Kruger-Franck Heléne

Experienced Office Professional | Administrative Coordinator | Executive Assistant | Multilingual (EN/AFR and NL B1-B2| Based in Hilversum

Hilversum, North Holland, Netherlands

About

I’m an experienced and award-winning Management Assistant and Office Professional with over a decade supporting executive leadership, academic departments, and complex research environments. For 11 years at the University of South Africa (UNISA), I served as secretary to department chairs and directors in the School of Computing. I managed complex international travel and conference arrangements, maintained publication data for research subsidy, coordinated high-level workshops and events, and supported research grant administration. I was also the secretary for the College Research Committee ensuring accuracy, discretion, and compliance across all reporting tasks. - Best Administrator Award (2022 & 2023) - Strong record of supporting research, finance, HR, procurement & performance systems - Proactive, detail-driven, and able to keep many moving parts organized with calm focus - Fluent in English and Afrikaans | Dutch: B1–B2 Level (with official training completed) I am known for being highly dependable, people-oriented, and quietly effective behind the scenes. Whether managing tight deadlines or ensuring smooth coordination between teams, I take pride in creating order and efficiency allowing directors and teams to focus on their core goals. Now based in Hilversum, I’m looking for a dynamic, international environment where I can bring value through strong executive support, administrative structure, and professional warmth. Let’s connect, I’d love to bring my skills to a team that values quality, trust, and purpose.

Experience

  • Sales Support at Innovative Beauty Group (IBG)
    Sep 2025 - Present · 10 mos

  • Canteen Cook (Temporary Role) at Picnic Technologies
    Feb 2025 - Sep 2025 · 8 mos

    Promoted internally from warehouse to sole canteen cook role in a high-volume environment (30–60 staff served daily). - Independently manage daily kitchen operations: cooking, compliance, inventory - Maintain food safety standards and dietary variety - Liaise with management to meet staff needs Note: While this has been a rewarding challenge, I am now actively returning to my core profession in administration and executive support.

  • Freelance Admin & Transcription Support at Self Employed
    Feb 2015 - Sep 2025 · 10 yrs 8 mos

    Provide confidential transcription services for academic research projects from UNISA, University of Pretoria, and California State University Northridge (CSUN). - Transcribe interviews, research data, and academic materials - Ensure formatting, accuracy, and professional standards for publication - Maintain confidentiality and academic integrity across all projects

  • Departmental Secretary | Personal Assistant to CoD & Portfolio Managers at Unisa
    Jan 2013 - Nov 2023 · 10 yrs 11 mos

    Provided high-level admin and research support to the Chair of Department, Directors, academic staff, and grant leaders at UNISA’s School of Computing. Managed academic committees, coordinated grants, and delivered full event/travel support—working independently across multiple portfolios. Key Responsibilities: 🗂 Executive & Academic Support - Supported 30+ academics with HR, research, finance, and admin - Managed CoD and Director diaries, meetings, and approvals - Acted as first contact for staff, students, and service providers 📑 Committee Secretary (SOCRIC & Research) - Solely planned and managed SOCRIC’s quarterly meetings - Compiled reports from portfolio leaders for quarterly and annual submissions - Produced minutes, agendas, invites, and venue bookings 📊 Research & Grant Admin - Captured DHET subsidy publications on RIMS - Assisted professors and grant holders with grant spend and admin - Monitored budgets and processed research-related claims 🎓 NEMISA Project Administrator (Evenings) - Handled all logistics for events: travel, catering, venues, invites, and marketing - Managed finances, invoices, quotes, and speaker coordination ✈ Travel & Event Coordination - Arranged national/international travel for academic staff - Created itineraries, bookings, allowances, and reporting 💼 Finance & Procurement - Used Oracle for requisitions, GRVs, and vendor processes - Processed honoraria, sundry claims, and internal budgets 🏆 Recognition - Best Administrator (2022 & 2023) - Certificate of Excellence (2016) Known for autonomy, discretion, and multi-stakeholder coordination

  • Office Administrator at Tramarco Trading International - Truck Division
    Jul 2010 - Nov 2012 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    - Managed document preparation and filing for transport fleet - Coordinated schedules with drivers and vendors - Processed petty cash, delivery logs, and equipment checks