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Surekha Sailesh
Business Operations - PMO - University Relations - Strategic Planning
Professional Background
Surekha Sailesh is a dynamic Business Operations Manager with an impressive record of operational excellence and strategic solutions in large-scale organizations, notably at Cisco Systems India Pvt. Ltd. Throughout her robust career, she has adeptly managed operations for companies with employee numbers exceeding 14,000, showcasing her ability to navigate complex corporate landscapes. Her leadership has been recognized by the executive team, who hand-picked her to spearhead site-level programs and initiatives designed to enhance operational effectiveness and foster change within the organization.
As a trusted leader, Surekha has significantly improved project management, internal systems, and team productivity. Her commitment to developing and implementing innovative processes has facilitated better collaboration among cross-functional teams and senior leaders, demonstrating her strategic outlook and commitment to organizational growth. In her role as the Business Operations Manager, Surekha directs PMO teams that focus on creating high-quality employee engagement, university relations, and partner management programs, all of which contribute meaningfully to solving business challenges and delivering concrete results for the organization.
Surekha's rich experience spans various roles within Cisco, including her positions as Program Manager for Enterprise PMO & Operations, Project Manager for Engineering Site Operations, and even Team Administrator. This diverse exposure has equipped her with a comprehensive skill set, enabling her to spearhead initiatives aligned with the organization’s strategic vision.
Having begun her career as a Data Analyst/Administrator at Intel Technology and later serving as an Admin & Sales Coordinator at Sify, Surekha has built a strong foundation in operational management, data analysis, and team coordination. Her journey reflects a passionate commitment to professional growth and a relentless pursuit of excellence in business operations.
Education and Achievements
Surekha Sailesh earned her Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Management from Barkatullah University in Bhopal. Building upon her undergraduate education, she also completed her Post Graduate studies in Human Resource Development at the same institution. This educational background laid a strong theoretical groundwork for her career, blending management principles with human resource strategies, crucial for today’s operational challenges.
Her academic accomplishments serve as a testament to her commitment to learning and professional development, enabling her to approach business operations with an informed perspective and strategic mindset.
Achievements
Surekha's achievements are a reflection of her dedication and leadership in the field of business operations. Some notable milestones in her career include:
- Successfully spearheading numerous site-level programs at Cisco Systems, improving operational efficiency and fostering executive credibility.
- Enhancing project management processes, which led to remarkable improvements in the performance of cross-functional teams.
- Directing initiatives focused on employee engagement that have contributed to an enriched workplace culture and collaboration.
- Being instrumental in developing process improvements that have streamlined operations and reduced redundancies, thereby driving significant organizational growth.
- Skillfully managing vendor negotiations that have strengthened partnerships and optimized vendor relationships, resulting in cost savings and improved service delivery.
Skills and Expertise
Surekha boasts an extensive skill set encompassing various aspects crucial for effective business operations. Her competencies include:
- Project & Program Management: Demonstrates acumen in handling multi-faceted projects, ensuring they align with organizational goals while meeting deadlines and budget constraints.
- Operations Management: Proven ability to manage complex operations, enhance efficiencies, and lead teams toward successful outcomes.
- Vendor Management & Negotiations: Exceptional skill in negotiating terms and engaging vendors, resulting in strong alliances and beneficial agreements.
- Change Management: Expertise in driving change initiatives, recognizing and addressing the impact of change on people and processes.
- Stakeholder Management: Ability to cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment and transparency in operational strategies.
- Process Improvements: Committed to identifying and implementing process enhancements that optimize productivity and performance.
- Event Management: Experienced in organizing events and initiatives that bolster team engagement and strengthen community ties.
- Team Management: Strong leadership qualities with a focus on team collaboration, motivation, and performance management, fostering an environment of success and accountability.
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