Julie Kukainis
Tawonga,Australia
Summary
Results-driven business leader with expertise in general and operations management. Comprehensive experience leading and developing teams, optimising processes, and implementing cost-effective strategies. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, staff development, operational efficiency, consistently improving workflow and reducing costs. Proven track record of enhancing overall business performance through effective leadership and innovative problem-solving.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Self Employed (Owner/Operator)
R & J Kukainis T/A Mount Beauty Transfers
Tawonga, Australia
12.2018 - Current
- Improved performance of underperforming business, resulting in 40% profit growth and sustainability.
- Managed administrative and financial operations for personal transport service in alpine resorts.
- Enhanced fleet operations by upgrading vehicles and integrating local drivers to boost service quality.
- Revamped business image through strategic branding updates and improved online presence.
- Provided leadership and support to contracted drivers, ensuring adherence to vehicle safety regulations.
- Developed core and potential markets for transport services, including innovative packaged care options.
- Established relationships with key stakeholders such as V-Line and Tourism North East.
- Led project activities for successful launch of business website www.mtbeautytransfers.com.au.
Administration Manager (Full Time)
Remote Vocational Training Scheme Ltd (RVTS)
Albury, Australia
01.2016 - 11.2018
- Directed leadership and management for RVTS staff and contractors.
- Facilitated recruitment of Doctors into RVTS Training Program through targeted marketing plans.
- Contributed to formulation and implementation of organisation's Strategic Plan.
- Led events team in managing biannual five-day residential workshops and alumni functions.
- Oversaw administration of RVTS education program for over 100 regional General Practitioners.
- Ensured compliance with College Accreditation and external requirements.
- Fostered partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness.
- Executed project management for five week-long conferences, accommodating over 100 registrars.
Manager (Full Time)
Mansfield Mt Buller Regional Tourism Association Limited
Mansfield, Australia
04.2012 - 01.2016
- Directed operations of Mansfield Mt Buller Regional Tourism Association Limited, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Established and executed strategic business plan to align organizational goals with regional tourism objectives.
- Directed development and implementation of new regional tourism website as part of digital platform.
- Optimized regional booking service and visitor services, improving user experience.
- Maintained Level 1 Accreditation for Mansfield Visitor & Interpretive Centre, ensuring high standards.
- Nurtured relationships with stakeholders and industry partners to identify commercial opportunities.
- Oversaw operational budget management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
- Developed successful partnership program for local businesses, boosting community engagement.
Marketing Manager (Full Time)
Card Base – Better ID Solutions
Tawonga, Australia
06.2008 - 03.2012
- Provided leadership and coordination for Card Base’s sales and marketing functions.
- Recruited, trained, and evaluated sales and support staff to enhance team performance.
- Identified and developed new customer segments for products and services.
- Researched strategies to capitalise on marketing opportunities and drive new project initiatives.
- Analysed the effectiveness of sales methods, costs, and results to inform decision-making.
- Developed and managed sales, marketing, and internal operating budgets to optimise resources.
- Promoted positive relations with partners, vendors, and distributors to foster collaboration.
- Managed critical client accounts while overseeing service staff for conferences and events.
Visitor Information Centre Co-ordinator (Full Time)
Alpine Shire Council
Mount Beauty, Australia
08.2006 - 06.2007
- Coordinated all operations of Visitor Information Centre to enhance service delivery.
- Implemented shire-wide reservations system to streamline visitor bookings.
- Designed and managed a Volunteer program across Alpine Shire, fostering community engagement.
- Trained and developed Centre staff and volunteers, improving overall performance.
- Maintained accreditation for Centre, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Contributed to Marketing Plan development for visitor services, increasing regional visibility.
- Strengthened business relationships with local tourism operators, Tourism Board, and Council Officers.
- Achieved visitor numbers, reservations, and retail sales targets through strategic management.
Centre Manager – Alpine Discovery Centre (Full Time)
Alpine Discovery Centre Pty Ltd
Mount Beauty, Australia
01.2006 - 08.2006
- Managed daily operations and staff at Alpine Discovery Centre, enhancing visitor experience.
- Ensured financial viability and compliance with safety and legislative standards.
- Developed and executed marketing strategies to increase visibility and engagement.
- Recruited, trained, and coached staff and volunteers to improve service quality.
- Established strong partnerships with local tourism operators and councils to drive collaboration.
- Increased membership by 30% through targeted outreach and promotional activities.
- Resolved customer complaints effectively, maintaining high satisfaction levels under pressure.
- Transitioned centre from underperforming to fully accredited and profitable visitor information hub.
Customer Service Adviser – General Insurance (Full Time)
Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency (APIA)
Albury, Australia
09.2004 - 05.2005
- Managed daily operations of retail branch for Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency in Albury.
- Maximized sales opportunities by effectively selling and cross-selling insurance products.
- Provided personalized advice and recommendations on insurance needs for customers.
- Prepared sales quotes for various insurance types following policy guidelines.
- Assessed and processed insurance claims, ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Authorized claim payments to customers and contractors promptly.
- Resolved customer complaints while maintaining strong commitment to superior service.
- Developed relationships with local assessors and contractors to enhance business collaboration.
Business & Marketing Manager (Full Time)
Card Base – Better ID Solutions
Tawonga, Australia
03.2002 - 08.2004
- Formulated comprehensive sales and marketing plan for identification equipment, targeting businesses and organizations.
- Identified new business opportunities to drive revenue growth.
- Conducted market research and reported insights to Sales Manager for strategic decision-making.
- Managed customer relationship management program to enhance client engagement.
- Coordinated direct mail campaigns while analyzing response rates for effectiveness.
- Cultivated strong relationships with suppliers and customers to foster collaboration.
- Oversaw compliance, banking, and account management for seamless business operations.
- Organized product demonstrations for prospective clients, effectively showcasing Card Base products.
Co-ordinator – Sales & Marketing Support
Ezenet Ltd – Digital Pay Movie Systems
Melbourne, Australia
04.2001 - 11.2001
- Assisted National Technical Sales Manager in developing and implementing revenue growth strategies.
- Provided comprehensive sales and administrative support to enhance operational efficiency.
- Coordinated preparation of marketing materials within B2B context to drive engagement.
- Managed direct mail campaigns and monitored response rates for effectiveness.
- Identified and generated new client contacts to expand business opportunities.
- Maintained CRM database and generated marketing reports as needed.
- Delivered high-quality customer service to Ezenet clients, fostering loyalty.
- Organized product demonstrations for prospective clients, maximizing sales opportunities.
Sales Team Leader – Frontline Sales
Ansett Australia
Adelaide, Australia
04.1994 - 02.2001
- Motivated and coached sales team members to exceed sales objectives consistently.
- Managed performance development of up to 20 sales team members, enhancing overall effectiveness.
- Identified training needs and implemented coaching strategies for new sales personnel.
- Facilitated comprehensive training for over 100 Reservations Sales Agents in products and sales techniques.
- Developed strong relationships with management and cross-departmental teams for collaborative success.
- Designed and executed post-induction training programs to ensure agent readiness.
- Coordinated a successful sales conference for Frontline Sales Agents to promote best practices.
- Recognized with Ansett's Reach Out Award for Excellence in October 1995.
Education
Diploma Sustainability - Sustainability Studies
Swinburne University
Melbourne, VIC03-2012
Diploma Management - Management
Swinburne University
Melbourne, VIC03-2011
Diploma Tourism - Tourism Operations
Wodonga TAFE
Wodonga, VIC01.2011
Cert IV Workplace Training and Assessment - Education And Training
Wodonga TAFE
Wodonga, VIC01.2010
Skills
- Key partnership development
- Strategic leadership
- Operational efficiency
- Stakeholder engagement
- Customer relationship management
- Management effectiveness
- Time management
- Pressure resilience
- Strong work ethic
- Problem solving
- Communication skills
Committees And Volunteer Work
**Tawonga Community Building Initiative (CBI) - June 2008 to May 2009**
Collaborated with local businesses, government, and organizations to enhance Tawonga and its surrounding areas. By identifying key community issues, we developed proactive strategies and built relationships to empower residents to address challenges.
The focus was on improving local public spaces and we were successful in securing funding for playground and park equipment through several grant applications. A key achievement was leading the development of Tawonga’s “Community Atlas” and Community Action Plan.
References
- Mr David Dart, Director Dart Medical Services, 0408 541 511, ddart@mail.com
- Mr Russell Bate (OAM), Director Urbanise.com Aust Pty Ltd, 0425 729 811, russwbate@yahoo.com.au
Workplace Training And Development
- International Visitor Readiness, Tourism North East/Tourism Victoria, 1 Day
- Digital Marketing for Destinations, Tourism-E school/Mansfield Mt Buller Regional Tourism Association, 6 months, 2015
- Dealing with Unacceptable Employee Behaviour, Skills Path/Mansfield Mt Buller Regional Tourism Association, 1 Day, 2014
- Selling With Service, In house/APIA, 1 Day, 2004
- Customer Driven Workshop (Pilot), Funding the Future/Performa/Ansett, 2 Days, 1999
- Train the Trainer, Performa/Ansett, 5 Days, 1999
- Ansett Leadership Programme, Sherbrooke Ass/Ansett, 2 Days, 1998
Summary Of Skills And Abilities
- Highly effective leadership skills utilised to achieve organisational and strategic goals
- Resourceful, self-motivated and a desire to exceed targets
- Highly developed interpersonal skills and adaptability to a wide range of stakeholders
- Strong management skills used to ensure effective and efficient workplace processes
- High degree of initiative & enthusiasm for seeking new revenue and business opportunities
- Strong marketing skills and sales abilities
- Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare Annual Reports and Board Papers
- Good organisation and planning skills
- Ability to effectively prioritise and manage time efficiently
- Proven performer accustomed to working effectively under pressure and to timeframes
- Energetic with a strong work ethic and passionate approach to work
- Excellent analytical and problem solving skills
- Commercially astute with a proven record of sound budgeting, business and financial management
Timeline
Self Employed (Owner/Operator)
R & J Kukainis T/A Mount Beauty Transfers
12.2018 - Current
Administration Manager (Full Time)
Remote Vocational Training Scheme Ltd (RVTS)
01.2016 - 11.2018
Manager (Full Time)
Mansfield Mt Buller Regional Tourism Association Limited
04.2012 - 01.2016
Marketing Manager (Full Time)
Card Base – Better ID Solutions
06.2008 - 03.2012
Visitor Information Centre Co-ordinator (Full Time)
Alpine Shire Council
08.2006 - 06.2007
Centre Manager – Alpine Discovery Centre (Full Time)
Alpine Discovery Centre Pty Ltd
01.2006 - 08.2006
Customer Service Adviser – General Insurance (Full Time)
Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency (APIA)
09.2004 - 05.2005
Business & Marketing Manager (Full Time)
Card Base – Better ID Solutions
03.2002 - 08.2004
Co-ordinator – Sales & Marketing Support
Ezenet Ltd – Digital Pay Movie Systems
04.2001 - 11.2001
Sales Team Leader – Frontline Sales
Ansett Australia
04.1994 - 02.2001
Diploma Sustainability - Sustainability Studies
Swinburne University
Diploma Management - Management
Swinburne University
Diploma Tourism - Tourism Operations
Wodonga TAFE
Cert IV Workplace Training and Assessment - Education And Training
Wodonga TAFE