Celia Dillon
Project Operations Executive
Red Hills,Kingston
Summary
Senior Operator with a proven track record of continuous success. Experienced for 20 years in aligning architecture, project management, and organizational strategy to drive operational excellence, and value creation. Adept at leading complex, cross-functional initiatives, fostering and building the capacity of teams, and building collaborative partnerships that accelerate innovation, strengthen organizational capability, and achieve outcomes. Committed to delivering projects that generate lasting economic, environmental, and social impact while advancing organizational objectives and enhancing stakeholder value.
Experienced with optimizing operational processes to achieve strategic goals. Utilizes team leadership and strategic planning to drive efficiency and innovation. Strong background in overseeing complex operations and driving process improvements. Demonstrated success in enhancing operational efficiency and leading high-impact projects. Proven ability to implement strategic initiatives and streamline workflows.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
10
10
Certifications
Work History
Senior Manager - Operations
Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF)
Kingston, Jamaica
01.2022 - Current
- Developed, reviewed, and optimized cash forecasting tool increased projection accuracy by 40% annually
- Liaised with Managers from multiple departments and oversaw investment portfolios for more than 800 clients valued at $25M in assets under care
- Implemented the Relocation Exercise Initiative for the JSIF offices, ensured careful project documentation from Cabinet Proposal submission to design and layout of facilities, managed the build out team to facilitate seamless operations, profit optimization and minimal productivity loss
- Directed operational strategies to enhance efficiency and service delivery across all programs
- Implemented process improvements that reduced operational costs and increased resource allocation effectiveness
Project Manager – Operations
JSIF
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Led the training efforts for Process Cycle Management, Project Appraisal, Monitoring and Compliance, Procurement Environment, Operational Risk and Stakeholder Engagement
- Successfully onboarded the Operations Planning Tool for reporting between the Technical Services and Finance and Procurement departments
- Rationalised Procurement Planning Tool to enable transparency and improved project planning strategies for Project Managers
- Developed comprehensive project plans to streamline workflows and enhance communication
- Implemented risk management strategies to identify and mitigate potential project challenges
Project Manager (Multilateral Portfolios - World Bank; Caribbean Development Bank; European Union)
JSIF
01.2011 - 01.2021
- Managed multilateral projects from inception to completion, resulting in organizational Satisfactory ratings for 5 consecutive years
- Coordinated material procurement and required services for projects within budget requirements
- Reduced overall portfolio variations from 7% to 3% on the CDB funded Community Investment Project
- Managed the Basic Needs Trust Fund Cycles 6 through 8, navigated the onboarding of the social services project "Break The Silence" campaign, gained national recognition and incorporation into the Ministry of Education school curriculum
- Developed and implemented project plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
- Analyzed project performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and efficiency gains
Assistant Project Manager
JSIF
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Served as knowledgeable Financial Advisor to clients, managed investment portfolio of $21M and 90+ individual and corporate clients
- Designed and implemented the pilot Training and Accountability Program which increased productivity and the national rank of the Basic Needs Trust Fund Portfolio from #10 to #3 regionally within a 18-month window
- Coordinated project schedules, ensuring alignment with timelines and resource availability.
- Assisted in managing project budgets, tracking expenditures against forecasts.
Projects Coordinator
JSIF
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Oversaw 287 projects across multiple units, achieved a disbursement of 99.9% of the WB NCDP funds, gained a Satisfactory rating from the Bank in the Closing Report
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline communication and enhance project execution with the MIS and Finance teams
- Monitored project progress, identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings, capturing feedback and aligning expectations with project goals
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular meetings, fostering a positive work environment for increased productivity
Technical Officer
JSIF
01.2001 - 01.2007
- Established the Technical Review Committee that ensured the statuary review of infrastructure project design
- Efficiently appraised up to 40 community projects per year and managed Consultants Contracts through implementation
- Analyzed and provided strategic solutions for technology integration projects
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in project management and contingency planning
- Conferred with executives to advise and plan for short-term and long-term project plans
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Architectural Studies
University of Technology - Caribbean School of Architecture
Kingston, Jamaica01-1998
Skills
Mastery in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Outlook, MS Project
Operational Excellence
Logistics Management
Strategic Planning and Execution
Risk Management
Purchasing and Planning
Risk Mitigation
Financial Controls Implementation
Certification
Leadership Development Training: Positive Intelligence Foundation Programme – November 2024
Timeline
Senior Manager - Operations
Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF)
01.2022 - Current
Project Manager – Operations
JSIF
01.2021 - 01.2022
Project Manager (Multilateral Portfolios - World Bank; Caribbean Development Bank; European Union)
JSIF
01.2011 - 01.2021
Assistant Project Manager
JSIF
01.2009 - 01.2011
Projects Coordinator
JSIF
01.2007 - 01.2009
Technical Officer
JSIF
01.2001 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Architectural Studies
University of Technology - Caribbean School of Architecture