Tamara Pia Agavi
Online team Leader News
Port Road, Port Moresby,NCD
Summary
Veteran Business Leader with over 33 years of corporate and public service business management experience, twelve (12) of which are with the Water and Sanitation industry and twenty (20) with the commercial /private sector. Excellent reputation for resolving HR and customer issues, conflict management, and improving customer satisfaction. Commercial and Retail Fuels Manager with over 12 years of successful practice in downstream fuels and lubricant marketing and retailing. Possess boardroom experience. Recognized consistently for performance excellence and contributions to success in revenue growth, business growth and team-building. Have people, HR, and team-focused attributes to work. Enthusiastic Business Operations Manager, eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail, and excellent organizational and people skills. A clear understanding of the Water and Sanitation business as well as possession of downstream fuel and lubricant industry experience. Motivated to learn, grow, and excel in the Water, Sanitation, and Fuels /Lubricants Industries. Serviced-focused General Manager dedicated to delivering positive customer experiences to promote loyalty and repeat business. Orchestrates optimal resource utilization to handle expected operational needs. Sales leader with sound judgment, good planning abilities and interpersonal communication strengths. Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager –People & Culture (HR)
WPNGL Head Office-Port Moresby
10.2022 - Current
- Provide management excellence through the achievement of performance indicators set out by the CEO thru the Chief Corporate Officer (CCO); Effectively manage change management processes, encouraging innovation, diversity and continuous improvement; Provide advice and support to the CCO and the Water PNG Executive Team (WET) in relation to all People & Culture matters; Establish and implement innovative and contemporary People & Culture frameworks with a customer-centric approach; Deliver extensive workforce planning activities in a highly complex and diverse industrial environment; Develop talent acquisition, attraction and retention strategies with focus on employer brand; Implement and streamline business policies, processes and systems specific to people management; Manage and facilitate WPNG Ltd Performance Management framework
Business Centre Manager (BCM)
WPNGL Madang
01.2019 - 10.2022
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems; Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions; Used Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and other software tools to create documents and other Communication; Eliminated downtime and maximized revenue by providing able leadership and control; Offered friendly and efficient services to all customers, handled challenging situations with ease; Resolved problems, improved operation and provided exceptional service; Developed team communications and information for meetings; Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic; Lead projects and analyzed data to identify opportunities for improvement; Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity; Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources and presented results; Recruited, interviewed and hired talented individuals bringing dynamic experience to the organization.
Business Centre Manager
Water PNG Wewak
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Similar to tasks as highlighted in BCM Madang, and managing Wewak, Maprik and Yangoru business centres.
Business Centre Manager
Water PNG Alotau
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Similar to tasks as highlighted in BCM Madang, and focusing on Alotau.
Customer Services Manager
Water PNG Lae
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Effectively led a team of 95 staff in delivery of customer service and satisfaction in Water PNG’s A Centre; Introduced high standards for customer services and debt collections efforts; Created customer support strategy to increase customer retention; Supervised Team Leaders and employees and assessed performances to determine training needs; Represented the company on various stakeholders discussions on law and order, business opportunities, lands and physical planning, chamber of commerce and industry; Effectively led teams of Water Production, Distributions and Customer Services; Recruited, interviewed and hired talented individuals bringing dynamic experience to the organization; Controlled and managed collections and banking.
Commercial Business Manager
InterOil Products Limited
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Created, communicated and managed the company mission, vision and strategic objectives and executed business plan to grow the business in the downstream petroleum industry; Led the team to win businesses over from competitors, therein increasing market share in the Momase and Highlands regions; Managed a team of engineers, fuel and lubricant procurement officers and customer service officers in the delivery of the fuel and lubricant trade; Consistently called and visited customers in fostering better customer relationships; Had a hand in recruiting, selection and training of new employees.
Retail Area Manager
InterOil Products Limited
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Built and strengthened relationships with fuel retailer partnerships to improve sales, thereby, gaining additional market share over competitors –Shell and Mobil Oil; Recruited, interviewed, and hired talented individuals bringing dynamic sales experience to the organization; Negotiated retail contracts with prospective retailers in the downstream petroleum industry; Trained Retailers on start-ups, project submissions, and daily management of retail sites.
Regional Business Manager
Highlands BP Oil Limited
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Created, managed, and executed business plan and communicated company mission, vision and key strategic objectives to grow the business; Built and strengthened partnerships with fuel retailers to improve sales, thereby leading to increased market share in the Highlands; Introduced high standards for customer services and debt collection efforts; Created a customer support strategy to increase customer retention; Effectively managed teams of Fuel procurement, delivery, and logistics and ensured timely delivery of products; Recruited, interviewed, and hired talented individuals bringing dynamic experience to the organization; Set sales objectives and attainment plans for Highlands region; Promoted BP Oil Limited’s strict adherence to safety and security commitments and standards.
Marketing Support Officer
BP Oil Limited
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Build brand awareness and generate leads while managing internal and external marketing campaigns and programs; Researched, sourced, and gathered data on the fuel and lubricants market share; Shared common market information with Mobil Oil and Shell Fuels Limited marketing colleagues; Planned and executed events and marketing programs leading to the successful attainment of market share and profit; Developed company brand messaging and advertising materials, customer events, promotional strategies, and product commercialization; Analyze market and fuel pricing trends and provide monthly reports.
Retail Supermarket Manager
Andersons Foodland Supermarket
01.1991 - 01.1997
- Worked flexible hours, night, weekend, and holiday shifts; Recruited and trained new employees in the retail and wholesale industry; Managed and supervised a staff ceiling of Cashiers, Butchers, wholesale, and administration teams; Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, and handled challenging situations with ease; Dealt with customs compiling and logistical, supply chain organization, and procurement of both grocery, freezer, perishable, and dry goods; Handled daily cash collections, reconciliation of cash drawers, and banking; Dealt with all supplier promotions and in-store gondola-end presentations.
Education
High School Certificate -
Malala Catholic High School
Higher School Certificate -
Keravat National High School
Diploma in Commerce -
PNG University of Technology
Bachelor of Commerce in Management -
PNG University of Technology
Master of Business Administration (Leadership) -
Divine Word University
Skills
- Team Leadership strength
- Marketing communications
- Business research & new business acquisition
- HRM issues & Conflict Management
- Business growth strategies
- Change Management
- Sales Management
- Project /Event Management
- Contract negotiation and management
- Business support software proficiency
- Strict Compliance and Audit focus
- Business office administration
- Supply Chain Management
- Animal Husbandry (Poultry Farming)
- Leadership and team building
- Problem Resolution
- Operations Management
- Team Player
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Customer Relations
- Customer Relationship Management
- Verbal and written communication
- Exceptional interpersonal communication
- New Business Development
- Bilingual
- Contract Negotiations
Accomplishments
- First runner-up, Lions Youth-of-the-Year Quest, Madang (1983)
- First prize winner of the inaugural National Law Week Debate Competition – representing Keravat National High School - UPNG Forum Square (1984)
- Scooped up the University Council Medal for top performing student in Management stream – PNG University of Technology (1990)
- Attained Academic Excellence Award for scoring high GPAs in the 2024 MBA Class at Divine Word University (2024)
Affiliations
- President- Madang Students Union – PNG Unitech (1987 - 1990)
- President –Management Stream Students Association - PNG Unitech (1988 – 1990)
- President – AIESEC Chapter PNG Unitech (1990)
- Treasurer – Unitech Student Representative Council (1990)
- Senior Director and distributor with Pro-ma Systems (2002 – Current)
- Vice President –West Rugby League Club –PoM (2006)
- Chairman – InterOil Products Morobe Show Committee (2009 - 2011)
- Member of the Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the presidency of late Allan McClay (2011 – 2014)
- Member of Morobe Provincial Co-ordination and Monitoring Committee (PCMC) (2011 - 2014)
- Member of Milne Bay PCMC (2015 - 2017)
- Member East Sepik PCMC (2017 - 2019)
- Member of Madang PCMC (2019 – Oct 2022)
- Lead facilitator of Annual Water PNG manager’s Conferences (2016 - 2018)
- Chairman of Water PNG –sponsored inter-varsity Debate planning committee (2017)
- Lead anchor on live EMTV television coverage of the Water PNG-sponsored National inter-varsity Debate Competition – Lae Unitech Duncanson Hall (2017)
- Member of the Water PNG Ltd OC Committee (2017 – 2021)
- Member of the Madang Chamber of Commerce (2019 – Oct 2022)
- Deputy Chairman and Board director of the new Madang Provincial Health Authority (MaPHA) (2019 – Oct 2022)
- Chairman of Finance and Corporate Services Board Committee – MaPHA Board (2019 – Oct 2022)
- Board Member –Madang Provincial Physical Planning and Building Boards (2021-2023)
- Member of the Provincial Elections Steering Committee, Madang Province (2022 Jan-July)
- Chairman of the Governing Council of Madang Teacher’s College (MTC) (2022 May – 2025 May)
- Chairman of Finance and Projects Committee - Madang Teachers College Governing Council (2022 May – 2025 May)
- Member of Salaries and Remunerations Committee – Water PNG Limited (2022 October – Current)
- Full accredited member of PNG Human Resource Institute (PNGHRI) (May 2023 – May 2025)
- Chairman of Events Committee – Water PNG Ltd (August 2023 – Current)
- Appointed as caretaker manager of Water PNG Staff Savings and Loans Society by PNG Central Bank (September 2023 - Current)
- Facilitator of Franklyn Covey PNG Leadership program in Water PNG Limited June 2024 -May 2025
References
- Mr. Hulala Tokome, Chairman and Country Manager, Puma Energy (PNG) Limited, 7319 9500, Hulala.Tokome@pumaenergy.com
- Fr. Jan Czuba, aSecretary,Dept of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, 7366 6636, janczuba@icloud.com
- Mr. Ravu Frank, City Manager, Port Moresby City, 7362 4338, RavuF@ncdc.gov.pg
Hobbies and Interests
- Meeting people
- Debating and critically analyzing issues
- Reading novels
- Watching rugby League
Languages
English, Aruamu, Takia, New Guinea Pidgin
Native language
Timeline
General Manager –People & Culture (HR)
WPNGL Head Office-Port Moresby
10.2022 - Current
Business Centre Manager (BCM)
WPNGL Madang
01.2019 - 10.2022
Business Centre Manager
Water PNG Wewak
01.2017 - 01.2019
Business Centre Manager
Water PNG Alotau
01.2015 - 01.2017
Customer Services Manager
Water PNG Lae
01.2012 - 01.2015
Commercial Business Manager
InterOil Products Limited
01.2009 - 01.2011
Retail Area Manager
InterOil Products Limited
01.2006 - 01.2009
Regional Business Manager
Highlands BP Oil Limited
01.2002 - 01.2006
Marketing Support Officer
BP Oil Limited
01.1998 - 01.2001
Retail Supermarket Manager
Andersons Foodland Supermarket
01.1991 - 01.1997
High School Certificate -
Malala Catholic High School
Higher School Certificate -
Keravat National High School
Diploma in Commerce -
PNG University of Technology
Bachelor of Commerce in Management -
PNG University of Technology
Master of Business Administration (Leadership) -
Divine Word University
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