Tennille Zakour
Maraval
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven executive with over 30 years of progressive leadership and management experience across diverse sectors. Recognized for a strategic mindset, operational excellence, and a hands-on approach to driving growth, efficiency, and team performance in highly competitive environments.
Adept at leading cross-functional teams, streamlining operations, and implementing best practices that improve customer experience, reduce costs, and maximize profitability. Highly skilled in change management, employee development, and cultivating high-performance cultures that align with organizational goals.
A versatile leader who thrives on challenge, builds strong stakeholder relationships, and consistently delivers results through clarity of vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operations Officer
WONDERFUL WORLD LTD
11.2019 - Current
- Directed all aspects of daily operations across departments including HR, IT, Administration, and Facilities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Served as an escalation point for customers who had unresolved issues or complaints about products or services provided by the organization.
- Maintained productive relationships and communication channels across organization.
- Hired, trained, evaluated and retained high-performing, effective and diverse team embodying organizational culture.
- Led strategic planning and execution of business initiatives, resulting in increased operational efficiency, reduced costs, and scalable growth.
- Oversaw multi-location expansion projects, including lease negotiations, store openings/closures, and cross-functional coordination.
- Implemented new systems and process improvements, streamlining workflows, enhancing productivity, and elevating service quality.
- Developed and enforced policies, procedures, and performance standards that strengthened company culture and compliance.
- Managed vendor relationships and contract negotiations to maintain quality while achieving cost savings.
- Directed talent development, training programs, and performance appraisal systems to build high-performing, engaged teams.
- Championed organizational change management, enabling the company to adapt swiftly to market trends and industry shifts.
- Oversaw the planning, development and implementation of new processes and procedures to increase productivity.
- Provided leadership, direction and guidance to department heads in support of company objectives.
- Conducted regular reviews with employees at all levels of the organization in order to ensure alignment with overall strategy.
- Collaborated with senior management team on strategic planning initiatives related to long-term growth of the organization.
Operations Manager
WONDERFUL WORLD LTD
03.2013 - 10.2019
- Directed daily operations across multiple retail branches, providing strategic leadership, team training, and operational support to meet performance, service, and profitability targets.
- Standardized and streamlined store operations by developing SOPs, leading to increased productivity and procedural consistency across all locations.
- Designed and restructured commission-based and management incentive programs, resulting in improved sales performance and employee engagement.
- Spearheaded successful business strategies to increase revenue, penetrate new markets, and enhance overall brand positioning.
- Monitored KPIs to evaluate operational effectiveness, drive continuous improvement, and inform high-level decision-making.
- Implemented technology-driven process improvements, including:
A Tender Adjustor software integration with the POS system to streamline daily sales reconciliation and reporting.
An internal Form Stack System and electronic policy distribution process, improving accountability, communication, and reducing paper usage in line with corporate sustainability goals. - Achieved a 35% reduction in communication costs by negotiating and transitioning to more cost-effective service providers.
- Led vendor and service contract negotiations, securing favorable terms that reduced operational costs and improved service delivery.
- Collaborated with IT teams and software vendors to develop and implement tools that enhanced operational reporting and efficiency.
- Oversaw inventory management and purchasing operations; instrumental in growing the cosmetics category into the company’s top-selling product line within three years.
- Directed quality control, logistics, and customer service initiatives that strengthened customer satisfaction and operational reliability.
- Implemented security upgrades across all store locations, including enhanced CCTV systems, intrusion alarms, and panic buttons to protect assets and employees.
- Reviewed and approved all store rosters to optimize staffing, reduce overtime, and support work-life balance initiatives—contributing to year-over-year profitability gains.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints promptly, ensuring optimal satisfaction levels and fostering long-term loyalty.
- Advised senior leadership through the creation of daily performance reports and trend analyses to support data-driven decision-making.
- Provided HR and organizational development support, promoting strong internal communication and a unified company culture.
Administrative Manager
ESSENTIA LIMITED
03.2008 - 03.2013
- Managed day-to-day administrative operations for a security services company, supporting business functions across HR, accounting, technical services, and customer relations.
- Oversaw Human Resources for the entire workforce, including recruitment and onboarding of security personnel, conducting performance evaluations, managing employee relations, and enforcing disciplinary procedures.
- Directed the Guard Services division, managing a team of over 60 security staff across various client sites. Responsible for scheduling, performance oversight, training coordination, and compliance with contractual obligations.
- Supervised the Accounts Department, including oversight of accounts receivable/payable, monthly financial reporting, and coordination of annual audits to ensure fiscal transparency and compliance.
- Led the Technical Department, coordinating the scheduling of security system installations and service calls, and maintaining accurate inventory records for equipment and supplies.
- Handled high-level customer relationship management, including resolution of complaints, management of key accounts, and generation of incident and service reports.
- Supported the Sales and Marketing team in client proposals, service agreements, and market outreach strategies aimed at expanding security service contracts.
- Streamlined office operations by analyzing and improving internal workflows, policies, and recordkeeping systems—resulting in increased administrative efficiency and reduced overhead costs.
- Ensured proper maintenance and availability of office facilities and equipment, contributing to a professional and functional work environment.
- Developed and enforced administrative procedures that improved internal communication, staff accountability, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.
General Manager
STARLITE DRUGS LIMITED
10.2007 - 03.2008
- Leveraged strong communication and problem-solving skills to build and maintain long-term client relationships, enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction.
- Provided leadership and mentoring to subordinate managers, promoting cross-functional collaboration and a culture of teamwork throughout the organization.
- Oversaw all facets of daily business operations, including staffing, scheduling, inventory management, customer service, and sales performance.
- Identified operational inefficiencies and collaborated with cross-departmental teams to develop and implement effective improvement strategies.
- Resolved customer issues promptly and professionally, ensuring service excellence and adherence to company standards.
- Coordinated and facilitated employee training programs to ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
- Conducted regular audits of internal processes and financial controls to ensure accuracy, transparency, and operational integrity.
- Maintained clear and consistent communication with team members to support smooth day-to-day operations and alignment with organizational goals.
Proprietor
THE BEER GARDEN
12.2006 - 10.2007
- Successfully launched entertainment venue with a $350K renovation budget, completed within 14 weeks.
- Led all marketing, promotions, and event planning to drive customer engagement and boost revenue.
- Implemented inventory and stock tracking systems, reducing loss and improving profit margins.
- Negotiated vendor contracts and built reliable supplier relationships to control costs and ensure timely deliveries.
- Oversaw security systems design and implementation to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
- Managed a team of 30 staff, including hiring, scheduling, and hands-on training for management and bar personnel.
- Developed business strategies that increased sales and operational efficiency.
- Conducted financial analysis of costs, revenue, and margins to guide business decisions.
- Negotiated and executed the successful sale of the business.
Owner Shareholder
O’BRIENS BEER GARDEN
11.1997 - 09.2006
- Directed all aspects of bar operations, including staffing, HR, vendor management, and customer service.
- Designed inventory control and purchasing systems to align stock with demand and maximize profit margins.
- Created and executed seasonal promotions, increasing sales by 25–50%.
- Oversaw budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting to ensure fiscal health and compliance.
- Managed legal and insurance matters for the business, including regulatory and licensing requirements.
- Maintained facility and equipment standards to support a high-quality customer experience.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure favorable pricing and reliable service delivery.
- Developed strategic growth plans focused on operational efficiency, customer loyalty, and revenue growth.
Manager/Maitre D
THE PIZZA BOYS GROUP OF COMPANIES
01.1996 - 11.1997
- Led daily restaurant operations to ensure efficiency, quality service, and team productivity.
- Developed strategies to boost customer satisfaction, loyalty, and service standards.
- Conducted team performance reviews and aligned task assignments with individual strengths.
- Resolved customer issues promptly, maintaining high service quality.
- Analyzed customer feedback to drive continuous service improvements.
- Streamlined communication and decision-making processes across the team.
- Guided staff through organizational changes and conducted regular team meetings for progress updates and improvement planning.
- Managed opening, closing, and shift transitions to maintain consistent operational standards
Education
MBA - Leadership,Entrepreneurship And Innovation
School of Accounting And Management
St. Augustine01-2017
Associate of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Roytech
Port Of Spain01-1997
A Levels
Daniell’s College of Excellence
St Clair01-1995
High School Diploma -
St. Joseph’s Convent
Port Of Spain01-1993
Skills
- Project management
- Inventory management
- Customer services
- Employee training
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Cost reduction
- Process improvement
- Negotiation skills
- Organizational development
- Team leadership
- Multi-site operations
- Strategic planning
- Administrational leadership
- Human resources
- Profitability improvement
- Change management
- Policy development
Professional Courses
- 2017, ECA Ten Degrees of Separation
- 2015, Certificate in Organizational Behaviour
- 2005, Sacha Cosmetics Limited Certificate in beginner and professional makeup
References
References are available on request.
Timeline
Chief Operations Officer
WONDERFUL WORLD LTD
11.2019 - Current
Operations Manager
WONDERFUL WORLD LTD
03.2013 - 10.2019
Administrative Manager
ESSENTIA LIMITED
03.2008 - 03.2013
General Manager
STARLITE DRUGS LIMITED
10.2007 - 03.2008
Proprietor
THE BEER GARDEN
12.2006 - 10.2007
Owner Shareholder
O’BRIENS BEER GARDEN
11.1997 - 09.2006
Manager/Maitre D
THE PIZZA BOYS GROUP OF COMPANIES
01.1996 - 11.1997
MBA - Leadership,Entrepreneurship And Innovation
School of Accounting And Management
Associate of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Roytech
A Levels
Daniell’s College of Excellence
High School Diploma -
St. Joseph’s Convent