MARY-ANN KAFOA

Lead operational coordination, governance administration, and cross-functional project support for one of Queensland’s largest food relief organisations, supporting executive leadership, statewide operations, and major organisational initiatives.

• Coordinate governance and operational administration across executive leadership, Finance, Operations, and People & Culture functions
• Support strategic organisational initiatives including warehouse expansion projects, digital transformation activities, and cross-department process integration
• Lead and support operational improvement initiatives focused on workflow efficiency, document control, and process standardisation
• Coordinate board and committee governance processes, including Risk & Audit and People, Culture & Safety committees
• Maintain structured document control and compliance systems aligned with ISO 9001:2015 standards
• Support HR and organisational administration activities including policy coordination, stakeholder communication, and workforce-related processes
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners to support efficient operational delivery
• Recognised for sound judgement, discretion, and calm coordination within complex operational environments

Played a key role in the establishment and operational growth of a boutique early learning centre in the heart of Hendra, supporting business operations, HR coordination, educational leadership, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives during a significant growth phase.

• Supported the successful opening and operational setup of a boutique childcare centre, helping establish systems, operational processes, staffing structures, and day-to-day business operations from inception
• Partnered closely with Director/ Owner to build a high-performing team culture and strong operational foundations
• Coordinated HR and workforce functions including recruitment, onboarding, payroll administration, rostering, training coordination, and staff support
• Contributed to educational leadership, operational quality improvement, and compliance processes supporting achievement of an Exceeding rating within the first year of operation
• Developed and implemented operational systems, policies, procedures, and workflow improvements to strengthen efficiency, accountability, and service delivery
• Supported enrolments, family communication, stakeholder engagement, invoicing, and administrative coordination
• Played a key role in establishing a positive centre culture, strong parent relationships, and high-quality operational standards from the outset

Oversaw operational administration, payroll, compliance, HR coordination, and business support functions across two childcare campuses supporting 60+ educators and families.

• Coordinated payroll, accounts administration, rostering, and operational reporting across two sites
• Supported HR functions including recruitment coordination, onboarding, staff training, performance administration, and workforce planning
• Led operational improvement initiatives to strengthen workflow efficiency, compliance processes, and day-to-day business operations
• Partnered with Directors to streamline systems, improve administrative processes, and support organisational growth
• Supported business operations including enrolments, invoicing, compliance administration, and stakeholder communication
• Developed and implemented policies, procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Built strong relationships with families, suppliers, and community stakeholders to support service delivery and centre growth

Managed operational coordination, stakeholder engagement, HR support, and project delivery across both commercial and charitable entities within a technology-driven environment.

• Led and coordinated operational projects across multiple digital platforms involving ICT teams, external consultants, and operational stakeholders
• Supported business operations including supplier management, logistics coordination, customer service processes, and administrative systems
• Worked closely with executive leadership to identify operational gaps and implement systems, workflow, and process improvements
• Developed operational frameworks, reporting dashboards, and scalable business processes supporting organisational growth
• Supported HR and workforce coordination activities including onboarding, communication, and operational team support
• Contributed to branding, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication initiatives
• Played a key role in strengthening operational structure and improving cross-functional collaboration across commercial and charitable operations

Previous experience across hospitality, childcare, accounting support, and small business operations has further strengthened capability in customer service, workforce coordination, financial administration, stakeholder engagement, and day-to-day business management.

This includes:

• Leadership and operational experience within hospitality environments
• Early childhood education and care experience across centre-based and family day care settings
• Accounting and administrative support functions
• Ownership and operation of a family day care business, including compliance, enrolments, parent engagement, and business administration