

My name is Maria Julia, but everyone knows me as Popi. I’m an experienced and trustworthy professional who loves providing great service, building meaningful relationships, and going above and beyond. Skilled in leadership and operations, I’m returning from maternity leave excited to bring energy, dedication, and a positive attitude to a new role.
As a conector I personally conducted focused, personalised interviews with national and international professionals, listening efficiently to understand both candidate strengths and client requirements. This approach resulted in successful placements, strengthened relationships with clients and applicants, and a clear understanding of client needs and preferences.
As Café Manager and Owner, I managed all aspects of daily operations, from staff coordination and customer experience to cooking, service, and accounting through Xero. I recruited, trained, and led a small team of two, handling inventory, ordering, and budgeting, while fostering strong relationships within the local community and maintaining stable operations during COVID-19 restrictions
I provided personalised travel advice and end-to-end booking services, tailoring itineraries to individual client needs and preferences. I built strong client relationships through clear communication and attention to detail, managed bookings and documentation efficiently, and delivered a high level of customer service while meeting sales and service targets.
Progressing from Assistant Barista to Manager through hands-on experience and strong leadership. After moving to Christchurch in 2016, I was invited back to support the expansion of the business to five new café locations. I trained and supported new managers, helping to embed the company’s culture, values, and service standards while ensuring a consistent customer experience across all sites.