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Els Ozeel
Program Project Manager at Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services @ Digital transformation program Luxembourg
Professional Background
Els Ozeel is a highly skilled and dynamic project management professional with a wealth of experience in managing Project Management Offices (PMOs) and leading project initiatives across various industries. With a strong focus on guiding teams towards achieving project goals, Els has successfully navigated the complex and multifaceted landscapes of international business environments. As a passionate program and project manager, her approach embodies a unique blend of servant leadership, where facilitating and empowering her team members remain paramount. Her empathetic communication style has proven effective in fostering strong collaborations and achieving high operational, tactical, and strategic outcomes within any organization.
Throughout her career, Els has held significant positions within well-known organizations, including Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services, Katoen Natie, and Thomas Cook Group. As the current Program Project Manager at Sodexo, she oversees a multitude of projects, providing strategic insights into programs and resource planning, which are crucial for guiding stakeholders and ensuring project success. Formerly, as the Head of PMO at Katoen Natie, she played a pivotal role in elevating PMO practices to new levels, balancing the demands of a complex operational structure while maximizing resources and project efficiency. Moreover, her broad experience as a Senior Project Manager across multiple organizations showcases her adaptability and capability in managing diverse projects and teams.
Education and Achievements
Els Ozeel's academic background complements her extensive professional journey. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Informatics from Industriele Hogeschool van het Rijk Brabant. This foundational education laid the groundwork for her technical expertise in managing information systems and understanding complex data processes. Her academic pursuits continued as she studied Latin-Mathematics at K.A. Bensberg, further strengthening her analytical capabilities.
In pursuit of higher education, Els obtained a Master’s degree in Business Process Management and IT from the Faculty of Management, Science & Technology at Open Universiteit. This advanced degree equipped her with the strategic insight needed to align business processes with IT, fostering optimization and efficiency in project delivery. Furthermore, her studies in Project Management Office at the Institute for Business Development provided her crucial skills in establishing and managing a productive PMO structure.
Additionally, Els engaged in the Academic Pre-Master program at Open Universiteit, focusing on management methodologies and research techniques essential for informed decision-making in project settings. This continuous commitment to lifelong learning and professional development demonstrates her dedication to staying ahead in the project management landscape.
Notable Contributions and Impact
Known for her transparent attitude and collaborative approach, Els's work ethic and dedication have made her a respected leader in the project management community. Her achievements encompass not only the successful completion of numerous projects but also the development of methodologies that enhance the efficiency of project teams.
As a former Change and Project Manager at Thomas Cook Group, she led several initiatives that transformed the way the organization approached eCommerce projects, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives. Her roles spanned various functions at Thomas Cook, from Project Leader to Functional Analyst and DBA/System Engineer, showcasing her ability to adapt and thrive in versatile roles.
Her extensive consultancy experience as a professional freelancer allowed her to work with various clients, where she facilitated project management best practices and improved project delivery outcomes, thereby solidifying her reputation as a trusted advisor in the field. Els has a proven record of enhancing project effectiveness through innovative solutions, emphasizing the significance of the human and team factor in driving success across any organization.
Equally, her commitment to adopting emerging trends and embracing new methodologies in project management further exemplifies her forward-thinking mindset. This adaptability, combined with her business acumen, positions her as a pivotal player in steering organizations toward sustainability and growth in today's fast-paced business environment.
Achievements
- Successfully managed and elevated PMO practices at Katoen Natie, resulting in improved project delivery and resource allocation.
- Led transformative eCommerce projects at Thomas Cook Group that modernized operational frameworks and enhanced customer engagement.
- Developed and implemented project management best practices as a consultant, fostering improved collaboration among teams and increased project success rates.
- Established a transparent and team-oriented leadership style, enabling a culture of trust and accountability within project teams.
- Oversaw complex projects in demanding international contexts, demonstrating a strong ability to balance multiple stakeholders' needs and objectives.
