Tag: Service Sector

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Jump Start Your Job Search in 2015: Reflect – Recharge – Regroup

The New Year is upon us.  This is the season to take a break; enjoy time with friends and family, and prepare for the New Year.  One can easily lose themselves in the hustle and bustle of shopping and celebrating.  It is also a time to assess our progress for the year; to express our gratitude to family, friends, and clients; and to make resolutions for the New Year.   So, why wouldn’t you want to align your job search with the cultural expectations of the season?  You may be new to the job market, or you may have been in search for many months.  Whatever your situation, this is a great time to reflect, recharge, and regroup.

 

Reflect

Evaluate your Job Search Strategy for its relevance.  Is your target Job/Industry Sector still viable?  What about Plan B and Plan C?  Are your plans still viable?  This is a good time to validate your job search strategy.  What activities were most helpful?  Which were not?  Who has been helpful to you?  Have you been spending your time wisely?  Make a point to do more of those activities that seem to be getting you closer to your goals, and less of those that aren’t.

Re-charge

Take a break, enjoy the season.  Don’t quit all job search activities, but dial it back a bit to have time to gain perspective.  Managers don’t stop their recruiting during the holiday season, but they do slow down their activity.  Likewise you should change your priorities a bit.  Make time for friends and family.  Re-charge your batteries so to speak.

I know many people, employed and unemployed, who use this season to reach out to people who have had an impact on their lives.  Sending Greeting Cards is an obvious way to say thank you to people who have been important to you.  If you want to really make an impact try a phone call or a face to face meeting.  I have been a bystander to one such call when I was doing a market tour with a subordinate.  I can honestly say that the impact on my subordinate was profound!   Reach out to your network to thank them for their support and to update them as to your plans.

Regroup

Ensure that your resume and cover letter is still relevant and pithy.  Make sure that your Internet presence is current.  Are you a participating member in relevant Industry/Career Interest Groups?  Is your LinkedIn profile complete?  Have you checked your Face Book account to ensure that it is aligned with your goals?  God forbid that your Face Book account is counter-productive.  You should consider starting a blog, even if it is just a chronicle of your job search.  Set new goals and objectives for the completion of daily, weekly, and monthly activities.  Have a system to track activities and measure progress toward your goals.

 In summary, use the waning weeks of 2014 to reflect on your efforts;  recharge your emotional account;  and regroup by developing a revised plan for 2015.  Express your gratitude to those who have been helpful, especially friends and family.  Take stock of your efforts of 2014.  Do more of those activities that took you closer to your goals, and less of those that did not.  Develop revisions to your plan to include a system to track your efforts and your effectiveness.  Align your job search to the traditions of the season to ensure a successful job search.

 

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

 Jim Weber, President

New Century Dynamics Executive Search

www.newcenturydynamics.com

 

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MANAGE JOB SEARCH STRESS: Get Some Exercise

On May 18 2014, year I posted an article about the importance of improving your image to enhance your job search prospects.   Most of that post was focused on diet but it did speak to the importance of exercise to help slim down.  

Your confidence and self-worth is likely impacted by your view of your image.  If your self-confidence is negatively affected by your image, you will not perform well at interviews or at networking.  Your image is important, but, your mental state is being evaluated as well, to be sure.   One affects the other.  If you cannot work through the stress of job search, it will be evident to anyone you meet.   Exercise, however, is an excellent way to moderate stress, especially important during job search.   A body engaged in some form of exercise will relieve the mind of worries that lead to stress.

While doing some research for this post I found a few highly relevant articles.  So, instead of pontificating on the subject I have linked to articles listed below, which I know you will enjoy.

Workouts for Less Stress:  Get ripped and relaxed.  By Scott Quill, March 04, 2013:  Published on Men’s Health

http://menshealth.com

In this article Scott Quill recaps work by Steve Edwards, Ph. D., professor of sports psychology at Oklahoma State University.  Edwards spoke to six distinct exercise personalities and then matches exercise routines to fit each personality type.

Stress Management – Ways to Relieve Stress

http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-relieving-stress

“According to Matthew Stults-Kolemainen, Ph.D., a kinesiologist at the Yale Stress Center says that exercise attacks stress in two ways; Exercise promotes production of neurohormones like norepinephrine that are associated with improved cognitive function, elevated mood and learning.  And that can improve thinking dulled by stressful events – some research even shows how exercise can make you smarter.”

Benefits of exercise:  reduces stress, anxiety, and helps fight depression, from Harvard Men’s Health Watch.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/benefits-of-exercisereduces-stress-anxiety-and-helps-fight-depression

“Regular aerobic exercise can bring remarkable changes not just to your body, your metabolism, and your heart, but also to your spirits, reports the February 2011 issue of Harvard Men’s Health Watch.  Aerobic exercise is the key for your head, just as it is for your heart.  It has a unique capacity to exhilarate and relax to provide stimulation and calm, to counter depression and dissipate stress.  Exercise reduces the levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.  It also stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators.  “Harvard Men’s Health Watch notes that you should exercise nearly every day.  That doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the gym.  But it does mean at least 30 minutes of moderate activity. “

Stress Management

“Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever.  Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries.”

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469

“Physical activity pumps up the production of brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, endorphins.  Sometimes called a runner’s high.  Focus on a single task like exercise or mental activity results in energy and optimism, helping you remain calm and clear.”

“Regular exercise can increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety.  Exercise also can improve your sleep.”

9 Exercises for Stress Relief

Kate Hanley, Published December 03, 2014

www.lifescript.com/diet-fitness/articles/t/top_9_stress-reducing_workouts_for_women.aspx

 “Chronic tension can be the culprit behind both long-term conditions (depression, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure) and everyday health woes (headaches, back pain, insomnia, upset stomach, anxiety, anger). “

Summary

While you are between jobs, working on your image will help you manage stress.  Practice your favorite routines until they become habits.   Intense, rigorous exercise like jogging or cycling is awesome, but it is not your only option.  Low impact activities like Yoga, Tai Chi, and dancing can be beneficial.  Breathing exercises, and muscle relaxation routines are useful too.  Skill-based sports like golfing and tennis are great options, if you are already familiar with those sports.  Don’t underestimate the value of mundane activities such as housecleaning or gardening.    

Do something for yourself.  An appropriate physical activity will help you look and feel better.  Achieving exercise goals will improve your image and self-confidence while helping you manage the stress level.  Set goals and find a partner to keep you company.  Focus on the task at hand while exercising.  Don’t let your mind wander.  Especially avoid negative thoughts.  It will also burn off a lot of the stress that comes from the ups and downs of job-search.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

 Jim Weber, President

New Century Dynamics Executive Search

www.newcenturydynamics.com

 

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Executive Benefits Consultant needed at Digital Insurance Company

Executive Benefits Consultant Job Description

Date: November 20, 2012

Location: Atlanta, GA

Description

Digital Insurance, Inc., an employee benefits agency, provides insurance for small businesses and mid-sized companies in the United States. It offers employee benefits plans, including group and individual medical, dental, life, disability, and long-term care insurance; and accidental death, voluntary benefits packages, and whole life policies. The company also provides deductible health plans and health savings accounts. In addition, it offers customer advocate, benefits resource, wellness management, health care reform resource, proactive customer support, creative, and compliance assistance solutions. It serves employers, employees, individuals and families, agencies/brokers, and alliances. Digital Insurance, Inc. was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.


The Executive Benefits Consultant will lead consulting engagements with 2-100+ life employer groups regarding their medical, dental, life and disability benefit plans and programs and negotiate with benefits carriers and vendors to secure health and welfare plan coverage for these employers. To fulfill this role, the Executive Benefits Consultant will:

 

  • Lead client engagements, including managing overall service delivery, strategy, financial evaluations, plan design, renewal, business placement, and benchmarking
  • Develop sophisticated benefits design and renewal strategies and drives the development of tools and solutions to address complex client issues
  • Communicate the full scope of services provided and sets appropriate expectations with client
  • Effectively communicate Digital's story and position on latest industry trends to clients
  • Monitor success of projects in terms of scope, budget, timeliness, and client satisfaction
  • Exceed company retention and cross-sell goals
  • Be accountable for revenue/profitability for client accounts and projects
  • Uses appropriate Digital tools (e.g., CRM, DISH) in the development and execution of client strategy
  • Incorporate compliance and professional standards into all work processes, including transparency, peer review and maintaining required licensure
  • Generate sales by expanding revenues from existing clients and referrals
  • Set direction and creates demand for new products/services in the marketplace
  • Lead and participate in new business opportunities with sales channel partners (Client Relations)
  • Build Digital market presence by leading and presenting at industry seminars and conferences
  • Establish effective carrier/vendor relationships to serve clients in benefits procurement and administration
  • Leverage Digital's reputation to negotiate with carriers and vendors
  • Drive renewal process from inception to completion
  • Understand high level carrier reporting and effectively communicate to client

Qualifications
 

  • BA/BS degree or equivalent work experience
  • 10+ years in the benefits, insurance, health & wealth management industry
  • 7 years consulting experience in identifying, designing, recommending and implementing efficient, innovative business solutions to clients' complex employee benefits challenges
  • Minimum of 1 year of employment at Digital Insurance
  • Strong, innovative sales and marketing skills plus the ability to market organizational strengths successfully
  • Superior analytical skills, strategic planning, communication, and listening skills
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills
  • In depth knowledge of quoting process and tools
  • Self-motivated, disciplined, sets high standards for their own performance, and thrives in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple and complex tasks in a demanding work environment
  • Strong attention to detail, critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills
  • Ability to communicate with C-suite level (or higher) clients
  • Ability to manage, motivate, and mentor more junior level staff
  • Expresses consistant positions regardless of audience
  • Sees the big picture and recognizes symptoms that indicate underlying problems

     

    Digital Insurance offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits and programs including: health and welfare, 401K, career mobility, employee network groups, volunteer opportunities, and other programs. For more information about our company, please visit us at: www.digitalinsurance.com. We embrace a culture that celebrates and promotes the many backgrounds, heritages and perspectives of our colleagues and clients.

    Job: Consulting
    Primary Location: US
    Job Segments: Healthcare Consultant, Consulting, Consultant, Medical, HR, Healthcare, Human Resources

 

Digital Insurance Company and its Affiliates are equal opportunity employers

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New Search: Manager, Treasury & Accounting Services

Manager, Treasury & Accounting Services


 

The Manager, Treasury & Accounting Services position will have responsibility in leading, managing, and assisting with various core treasury activities including cash management, financial risk management, debt management, asset monetization, credit management, and treasury IT enhancement.  In this role, the individual will work with international business units and other departments to champion treasury initiatives and continuous improvement activities.  This individual will report to the Corporate Controller.

 Salary:  $80K

Expected Contributions and Responsibilities

Debt:  Review, understand and interpret debt agreements to ensure compliance with contractual requirements of the agreements and that proper debt accounting processes and controls are established and maintained .Assist Controller in the administration, accounting, and financial reporting of debt, including the following:

 

  • Administer compliance which includes debt covenant calculations and ensuring proper level of sensitivities to exposure.
  • Ensure debt reporting requirements and disclosures (10K, 10Q, Annual Report) are met in a timely, accurate manner.
  • Oversee the accurate and timely payment of debt service, fees and other financing costs on corporate debt.
  • Ensure that debt related activities (interest expense, repayments and borrowings) are properly reflected in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
  • Coordinate long range planning, budgeting and forecasting processes relating to debt, including periodic bridging to actual results.
  • Serve as a liaison and partner with various departments within Global Finance Organization to ensure accurate and timely reporting of debt transactions.


Cash:  Assist Controller in reviewing cash transaction processing and reporting performed by staff, including the following:

  • Periodic reporting of international cash balances used in repatriation efforts of the company and distributed to key business partners, including senior management.
  • Proper reconciliation of cash balances as reported in The Company’s general ledger system, and assistance in the identification and research of unreconciled balances.
  • Oversee the company’s liquidity position, including planning and execution of short term investments and borrowing strategies.
  • Manage the company’s daily cash position.
  • Ensure compliance with internal controls, policies and procedures in day-to-day conduct and supervision of cash management activities.
     

General:  Ensure that systems and controls are maintained to ensure compliance with Corporate Policy requirements relating to debt and cash accounts.

 

  • Review and/or prepare standard, recurring, and ad hoc internal reporting packages in support of internal and external stakeholder requests (internal and external audit requests, Committee reports, and Board reports.)
  • Partner with Controller to lead continuous improvement of accounting and reporting processes and any research and special projects as assigned.
  • Assist with large cross border settlements related to transfer price adjustments, one-off derivative contracts or payments between affiliates.
  • Support Treasury team as needed on projects, including recurring and non-recurring transactions, acquisitions, divestitures, restructuring and other strategic issues.
     

 

 

 

Skill Requirements:

  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to work independently.
  • Attention to details with the ability to manage multiple time sensitive assignments simultaneously.
  • Capable of supervising the work of staff, managing workload, and overseeing processes.
  • Capable of documenting processes, ensuring compliance with existing processes and producing quality results.
  • Able to maintain effective client relationships and promote a service orientation that delivers customer results.
  • Comfortable with complexity, ambiguity, and change.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, promoting an environment that allows timely information flows throughout the organization.
  • Actively pursues learning and self-development to enhance personal and professional growth.

 

Candidate Profile:

  • BS/BA in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline; CPA, MBA, or advanced degree in Accounting or Finance a plus.
  • Four or more years of progressive job experience in accounting/finance field.
  • Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, with strong focus on spreadsheet applications.
  • International accounting experience is required.
  • Proven contribution within a multi-task environment.
  • High degree of initiative, personal responsibility, and integrity
     

 

This document is presented to you in confidence.  All communication, whether written, oral or electronic should be addressed to:

 

James E. Weber, President

NEW CENTURY DYNAMICS EXECUTIVE SEARCH

Tel. 770-649-7051; Fax 800-953-9729;

 e-mail:  JimWeber@NewCenturyDynamics.com

 

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ItB Partners Consulting Group formed by Service/Franchising Executives.

ItB Partners Press Release

ATLANTA, GA – September 2, 2014 – Restaurant, hospitality, and service industry veterans launch ItB Partners (www.ItBPartners.com), a Consulting Company focused on helping their clients 1) Achieve a Competitive Advantage, and 2) Improve Performance and Results.

The Principals behind ItB Partners (which stands for “In the Black”) are Jeannie Rasar, Stan Stout, Jim Weber, and other highly accomplished executives.  Each of the Principals has over 25 years of strategic experience with major brands in Restaurants, Hospitality, and the Service Sectors.  They bring together a portfolio of skills and experience that span public and private ownership; franchised and non-franchised business models; and a global reach.  

“We are a diverse team of experienced leaders, project managers, thought leaders and discipline experts with an established history of accomplishment, business relationships and networks. We have direct experience successfully working with public companies, equity partnerships, start-ups acquisitions and turnarounds across a number of industries – specifically restaurant, hospitality, services and retail segments.”

ItB Partners share a common belief that the client's success is paramount. “This belief runs strong in everything we do. Everything we do is geared to enabling the success of our clients. Our client-focused approach is simple:”

  • Listen & Understand the Client's Needs
  • Analyze & Provide Insight
  • Foster Trust and Forge a True Business Partnership
  • Plan, Implement & Follow-through
  • Be Accountable

 

The Principals:

Jeannie Rasar has served in corporate franchise-based industries for over twenty-five years. Her career has spanned the hotel and restaurant service industries where she had the opportunity to work in the development and delivery of management and line level training curriculum for employees from the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa. This experience base led to the establishment of a consulting business in 2007 where she continues to work with domestic and international organizations with a special emphasis in assisting franchise-based companies in the development of strategies and tactics to support operational systems. 

Stan Stout has twenty-six years of leadership positions within the restaurant, service and technology business segments in public, private and equity enterprises. His expertise in the areas of human resources, risk/safety, mergers & acquisitions as well as day-to-day coaching/guidance to his fellow leadership team has helped organizations achieve their desired goals. For the last three years Stan's expertise has been devoted to consulting a wide array of businesses with their organizational needs.

Prior to forming New Century Dynamics Executive Search in 1999, Jim Weber spent 25 years with Fortune 500 companies in the Food Retailing Industry where he developed a broad-based portfolio of "hands-on" line and staff experience in growth and turnaround situations. A proven executive with exceptional leadership skills, Jim has a strong financial background and heavy operations experience in specialty retail stores, quick service restaurants, manufacturing and distribution.

We invite you to learn what we can do to help your business!

For more information please contact Jim Weber at Jim.Weber@ItBPartners.com  or by phone at 770-649-7051.