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Education and Work

Personal Profile

I’m a people-focused professional with a foundation in engineering and a passion for purpose-driven work. My career has spanned project engineering in Colombia, supporting infrastructure projects that brought essential services to remote communities, to HR, operations, and project coordination roles in Australia. After migrating to Adelaide in 2016, I pursued dual Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Global Project Management while balancing hands-on experience across education, hospitality, and community sectors. Over the past five years, I’ve worked in roles that support young people, drive operational excellence, and foster inclusive, values-aligned workplaces. I thrive in environments where continuous learning, collaboration, and meaningful impact intersect.

Professional Experience

Facilities Manager

Jan 2024 - May 2025

Led cross-functional operations, HR compliance, and infrastructure management in a dynamic educational and community-focused environment. Played a key role in strengthening organisational systems and culture, particularly during periods of change and growth.

Work Venture Coordinator

Jul 2020 - Jan 2022

Led practical learning experiences that integrated WHS compliance, hands-on training, and student development within microenterprise settings focused on sustainability, facilities, and cleaning services.

Project Officer

Aug 2020 - Dec 2020

Supported the delivery and continuous improvement of the Community Concierge Social Enterprise, contributing to stakeholder engagement, process enhancement, and inclusive community outcomes.

Business Consultant (Student Placement)

Apr 2019 - Jul 2019

Engaged as a placement student to improve internal systems and support strategic growth within a values-driven social enterprise. Led a short-term project focused on operational efficiency and stakeholder alignment with sustainability goals.

Facilities & Project Coordinator

Jan 2022 - Dec 2023

Supported the organisation's HR, facilities, and operational functions, playing a key role in driving people-centred improvements, workplace safety, and system coordination.

Business Consultant & Project Leader

(Student Placement)

Jan 2019 – Feb 2019

Engaged in a short-term placement project focused on market research and digital transformation in the food distribution sector. Led a consulting team through the scoping and delivery of a marketing strategy aligned with industry trends.

Marketing Consultant

(Student Intern)

Sep 2018 – Nov 2018

Completed a research-based internship focused on improving marketing strategies through behavioural analysis and data interpretation in the healthcare sector.

Business Consultant in Innovation

Jul 2018 – Aug 2018

Participated in a competitive, fast-paced innovation program for university students, focused on solving real-world business challenges across multiple industries.

Intern Engineer

Jan 2014 – Jun 2014

Supported maintenance planning and production operations in a high-volume manufacturing environment, gaining hands-on experience with industrial machinery and SAP systems.

Student Support & Research Assistant

Jun 2012 – Dec 2013

Provided research and technical support to PhD students and academic staff within the Engineering Faculty, contributing to investigations focused on materials science, tribology, and railway systems.

Project Engineer

Jun 2014 - Jan 2016

Led the planning, coordination, and execution of industrial natural gas projects, progressing rapidly from intern to Project Engineer within 18 months due to strong technical performance and stakeholder engagement.

People & Culture Coordinator and Office Manager

July 2025 - Present

Oversee the smooth operation of the office by managing staff amenities and supporting day-to-day workplace needs. Provide payroll assistance to ensure accurate and timely processing, while also contributing to HR functions, including recruitment coordination and compliance requirements. Support staff wellbeing by fostering a positive and supportive workplace environment.

Engineering Assistant

Jun 2012 – Mar 2013

Supported materials analysis and failure investigations for industrial clients, contributing to engineering diagnostics and preventive solutions while still completing undergraduate studies.

Part-Time & Support Roles

Team Manager

Jun 2016 - Jan 2019

Led front-of-house operations, staff coordination, and customer service in a dynamic hospitality setting, progressing from entry-level to management.

Independent Commercial Cleaner

Mar 2016 - Mar 2020

Delivered professional cleaning services to commercial clients, managing schedules and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and client satisfaction.

Waitress

Jan 2019 - Mar 2020

Provided attentive, high-quality service in a busy restaurant while ensuring order accuracy and maintaining hygiene standards.

Education

Monarch Institute

2023

Human Resources Foundation Skills Set

The University of Hong Kong

2020

Doing Gender and Why It Matters

(Short Course)

Torrens University Australia

2019

Master of Business Administration & Master in Global Project Management

Trison Business College

2017

Diploma of Project Management

National University of Colombia

2015

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

Monarch Institute

2027

Diploma of Human Resources Management

Connect with Manuela

0405 950 618

Adelaide, SA, Australia

  • Linkedin

I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

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