JONATHAS SANTOS
Melbourne,Australia
Summary
I’m a people-focused professional who thrives on building connections and creating positive work environments. With a strong background in administration, business operations, and governance, I excel at problem-solving and supporting teams to work efficiently. I adapt easily to challenges, communicate openly, and am always looking for ways to improve workplace effectiveness and enjoyment.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
BODY SAFETY AUSTRALIA
Melbourne, Australia
06.2024 - Current
- Led the successful implementation of a new CRM system, improving data management.
- Onboarded a new HR consultancy to ensure compliance with the correct award and legal best practices.
- Increased revenue by 36% in three months through service optimisations and operational efficiencies.
- Reduced expenses by 27% while maintaining service quality through cost-saving initiatives.
- Developed the 2025 financial budget, ensuring strategic resource allocation for growth.
- Recruited, hired, and trained five staff, promoted one, and mentored another into a leadership role, supporting internal growth.
- Strengthened stakeholder relationships to expand reach and further the organisation’s mission of promoting childhoods free from violence.
Senior Manager Business Support
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Wellington, New Zealand
10.2021 - 06.2024
- Developed systems and collaborated with other business partners to improve the branch environment.
- Managed a team of 10 through three major organizational restructures, ensuring smooth transitions, and minimal disruption to operations.
- Successfully led two office relocations, coordinating logistics and supporting the needs of 500 staff members.
- Provided leadership and guidance during periods of change, maintaining team cohesion and operational continuity
- Provided guidance on governance, finance, and HR, driving performance, and team growth.
Director of the Office
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Wellington, New Zealand
06.2023 - 10.2023
- Served in a short-term secondment as Director, supporting the Deputy Secretary with strategic advice and managing risks and issues during a government and ministerial transition.
- Led a team of 26 senior managers through a period of significant change, ensuring the delivery of high-quality results while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Manager Programme Coordination
MINISTRY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
Wellington, New Zealand
07.2021 - 10.2021
- Coordinated and managed administrative services for the Investment Programme Directorate
- Led a team of 8 to improve communication, performance, and development processes
Team Manager Business Support
MINISTRY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
Wellington, New Zealand
11.2019 - 07.2020
- Created the team from scratch, hiring, training, and developing 15 staff members, ranging from junior to senior roles.
- Managed and mentored the team, ensuring ongoing growth, skill development, and alignment with organisational goals.
- Developed and implemented a customised induction and onboarding process for the Policy team, which received high praise and is still in use today.
- Successfully integrated the onboarding process into the wider MPI HR system through collaboration with the Learning and Development team.
Adviser & International Coordinator
MINISTRY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
Wellington, New Zealand
08.2018 - 11.2019
- Coordinated end-to-end international travel logistics for senior leadership, organising overseas trips for conferences, engagements, and bilateral meetings.
- Managed the travel arrangements for international delegates visiting New Zealand, including farm visits, agreement signings, and bilateral meetings.
- Provided strategic advice on travel, accommodation, finances, security, and safety, ensuring smooth and secure trips for staff and delegates.
- Oversaw all aspects of international travel, including visa requirements, itineraries, and travel documentation, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Prepared detailed reports and financial documents, offering proactive solutions and alternatives in response to changes in travel plans or requirements.
Operations Manager
THE WILD CHEF FOOD MANUFACTURE
Wellington, New Zealand
03.2018 - 07.2018
- Managed day-to-day operations, supervised staff, and improved processes, increasing efficiency and reducing waste.
- Contributed to a 25% revenue growth, transitioning the business from customer-facing sales to wholesale-only.
- Implemented staff retention strategies, enhancing training and work culture, leading to lower turnover.
- Optimised inventory management, supply chain coordination, and vendor relationships for improved operations.
Census Team Leader
Stats New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand
12.2017 - 03.2018
- Led a team of 12 officers in the successful execution of the 2018 Census for the Queenstown Lakes region, ensuring accurate data collection and adherence to timelines.
- Managed logistics and resource allocation, leveraging local knowledge to optimise field operations and ensure efficient survey completion.
- Coordinated training and support for team members, ensuring high standards of data accuracy and compliance with census protocols.
- Contributed to the success of a nationwide initiative, having a significant impact on Stats NZ’s data collection efforts and ensuring the integrity of the census results for future government planning.
Department Manager
pakn’save supermarket
Queenstown, New Zealand
09.2016 - 12.2017
- Set up systems for the store opening and ensured business continuity
- Managed staff training, scheduling, and customer service to maintain a safe and efficient environment
Operations Manager
tin goose cafe
Queenstown, New Zealand
10.2015 - 09.2016
- Managed day-to-day operations, maintaining high service standards and operational efficiency
- Designed menus, set KPIs, and ensured compliance with health and safety regulations
Food & Beverage Manager
postmasters restaurant
Queenstown, New Zealand
10.2012 - 12.2015
- Managed kitchen operations, ensuring smooth workflow and high-quality dishes that met standards and customer expectations
- Developed food designs, identified and trained talented chefs, and maintained order and discipline in the kitchen
- Oversaw staff training and resource management to maximise efficiency
Education
PRINCE2 6th Ed Foundation & Practitioner -
Axelos
05.2023
Coaching for Performance -
Skill4Work
06.2022
Diploma in Business Administration -
Southern Institute of Technology
Queenstown06.2018
IMNZ Diploma in Management -
Southern Institute of Technology
Queenstown12.2016
Skills
- Process Improvement
- Governance & Compliance
- Coaching, Mentoring & People Development
- Strategic Planning
- Team & Culture Building
- Planning, Prioritisation & Problem-Solving
- Financial Oversight & Budgeting
- Organisational Change & Adaptability
- High-Level IT Proficiency
- Attention to Detail & Accuracy
- Strong Written & Verbal Communication
- Stakeholder Management
- Performance monitoring
References
Available upon request.
Profiles - Linkedin
linkedin.com/jonathas.duarte
Personal Information
Citizenship: NZ Citizen/AU Permanent Resident
Timeline
Operations Manager
BODY SAFETY AUSTRALIA
06.2024 - Current
Director of the Office
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
06.2023 - 10.2023
Senior Manager Business Support
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
10.2021 - 06.2024
Manager Programme Coordination
MINISTRY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
07.2021 - 10.2021
Team Manager Business Support
MINISTRY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
11.2019 - 07.2020
Adviser & International Coordinator
MINISTRY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
08.2018 - 11.2019
Operations Manager
THE WILD CHEF FOOD MANUFACTURE
03.2018 - 07.2018
Census Team Leader
Stats New Zealand
12.2017 - 03.2018
Department Manager
pakn’save supermarket
09.2016 - 12.2017
Operations Manager
tin goose cafe
10.2015 - 09.2016
Food & Beverage Manager
postmasters restaurant
10.2012 - 12.2015
PRINCE2 6th Ed Foundation & Practitioner -
Axelos
Coaching for Performance -
Skill4Work
Diploma in Business Administration -
Southern Institute of Technology
IMNZ Diploma in Management -
Southern Institute of Technology
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