Personal Assistant with 15+ Years Executive Support
Resume:
COLETTE GILDENHUYS
Centurion, South Africa
********@*****.***
linkedin.com/in/colettegildenhuys
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Highly organized and experienced Executive Assistant and Office Manager with over 15 years of success supporting C-suite executives across corporate, mining, and security industries. Recognized for superior organizational skills, discretion with confidential matters, and the ability to manage complex tasks under pressure. Driven and professional, with a proven track record of maintaining smooth executive operations and contributing to business efficiency. Fluent in English and Afrikaans. KEY SKILLS
• Executive & Personal Assistance
• Office & Diary Management
• Travel Coordination (Domestic & International)
• Project & Document Administration
• Confidential Communication & Correspondence
• Minute Taking & Agenda Preparation
• Procurement & Invoicing Support
• Government & License Applications
• Uniform Management
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) CORE STRENGTHS
• Exceptional Organizer: Known for keeping systems, files, and processes in order to ensure quick and accurate access to information.
• Trusted by Top Executives: Experience supporting CEOs and Managing Directors with high confidentiality.
• Proactive & Composed: Takes initiative in solving issues and handling critical decisions under pressure. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Tiny Homes SA – Executive Secretary and Office Manager April 2025 – Present (Start-up Company)
• Supported Director with daily administration, diary management, and travel coordination.
• Prepared confidential documents, sales reports, petty cash, office expenses, agendas and minutes.
• Maintained office databases and records.
• Handled incoming and outgoing mail and deliveries.
• Onboarded new employees and assisted with HR documentation.
• Tracked employee attendance, leave, and time-off requests.
• Supported growing Sales Team with quotes, appointments, etc.
• Graphic design of company brochure.
• Handled ad-hoc tasks as requested by senior management.
• Maintained good relationships with clients, suppliers, and service providers.
• Reason for leaving: Retrenchment
Stallion Security – Executive Secretary
September 2023 – November 2024
• Supported Group Managing Director with daily administration, diary management, and travel coordination.
• Prepared confidential documents, sales reports, petty cash, agendas and minutes.
• Arranged events.
• Consolidated monthly billing and credit card usage across Gauteng and Western Cape.
• Managed the Uniform Department.
• Reason for leaving: Retrenchment
Premier African Minerals – Executive Secretary / Office Manager May 2021 – February 2023
• Provided comprehensive support to CEO including both business and private matters.
• Oversaw office supplies, petty cash, and vehicle fleet management.
• Issued purchase orders and managed executive correspondence.
• Coordinated meetings, minutes, travel, and filing systems.
• Reason for leaving: Retrenchment
TSU Protection Services (Pty) Ltd – Executive Secretary June 2014 – August 2020
• Delivered administrative support to CEO including diary, meetings, and travel.
• Prepared confidential documents, monthly site analysis, and expenditure reports.
• Handled high-level licensing (firearms, armored vehicles, PSIRA).
• Consolidated monthly billing and credit card usage across Gauteng and Western Cape.
• Managed purchase invoices and tender submissions.
• Prepared sensitive documents and license renewals.
• Streamlined billing comparisons and reporting.
• Managed tenders and procurement-related duties.
• Managed Uniform Department.
• Reason for leaving: Retrenchment
Vodacom Group – Executive Secretary
November 2008 – May 2014
• Supported Head of Department and covered for MD/CEO’s Executive Secretary as needed.
• Managed internal meetings, catering, confidential correspondence, and office supplies. Vodacom Group – Senior Project Administrator
June 2007 – November 2008
• Coordinated diaries, meetings, and communication flow between teams.
• Prepared reports, budgets, and presentations.
Vodacom Group – Secretary
November 2004 – May 2007
• Supported Head of Department with administrative and secretarial tasks.
• Maintained filing systems, correspondence, and appointment coordination. EDUCATION
Diploma – Executive Secretary, Intec College, 2009 Senior Certificate, DF Malherbe High School, Port Elizabeth, 1991 LANGUAGES
English (Fluent)
Afrikaans (Fluent)
INTERESTS
Shooting Sports
Crafts
REFERENCES
Available on request.
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