Annette Combridge
AUCKLAND,AUK
Summary
Operations manager with broad experience across portfolio planning, business support, and project delivery in science and bioprotection settings. Brings strength in budget control, KPI tracking, CAPEX coordination, governance, and stakeholder engagement, with a steady focus on reliable delivery, process improvement, and practical support for business and scientific goals.
Overview
1
1
Certification
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager Bioprotection
Bioeconomy Science Institute / The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research
Auckland
05.2023 - Current
- Partnered with General Manager, Science – Bioprotection, to coordinate portfolio activities across the bioprotection science domain.
- Managed annual capex budgets for purchasing scientific equipment and facilities to meet current and future portfolio requirements.
- Monitored portfolio revenue, expenditure, and overheads, collaborating with budget managers to implement corrective actions that met revenue, cost, and net margin targets.
- Led development of annual portfolio business plan and budget, covering staffing, facility costs, R&M, internal charge-backs, external revenue targets, and net science margin.
- Worked with GM Science to set and track key performance indicators, including revenue per FTE, staff utilization, milestone delivery, and quality and volume of key outputs.
- Built cross-portfolio links and worked with key organizational functions to support consistent systems, strong planning processes, and effective operational delivery aligned with strategic and commercial goals.
- Coordinated with science teams and facilities to support planning, construction, and commissioning of two laboratories.
- Oversaw recruitment process, developing and approving business cases to ensure alignment with portfolio needs.
Operations Assistant / Business Support Associate
Bioeconomy Science Institute / The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research
Auckland
06.2017 - 05.2023
- Provided high-level operational and business support to the Operations Manager and Business Support Managers, enabling successful delivery of R&D activity and achievement of organisational revenue and margin goals. Supported science teams with budgeting, contracting, financial reporting, and project management to ensure on-time, within-budget delivery to clients.
- Key Contributions
- Collaborated with the Operations Manager to produce the annual Business Plan.
- Delivered financial reports to clients, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
- Produced bespoke reports for GM, Operations Manager, and Science Group Leaders, featuring productivity metrics and dashboards for staff utilisation against budget and revenue.
- Developed tailored reporting for staff, improving project and financial ownership (incl. creation of the “three-click rule” for simplified reporting).
- Acted as liaison at year-end to ensure accurate project and financial information, coordinating between Project Leaders and the Project Office.
- Oversaw selected Bioprotection projects, supporting Project Leaders with milestone tracking and customer communication.
- Supported development and implementation of the Bioprotection Good to Great initiative.
Project Support Analyst – Bioprotection
Bioeconomy Science Institute / The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research
Auckland
06.2009 - 06.2017
- Worked closely with General Managers of Science, Portfolio Managers, and Science Leaders to provide high-quality financial, staffing, and milestone reporting and forecasting at project and science-group levels. Ensured accurate, timely data to support informed decision-making.
- Monitored expenditure and analyzed data to enable proactive project management.
- Delivered monthly financial summaries and analyses, informing budgeting and resource allocation for PFR Science Groups.
- Guided science staff in preparing accurate revenue accruals, ensuring alignment with financial reporting standards.
- Assisted the FP&A Manager and GMs of Science with quarterly forecasting and budgeting.
- Maintained strong expertise in SAP Project Systems, with awareness of key integrations with Sales & Distribution.
- Key Contributions
Project Coordinator / Executive Assistant – Bioprotection
Bioeconomy Science Institute / The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research
Auckland
04.1998 - 05.2009
- Provided project coordination, administration, and executive support to the General Manager and Science Group. Ensured efficient operation of SAP Project Systems and contract management processes. Delivered high-quality documentation, communication, and workflow support across the group.
- Maintained communication channels with internal and external clients, enhancing collaboration and information flow.
- Facilitated communication among staff and supported group-wide engagement.
- Arranged travel logistics for senior staff, ensuring seamless travel experiences and adherence to schedules.
- Assisted in the bidding process and reporting cycle, contributing to project success and timely deliverables.
- Delivered high-standard reports, correspondence, newsletters, minutes, and documentation.
- Prepared and designed presentation materials.
- Managed responses to internal communications.
- Highlighted significant achievements
Skills
- CAPEX coordination
- Financial reporting
- Portfolio support
- Risk tracking
- Project governance
- Stakeholder engagement
- Continuous Improvement
- Analytical Problem Solving
- Adaptable
- Pragmatic
- Trusted
- Empathetic
Languages
Ko Annette Combridge toku ingoa (My name is Annette Combridge), Ko Waitako te awa (The river that I affiliate to is Waikato), Ko Combridge toku tipuna (My family name is), No Mangakino aha (I am from Mangakino), Ko Roy raua ko Carol oku matua (My Parents are Roy and Carol)
Certification
- first aid certificate
- Fire Warden Training
- Health and Safety Rep
Timeline
Operations Manager Bioprotection
Bioeconomy Science Institute / The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research
05.2023 - Current
Operations Assistant / Business Support Associate
Bioeconomy Science Institute / The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research
06.2017 - 05.2023
Project Support Analyst – Bioprotection
Bioeconomy Science Institute / The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research
06.2009 - 06.2017
Project Coordinator / Executive Assistant – Bioprotection
Bioeconomy Science Institute / The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research
04.1998 - 05.2009