23rd February 2012

Meet the Team

Shan PereraHi, I’m Shan Perera – National Operations Manager

I’m the National Operations Manager of The Temp Centre. I personally specialise in working with clients in the hospitality sector – this includes employees from entry level right through to General Management for hotels, conference and other hospitality venues. The Temp Centre also provides administration and support temps throughout the greater Wellington region.

My background in hospitality spans 20 years – and like all good hospitality professionals, I started from the bottom. I spent some time in the UK managing a 2 rosette restaurant in 2001/02, and upon my return to New Zealand I completed my Masters’ degree in International Hospitality Management at AUT. I then progressed my career through to Operational Management with some of the best known hotel chains and conference facility suppliers in New Zealand.

I chose to join The Temp Centre as it allows me to utilise my experience in the hospitality industry whilst assisting employers in selecting the right people – both temporary and permanent. Strategic recruitment, selection and placement have a pivotal role to play in the success of any business, and the recruitment role provides me with the opportunity to be an integral part in my customers’ businesses. I’m also very passionate about assisting candidates in finding the best possible role for them, and get real pleasure from watching their careers develop.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my lovely wife Minoli, playing golf, driving and cooking. I play competitive cricket – prior to my relocation to Wellington, I was the captain of the Sri Lankan Cricket Club in Auckland for 5 years. I am also a keen traveler and enjoy going to different countries and being part of other cultural experiences.

If you are seeking an industry specialist who will find you the right staff or locate the right role for you, you don’t need to call anyone else! Call me today – Shan on (04) 473-6833 or email me shan@thetempcentre.co.nz.

 

Hi, I’m Claire – Recruitment Consultant

I started working for The Temp Centre as the Receptionist and have since progressed into my current position as a Recruitment Consultant.

I am really enjoying the extra responsibilities and pressure this role offers, my duties now include consulting with clients, interviewing new candidates and filling job orders.  Having worked as a Temp as well, it’s really interesting being on the other side and learning the different procedures and expectations of both clients and temps.

I grew up in Nelson and have been working in Hospitality since I was 14; part-time whilst still at school and then full time to fund my travels. My first job was meant to be helping out on the floor for one day- I was there for 2.5 years.

Over the next 9 years, I worked at numerous different functions including weddings and high profile dinners.

It’s an industry I’ve come to love as there’s always something new happening.

In my spare time, I’m a qualified freelance make-up artist. I have been involved with a number of shows including the last 2 years of WOW, and other stage shows, photo-shoots and kids face-painting. I love watching people transform with my work and seeing the before and after results! A love I am emulating at work here.

If you’re keen for some work or want to know more about what we do at The Temp Centre, pop on down to the office, I’m always up for a chat!

 

Hi, I’m Matthew Dumont – Recruitment Consultant

I arrived in New Zealand at the start of 2011.  I chose to live and work in Wellington, the capital of this very fine country.  When the opportunity arose to work for the Temp Centre as a Recruitment Consultant, I jumped at the chance.

Most of my experience in Essex, England was based around Retail, Kitchens and Coffee Shops; hence the right fit between working for the No 1 Hospitality provider in New Zealand and my values and principles.

I believe in providing all my Clients and Temps with the best service that they can ever receive.  I aim to please and give them a reason to want to deal with us over and over again, I firmly believe in repeat business and fulfilling their needs.  My skills lie in Customer Service.

I like working here at the Temp Centre as we meet a wide range of people.  That gives me a chance to build a relationship with them and take care of their needs.

The Temp Centre was heavily involved with staffing for the Rugby World Cup 2011 and that was certainly the highlight for me and the team here.  I also like working with some of our other larger sites here and get a kick out of it when our plans come together and both the Clients and Temps give me their thumbs up.

While in Wellington, I hope to soak the constant party like atmosphere of this city and contribute to it at the same time.

Call me on 0275 7777 67 or email me now on matt@tempcentre.co.nz if I can be of service to you.

 

Hi, I’m Zoe Van Mil – Receptionist

I have been an employee with The Temp Centre since September 2009.

I grew up in the Waikato and started in hospitality working at private functions including weddings. As I turned 18 I was itching to get behind a bar, I worked at Bar101 in Hamilton and then moved to Wellington for University where I applied to work at The Temp Centre.

Since starting with The Temp Centre I have had the opportunity to work as a candidate for Hospitality Clients within the Wellington region. This has helped me improve and perfect my food and beverage skills to become a top waitress. The Clients are always welcoming and it is great to meet a vast amount of people from all walks of life within The Temp Centre and other companies.

The Temp Centre has helped me survive as a struggling University student at Victoria University. I am in my second year and working towards completing a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Media as well as a Bachelor of Teaching. I am hoping to finish and graduate by December 2012!

In July I was lucky enough to be offered a role within The Temp Centre office as a receptionist and am enjoying conversing with clients, candidates and working with a vivacious staff!

 

Hi, I’m Ashleigh Grant – Administrator

I first became involved with The Temp Centre in January ’09. After having spent a year living in Germany, I returned home to New Zealand pumped to get into the Tourism industry. My initial goal was to become a tour guide and offer tours in the German language which I had recently acquired, that however changed when I joined the Temp Centre.

My first job with the Temp Centre was an office assistant, where I spoke German to clients who were having difficulty booking their travel while in New Zealand from there, my career within the Temp Centre has led to bigger and better opportunities, from which I have gained vital hospitality skills.

As well as working for the Temp Centre, I am a full time student at Victoria University where I am studying to become a secondary school teacher. The Temp Centre has been very flexible and accommodating and therefore I have found a balance between my studies and work.

What I love most about my job is how everyday is a new experience. I am constantly meeting and working with new people and discovering Wellington’s vitality.