Leana De Bruin
Ramarama,AUK
Summary
Results-driven Business Development Manager with expertise in stakeholder management and client engagement. Proven track record of enhancing brand visibility and driving revenue growth through effective relationship building.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Foster Construction
Hamilton, New Zealand
09.2025 - Current
- Identified and pursued new business prospects in public and private sectors, contributing to revenue growth.
- Developed and implemented effective business development and client engagement strategies.
- Led business development initiatives across Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions to secure construction opportunities.
- Managed relationships with key stakeholders, including consultants, project managers, architects, and developers.
- Directed tender, ROI, EOI, and proposal development activities, enhancing success rates for project bids.
- Collaborated with pre-construction, commercial, and delivery teams to ensure successful project pursuits.
- Strengthened Foster Construction's presence in Waikato construction market through strategic relationship building, increasing brand visibility.
- Represented Foster Construction at industry events and networking functions to enhance visibility.
PROJECT MANAGER
Octa Associates
01.2023 - 08.2025
- Project management and delivery responsibilities.
- Stakeholder management and engagement.
- Identified and mitigated risks while resolving project-related issues to maintain project timelines.
- Coordinated efforts among consultants, contractors, and clients to streamline project execution.
- Compiled project reports and documentation to ensure accurate communication of project status.
- Financial tracking and project administration.
- Led initiatives to enhance workplace culture and employee engagement.
GENERAL MANAGER & PROJECT MANAGER
Total Help Limited
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Led educational project initiatives for Ministry of Education, enhancing program effectiveness.
- Coordinated communications with principals, consultants, and project managers to align project goals.
- Managed contractual agreements and monitored project performance to ensure compliance and quality.
- Budget development and project financial oversight.
- Coordination of trades and project resources.
- Oversaw daily business functions to maintain operational success.
- Managed all aspects of business management.
- Development of company systems and processes.
- Leadership of team culture and organisational performance.
COMMERCIAL & COMMUNITY EXECUTIVE
Chiefs Rugby Club
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Cultivated partnerships with sponsors, partners, and key stakeholders to enhance collaboration and support.
- Managed player appearances and community activations.
- Coordinated community and promotional events to increase engagement and participation.
- Developed initiatives that strengthened community connections and fostered local involvement.
- Encouraged community participation in events
- Prepared and managed sponsorship agreements.
- Hosted sponsors and key stakeholders at major functions.
- Managed hospitality experiences and engagement opportunities.
- Planned and delivered internal and external events.
NORTHERN STARS
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Team Captain
- Contributed to team's successful campaign in ANZ Premiership.
- Managed sponsorships and marketing efforts to enhance visibility.
- Team leadership and mentoring.
- Engaged community through coaching initiatives.
WAIKATO BAY OF PLENTY MAGIC
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Team Captain
- Led and mentored emerging athletes to enhance skills and performance.
- Managed sponsor relationships to secure support and resources for the team.
- Coordinated community and promotional activities to boost team visibility and engagement.
SILVER FERNS
01.2002 - 01.2016
- High-performance athlete and international representative.
- Participation in international competitions and tours.
- Brand ambassador and sponsorship obligations.
- Senior leadership and mentoring responsibilities.
SOUTHERN STEEL
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Demonstrated expertise as senior player, contributing to team success through strategic gameplay.
- Led team in achieving competitive goals, fostering collaboration and skill development among players.
- Earned ANZ Championship Most Valuable Player award in 2011 for outstanding performance and leadership on the court.
OWNER
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Established and grew a children's sports franchise in Waikato.
- Managed business performance and growth.
- Developed client base through marketing and relationship building.
- Trained and mentored coaches.
Team Captain
ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS
Adelaide, Australia
01.2018
- Led and mentored players in a high-performance environment.
- Supported strategic and tactical planning.
- Represented the organisation at community and commercial engagements.
- Developed a strong team culture and leadership framework.
- (Adelaide Australia)
SPORTS COORDINATOR
Wellington, New Zealand
01.2002
- Coordinated school sporting programmes and teams.
- Managed sponsorship, fundraising and budgeting activities.
- Facilitated communication among students, staff, and parents to ensure smooth collaboration.
Education
Bachelor of Communication Studies -
University of Waikato
Hamilton01-2006
Skills
- Bid & Tender Management
- Project Management
- Stakeholder management
- Client engagement
- Business growth
- Commercial Negotiation
- Strategic Networking
- Strategic planning
- Presentation skills
- Account management
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Presentation skills
- Client relations
- Relationship building
- Community relations
- Mentoring
- Brand marketing
- Partnership development
- Account management
Professional Highlights
- Business Development Manager – Foster Construction
- Project Manager – Octa Associates
- General Manager and Project Manager – Total Help Limited
- Commercial & Community Executive – Chiefs Rugby Club
- Silver Fern #127
- Former International Netball Captain
- ANZ Championship Most Valuable Player
- Extensive stakeholder management and relationship-building experience
- Proven success leading teams and delivering results in high-performance environments
Timeline
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Foster Construction
09.2025 - Current
PROJECT MANAGER
Octa Associates
01.2023 - 08.2025
GENERAL MANAGER & PROJECT MANAGER
Total Help Limited
01.2021 - 01.2023
COMMERCIAL & COMMUNITY EXECUTIVE
Chiefs Rugby Club
01.2019 - 01.2021
Team Captain
ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS
01.2018
NORTHERN STARS
01.2017 - 01.2019
WAIKATO BAY OF PLENTY MAGIC
01.2012 - 01.2016
SOUTHERN STEEL
01.2010 - 01.2011
OWNER
01.2004 - 01.2005
SILVER FERNS
01.2002 - 01.2016
SPORTS COORDINATOR
01.2002
Bachelor of Communication Studies -
University of Waikato