Maria Dinu

• Collected and organized incoming mail from incarcerated individuals across Aotearoa, ensuring each letter was promptly and accurately processed as part of the penpal program.
• Scanned and digitally uploaded letters to an online system, matching each piece of correspondence to the correct penpal recipient in the general public, maintaining attention to detail for accurate record-keeping.
• Monitored all correspondence for compliance with program guidelines, carefully reviewing content to detect and intercept any inappropriate or prohibited material, safeguarding the safety and comfort of participants.
• Flagged and escalated inappropriate content to program supervisors as needed, applying sound judgment and discretion to ensure a respectful and secure exchange environment.
• Maintained confidentiality and professionalism throughout all interactions, upholding strict privacy standards to protect the identities and personal information of both incarcerated individuals and public penpals.
• Contributed to the smooth operation of the penpal program by managing high volumes of correspondence efficiently and effectively, supporting the program's mission to foster positive connections.

Gained hands-on experience in multiple casual and short-term roles at various warehousing companies, including The Warehouse and ProPharma. In these roles, I developed a strong understanding of warehousing operations and contributed to efficient inventory management and order fulfilment. Key responsibilities included:

• Picking and Packing Orders: Accurately picked items from inventory, assembled orders, and prepared them for shipping, ensuring correct quantities and high quality standards.
• Stocktaking and Inventory Management: Participated in regular stocktakes, maintained accurate records of inventory levels, and reported discrepancies to improve stock accuracy and reduce errors.
• Warehouse Organisation: Assisted with organising and tidying the warehouse layout, optimising space usage, and maintaining clean, safe, and accessible storage areas.
• Safety and Compliance: Adhered to health and safety guidelines, followed proper handling procedures for various items, and ensured a safe working environment.

These roles allowed me to build practical skills in time management, accuracy, and efficiency in a fast-paced environment, further strengthening my reliability and attention to detail in the workplace.

• Managed end-to-end supply chain operations, coordinating orders, shipments, and inventory to ensure timely availability of products for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaised with suppliers, vendors, and logistics providers to maintain strong relationships and ensure efficient, on-time delivery, proactively addressing any delays or issues.
• Monitored inventory levels and demand forecasts to optimize stock levels, reduce excess inventory, and prevent stockouts, contributing to improved cost efficiency and supply chain flow.
• Maintained meticulous documentation and records of orders, shipments, and transactions, ensuring accuracy for audits and smooth communication with all parties involved.

• Proactively managed customer communications by contacting consumers to provide timely updates on order delays, ensuring transparency and minimizing frustration.
• Addressed customer concerns and queries regarding shipment timelines, offering alternative solutions when possible to maintain satisfaction and trust.
• Coordinated closely with internal departments to gather up-to-date information on inventory and shipping schedules, enabling accurate and reliable information delivery to customers.
• Demonstrated strong communication and empathy skills, contributing to positive customer experiences even in challenging circumstances.

• Served as the primary point of contact for guests at Four Points hotel, which operated as a Managed Isolation Facility during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing health and well-being concerns with empathy and professionalism.
• Managed and escalated health and safety issues for isolated returnees, prioritizing urgent concerns and coordinating immediate assistance to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams—including onsite nurses, hotel management, and New Zealand Defence Force staff—to ensure comprehensive support and adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
• Demonstrated strong crisis management, communication, and interpersonal skills by maintaining calm, clear, and compassionate communication in a high-stress environment.
• Proactively monitored guest welfare and took the initiative to identify potential health concerns early, contributing to the safety, well-being, and smooth operation of the facility during a critical public health response.

• Provided comprehensive support to international artists and VIP clients, managing all logistics and ensuring a seamless experience from arrival to performance.
• Coordinated all transportation and scheduling details to guarantee timely arrivals, allowing artists to focus on their performance without logistical concerns.
• Anticipated and catered to client needs with a high level of attention to detail, maintaining a client-first approach to create a positive and professional environment.
• Demonstrated exceptional time management skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, handling last-minute changes and unexpected challenges with ease.
• Excelled in problem-solving and interpersonal communication, ensuring smooth operations, resolving any issues efficiently, and creating a welcoming experience for high-profile clientele.

Departments Worked In:

• Reception: Managed front desk operations, including directing calls, welcoming visitors, and coordinating mail and packages. Oversaw administrative tasks such as arranging travel for Heineken staff, ordering supplies, and handling data entry.Successfully completed a six-week temporary role, leading to further assignments in other departments.
  
• Channel Marketing (Commercial Planning Team): Assisted in mapping customer outlets to sales regions using grid-based mapping, ensuring accurate allocation within tight deadlines. Validated data from web scraping and cross-checked it with the company’s customer base for accuracy.
• Customer Service: Handled incoming calls, processed complaints and returns, issued invoices, and provided assistance on delivery delays. Maintained excellent customer relations and upheld service standards, requiring police clearance for the role.

• Provided comprehensive front desk support to hostel guests, managing all aspects of check-in, check-out, and reservation processes to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience from arrival to departure.
• Coordinated room assignments, payments, and reservations through multiple booking platforms, maintaining accuracy and maximizing room occupancy while offering personalized service to each guest.
• Anticipated and addressed guest needs with a high level of attention to detail, creating a positive environment by handling any issues promptly and professionally.
• Demonstrated exceptional time management and organizational skills in a fast-paced, high-traffic setting, adeptly managing multiple tasks and adapting to last-minute changes with ease.
• Excelled in conflict resolution and interpersonal communication, resolving guest concerns and mediating disputes efficiently, contributing to a friendly, safe, and comfortable atmosphere for all guests.
• Maintained perfect attendance and reliability, never missing a shift or calling in sick, which reinforced a consistent, high-quality service experience for both guests and team members.