Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Computer Skills
Timeline
Generic
Justine Van Dam

Justine Van Dam

Summary

As a talented account manager and event management professional with 20+ years of industry experience, outstanding communication and exceptional service are two of my key drivers.

A creative and highly strategic professional, with success in building relationships and attracting new clients, I strive for a standard of excellence, giving my best and expecting the best.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Independent Marriage & Funeral Celebrant

Self Employed
01.2016 - Current
  • I specialise in providing personalised services for weddings, civil unions, funerals, burials, and committals. For weddings and civil unions, I consult with couples to understand their vision and ensure all legal requirements are met. I then craft contemporary ceremonies that reflect their preferences, overseeing every aspect from design to coordination and officiating. Similarly, for funerals, burials, and committals, I offer compassionate support to grieving loved ones, crafting meaningful services tailored to their needs. This includes preparing and distributing Order of Service Sheets and, when necessary, delivering heartfelt eulogies. My dedication to creating seamless and personalized experiences ensures that each event is memorable and meaningful for all involved.

Venue & Events Manager

Oyster & Chop - The Terrace
05.2023 - 08.2023
  • Contracted for three months to lead the launch of the Terrace at Oyster and Chop, Viaduct Harbour, promoting it as a premier event space for up to 150 guests. Managed all aspects of the event, from vendor coordination to on-site logistics, collaborating with Little Empire PR for a successful opening. Documented event details and developed comprehensive timelines to ensure smooth operations for each department.

Wedding & Events Manager

St Leonards Chapel & Gardens - Wilson Home Trust
12.2020 - 02.2023
  • Managed all event inquiries and bookings, overseeing the wedding/event portfolio, maintaining calendar, schedule, and budget. Handled invoicing, payments, and customer statements via Xero for business. Developed new business opportunities, coordinated on-site logistics, and designed marketing collateral and booking contracts using Canva design tools. Promoted venue through social media, coordinated event signage, and collaborated to identify innovative event opportunities. Monitored expenses, conducted site evaluations, surveys, and post-event reports to ensure optimal performance.

Residential Real Estate Consultant

Bayleys Real Estate
10.2017 - 11.2020
  • Successfully negotiated sale and purchase contracts on urban and lifestyle residential properties, collaborating with production companies to create walkthrough open home videos, especially during COVID. Built strong relationships with agents, vendors, and buyers, designing and completing advertising content for marketing campaigns. Stayed updated on market trends, researched housing market dynamics, presented appraisals to clients, organized building inspections, and maintained professional standards in property laws and regulations, particularly on the Hibiscus Coast.

Account Manager - Hotels & Premium Dining

Bidfood
07.2016 - 06.2017
  • Managed and maintained a portfolio of 150+ clients, including 4 & 5-star hotels and premium dining restaurants in Greater Auckland. Drove sales growth by strategically meeting with customers, resulting in year-over-year net earnings growth and increased market share in Auckland. Identified target customers and business opportunities, establishing and nurturing relationships with vendors and clients. Developed expertise in product, pricing, and service requirements across the Bidfood food service network, while fostering strong relationships with Bidfood staff in customer service, purchasing, and operations.

Territory Manager, West Auckland Trust Authority

Independent Liquor (Asahi Beverages NZ Ltd))
08.2013 - 04.2016
  • Managed and maintained portfolio of independently owned liquor stores, including all West Liquor stores within the West Auckland and Portage Licensing Trust area. Developed strong relationships with storeowners, buyers, retail staff, and West Auckland Trust. Ensured merchandise compliance, executed in-store standards, and optimized point-of-sale material presence. Organised tasting and promotional events, managing both internal and external promotional staff. Drove sales through monthly marketing activities, introducing new products, and maintaining regular call cycles. Assisted in developing new KPIs based on changing market conditions and organizational needs during Asahi's purchase of Independent Liquor.

Account Manager

Blackboard Wines
07.2011 - 07.2013
  • Managed 100+ customers, including on and off-premise operators, meeting KPIs and quarterly targets while securing new business, particularly in independent retail. Orchestrated store promotions, tastings, and represented at trade shows, while overseeing trade accounts, including invoice generation and order processing. Analysed and reported retail performance, maintaining up-to-date sales reports and budgets.

Account Manager

Soljans Wines
08.2009 - 05.2011
  • Compiled sales for a boutique winery, growing profit and market share across on/off-premise and grocery customers in Greater Auckland. Cultivated and sustained relationships with key customers, addressing their needs with value-added solutions, while proactively seeking new clients. Maintained regular communication through weekly/monthly call cycles and meticulous record-keeping. Oversaw in-store tastings and managed merchandising efforts.

Support Services & Booking Coordinator

Cancer Society
01.2008 - 12.2008
  • Provided administrative support to management and department staff.
  • Resolved issues and successfully booked appropriate Cancer Society support.
  • Maintained confidential patient documentation.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to products and services.

Account Manager

CCH Wolters Kluwer – Tax and Accounting Solutions
04.2006 - 11.2007
  • Sold software and subscription services to law firms and chartered accountants, focusing on auditing and current legislation, including employment law. Met KPIs and monthly product and financial targets, identifying new business opportunities and presenting CCH products to professional clients regularly. Increased brand recognition and secured high-value accounts by highlighting features and benefits, outshining competitors.

Account Manager

Corporate Direct Wines
02.2002 - 03.2006
  • Established and nurtured relationships with over 100 e-commerce customers to enhance profitability and category share. Attained sales objectives through personalised customer engagement and exceptional service delivery, consistently meeting monthly product and financial targets. Directed a team of four employees, overseeing daily operations, and spearheaded the implementation of a new functional database to optimize company workflows.

Editor & Writer

Wedding Countdown Diary - Micheal Hill Jeweler
01.2002 - 06.2002
  • Contracted by Ovation Media as both editor and writer of a 100 page Wedding publication ‘The Wedding Countdown’. Designed as a working diary for brides the diary was distributed nationwide through Michael Hill Jeweler stores.
  • Format and content of publication resulted in the republication of the booklet for 2004 and 2005.

Front of House Reception

Silverscreen Productions/Oktober Ltd
01.2002 - 06.2002
  • Performed front-of-house and reception duties with a focus on quality and exceeding customer expectations. Collaborated closely with production team members during TVC shoots, music videos, and brand promotions, facilitating effective communication between crew and cast members. Managed and distributed daily paperwork, including call sheets, release forms, and production notes.

Television Production Runner

South Pacific Pictures
06.2001 - 01.2002
  • Contracted by South Pacific Pictures for two consecutive television series, "Mercy Peak" & "Being Eve," as a production runner for both pre and post-production phases. Managed talent on set and location, distributed call sheets, releases, maps, and other pertinent documents to cast and crew. Prepared sets by transporting equipment and supplies, coordinated transportation requirements for cast, crew, and equipment, and stayed updated on production schedules and special events. Maintained open communication with the Production Coordinator regarding any changes or updates to the shooting schedule.

International Flight Attendant

Air New Zealand
01.1996 - 05.2001
  • Brand ambassador for Air New Zealand Koru, maintaining a tidy, professional cabin appearance and delivering top-tier inflight service for optimal passenger satisfaction. Attended trainings in customer service, conflict resolution, and safety procedures to stay updated on industry standards. Instructed passengers on safety protocols, addressed flight-related queries, and managed passenger emergencies according to established protocols.


Education

National Certificate in Real Estate Salesperson

REINZ
Auckland
01-2017

Certificate in Celebrant Studies

New Zealand Celebrant School
Auckland
01-2015

Wine Appreciation Bronze Level

NZ Wine Cellars - Vic Williams
Auckland
01-2009

Salesforce Pipeline Management Training

Salesforce
01-2009

Presenters Platform Course

Studio 111
Ponsonby, Auckland
01-2005

Acting For Film & Camera

The Auckland Performing Arts Centre
Auckland
01-2004

Managers Certificate

LCQA New Zealand
01-2004

Freelance Journalism Diploma

NZ Business School
01-2001

Radio And Television Broadcasting Course

NZ School of Broadcasting
Christchurch
01-1992

Sports Science Certificate

Waikato University
Hamilton
01-1990

Student Exchange

Rotary School Exchange
Port MacQuarrie, Australia
01-1989

Sixth Form Certificate

Rangiora High School
01-1989

Skills

  • Leadership and ownership
  • Listening and understanding
  • Collaboration and customisation
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication
  • Organisational skills
  • Analytical, Strategic
  • Attention to detail
  • Creativity
  • Time management
  • Negotiation
  • Decision Making
  • Project management
  • Relationship management
  • Problem resolution
  • Social media savvy

Computer Skills

MSOffice

Google Drive

Canva Design

Asana

Xero for business

MYOB

WIX

Mailchimp

Timeline

Venue & Events Manager

Oyster & Chop - The Terrace
05.2023 - 08.2023

Wedding & Events Manager

St Leonards Chapel & Gardens - Wilson Home Trust
12.2020 - 02.2023

Residential Real Estate Consultant

Bayleys Real Estate
10.2017 - 11.2020

Account Manager - Hotels & Premium Dining

Bidfood
07.2016 - 06.2017

Independent Marriage & Funeral Celebrant

Self Employed
01.2016 - Current

Territory Manager, West Auckland Trust Authority

Independent Liquor (Asahi Beverages NZ Ltd))
08.2013 - 04.2016

Account Manager

Blackboard Wines
07.2011 - 07.2013

Account Manager

Soljans Wines
08.2009 - 05.2011

Support Services & Booking Coordinator

Cancer Society
01.2008 - 12.2008

Account Manager

CCH Wolters Kluwer – Tax and Accounting Solutions
04.2006 - 11.2007

Account Manager

Corporate Direct Wines
02.2002 - 03.2006

Editor & Writer

Wedding Countdown Diary - Micheal Hill Jeweler
01.2002 - 06.2002

Front of House Reception

Silverscreen Productions/Oktober Ltd
01.2002 - 06.2002

Television Production Runner

South Pacific Pictures
06.2001 - 01.2002

International Flight Attendant

Air New Zealand
01.1996 - 05.2001

National Certificate in Real Estate Salesperson

REINZ

Certificate in Celebrant Studies

New Zealand Celebrant School

Wine Appreciation Bronze Level

NZ Wine Cellars - Vic Williams

Salesforce Pipeline Management Training

Salesforce

Presenters Platform Course

Studio 111

Acting For Film & Camera

The Auckland Performing Arts Centre

Managers Certificate

LCQA New Zealand

Freelance Journalism Diploma

NZ Business School

Radio And Television Broadcasting Course

NZ School of Broadcasting

Sports Science Certificate

Waikato University

Student Exchange

Rotary School Exchange

Sixth Form Certificate

Rangiora High School

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Justine Van Dam