Sabrina Van Kerkhoven

SABRINA VAN KERKHOVEN Bellinkstraat 37, 4331GV Middelburg, The Netherlands Email:-/ Tel: - A flexible multilingual and result driven virtual assistance and travel and walking advisor. I’m proficient in managing multiple tasks simultaneously, problem solving, am organised and have a great eye for detail. No challenge is too big! PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Walks and More - Middelburg, The Netherlands 08/2023 - present Owner As virtual assistant, I provide remote office support to companies by efficiently manage their administrative tasks and schedules. I specialise in organising data, preparing reports and maintaining contact with customers. Additionally I assist with research, planning and organising work shops, team events as well as travel arrangements. As travel walking advisor, I help both individuals and organisations. Individuals I assist in finding their ideal walking trip or holiday, based on their preferences. For organisations, I review existing walking routes and create new ones. I also guide small walking groups upon request. Dow Benelux - Terneuzen, The Netherlands 08/2018 - 09/2023 Warehouse Operations Manager Being strategic liaison between internal stakeholders and external warehouses, ensuring smooth operations in line with Dow's requirements. I coordinated new business requests and oversaw warehouse maintenance, including housekeeping tasks for an owned warehouse. My focus lied on continuous improvement, cost savings, sustainability, and safety. I led efforts to improve waste disposal management at external warehouses. Vinmar Chemicals and Polymers B.V. - Hoofddorp, The Netherlands 02/2007 - 07/2018 Global Operations Manager 09/2011 - 07/2018 Led a high-performing European Operations Team, aligning market needs with team strengths. Managed both local and remote teams, wrote job descriptions, improved processes by implementing KPIs. In 2016, restructured the team to focus on Customer Service and Logistics, optimising the Order-To-Cash process. I also led the operational start-up of a new business with suppliers. In 2017, shifted focus to profitability optimisation, REACh compliance, and suppliers outside of Europe. Organised a global Supply Chain Meeting in Houston, leading to a project to improve visibility and efficiency across the entire Supply Chain. Managed daily operations for distribution in Greece during "go live.” EU-Regulatory Lead 02/2017-07/2018 Ensured compliance with REACh and other regulations (e.g., ROHS, FDA) by collaborating with the OR. Developed an internal database for easy access to REACh information, and created a process to ensure new products meet REACh certification before processing. Business Optimisation Manager 02/2017- 12/2017 Identified opportunities for the Marketing Manager to improve the overall business profitability, including; - revising the PO allocation method to reduce warehousing cost - introducing an 'Auction' system to sell small batches (leftovers) - implementing collection deadlines for FCA customers to lower warehousing cost Operations and Project Leader 10/2010 – 09/2011 Managed supplier logistics outside of Europe, built strong relationships through site visits to better understand their norms and expectations, and integrated insights into our internal processes. Developed new processes for Europe and trained outsourced teams in India for order entry and invoicing. Logistics Manager Plastics 02/2007 – 10/2010 Streamlined logistics for PE and PP, enhancing the Order-to-Cash process and improving customer service, shipment scheduling, and invoice verification. Strengthened relationships with key customers, suppliers, transporters, and warehouses. As the business grew, optimised ERP ECC processes, documented workflows and procedures, and trained new team members. BP Chemicals / INEOS Europe Ltd (UK) - Sunbury/Staines, UK 10/2002 - 11/2006 Account Coordinator Being primary contact for European PAO, PIB, and DIB customers, I managed VAT-related queries as SAP Super User. I recovered demurrage costs, identified discrepancies in freight calculations, and drove price renegotiations. I led order prioritisation during product shortages, developed internal procedures, and took the lead in implementing the customer orders online system. I also conducted BW analysis, negotiated volumes with key customers during shortages, and handled inside sales for off-spec products. Nynas Bitumen (Belgium) – Zaventem, Belgium 07/1998 - 05/2002 Senior Distribution Assistant 2001 - 2002 Organised transport based on truck capacity and driving restrictions, resolved issues, and handled invoice verification and processing. Participated in contract negotiations, freight cost discussions, and a project focused on improving loading efficiency. Sales Assistant The Netherlands & Germany (50%) 07/1998 - 2002 Managed customer service and scheduled deliveries within a 24-hour timeframe. Represented the company at Benelux conferences and supported the Fuels Manager with data collection, customer information, and various other tasks. EDUCATION: KdG-Hogeschool, Antwerp Business Studies: Bachelor in Secretarial Management - Languages HIVT & KVH, Antwerp Study of Translator German - Spanish 1995 - - 1995 SKILLS & AREAS OF PROFICIENCY: Multilingual: Dutch, German, English, French, Spanish, basic Swedish Problem solver, pro-active, eye for detail, organised, stress resistant, flexible, challenging status-quo, out of the box thinking Logistics/Planning, International Supply Chain, Import & Export, Supply Chain Management, REACh, SAP knowledge (both ECC & GTS) MS Office, Google & iWorks CERTIFICATIONS/INDEPENDENT COURSEWORK: Travel Advisor (NHA,-) Collegereeks Logistiek Management (Logistiek Academy, 2016) The Dale Carnegie Course (Dale Carnegie, 2013) & How to Manage Like a Pro (Dale Carnegie, 2014) Learning to Lead (INSEAD, 2012) Personal Effectiveness Through Interpersonal Communication and Self-Confidence (Hemsley Fraser, 2006) ISO 9001 Internal Auditor Course (BSI Management Systems, 2004) (within BP) ICDL (2004) Safety Advisor for Transport of Dangerous Goods (all classes except 1, 2 & 7) (2002, expired) INTERESTS: Walking, reading, travelling, (boat)rowing, sailing, social engagement and voluntary work (Allihop, Drakkar Outdoor, Het vergeten Kind)