliver a superior student experience.
  • Drove a culture that welcomes student complaints and feedback as a source of wisdom to improve the overall student experience.
  • Key member of customer experience improvement team; using data and student feedback to drive down enquiries and facilitate a self-service environment, using Agile project management methodology.

Service Hubs Manager

Laureate Australia And New Zealand
Sydney, NSW
01.2015 - 03.2016
  • Developed and implemented the national service hubs strategy across seven campuses and multiple brands.
  • Modelled best practice and customer service leadership throughout Laureate Australia.
  • Continuous improvement of systems, processes, and services within the student support function.
  • Ensured consistency and integrity in the delivery of student administration, operations and student support.
  • Active member of management team contributing to student retention and engagement strategies.

Student Support Operations Manager

THINK Education Group
Sydney, NSW
02.2013 - 12.2014
  • Led the centralised admissions, enrolments, and training teams to deliver a seamless and outstanding student experience.
  • Managed the system change release schedule; prioritised key changes required, worked with IT teams on solution, test solution, create documentation and train relevant stakeholders.
  • Identified process improvements throughout the student life cycle; worked with stakeholders to design, deliver and implement changes.
  • Shared best practice with campus leadership teams.
  • Developed and delivered training covering policy, procedure, systems and processes, to student facing staff.
  • Project work as required.

Online Student Support Team Leader

THINK Education Group
Sydney, NSW
04.2011 - 01.2013
  • Led a team dedicated to providing timely, accurate and student-centred support to online learners.
  • Managed the day-to-day operations and escalations to ensure that student enquiries were resolved efficiently and effectively.
  • Oversaw the complaints resolution process, ensuring all concerns were handled with empathy, professionalism, and in accordance with institutional policies.
  • Collaborated closely with academics, IT, and administrative departments to ensure a seamless online learning journey.
  • Monitored service levels, analysed support trends and drove continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Management and development of staff, ensuring consistent, high-quality service across all student interactions.

Education

Bachelor of Commerce - Management

University of Wollongong
Wollongong
01.2007

Skills

  • Strategic project leadership and management
  • Executive stakeholder engagement and relationship management
  • Client and customer-centric project delivery
  • Complex risk and issue management
  • Business processes and continuous improvement
  • High level of emotional intelligence
  • Advanced communication skills
  • Adaptable and resilient
  • Critical thinker
  • Collaboration and team building

Key Achievements

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References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Principal Consultant, Digital Implementations

DVE Business Solutions
01.2022 - Current

Project Manager

DVE Business Solutions
01.2019 - 12.2021

Head of Customer Service

Laureate Australia and New Zealand
04.2016 - 12.2017

Service Hubs Manager

Laureate Australia And New Zealand
01.2015 - 03.2016

Student Support Operations Manager

THINK Education Group
02.2013 - 12.2014

Online Student Support Team Leader

THINK Education Group
04.2011 - 01.2013

Bachelor of Commerce - Management

University of Wollongong

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Danielle Gardner