Maria João Santana
Maria João Santana

Business Operations Manager

Actively looking · Member since 18 Sep 2026
Location
Porto, Portugal
Desired salary
Confidential
Work preference
Remote Only / Full Time, Part Time, Contract, Freelance
Experience level
Mid

About

Professional summary

I am a Business Operations professional with over nine years of experience designing operating models, optimizing business processes, and coordinating complex project-driven operations. I work at the intersection of strategy, operations, and execution to help organizations become more efficient, scalable, and sustainable.

I have led operational transformation initiatives, developed governance frameworks, and established clear processes, workflows, and standard operating procedures. My approach combines analytical thinking, structured planning, and a strong focus on measurable execution.

In my current freelance and interim work, I support organizations with operations management, process optimization, operational reporting, project monitoring, and change management. I partner with CEOs and leadership teams to translate strategic priorities into practical operating structures.

Previously, I led operations for a concept design department managing a portfolio of more than 100 projects and simultaneously coordinated 10 to 15 international client projects. I have experience managing multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders, project portfolios, priorities, and client communications.

I hold an International MBA from Porto Business School, where I achieved a final grade of 17/20 and received recognition for the Best MBA Capstone Project, developed in partnership with Robert Bosch GmbH. I also have an Integrated Master's Degree in Architecture, which supports my structured, client-focused, and detail-oriented approach to business operations.

I am particularly interested in operational excellence, business transformation, operating model design, governance, portfolio management, and AI-enabled operations. I bring a results-oriented mindset and enjoy building systems that improve decision-making, organizational alignment, and execution capability.

Notice period: Immediatly

Skills

23 capabilities

Tech stack & tools

Working toolkit

Collaboration

Experience

Career history

Operations & Business Manager Interim & Freelance

I provide operations management and business operations consulting services to organizations seeking to structure their operations, optimize processes, and implement operating models that support efficiency, scalability, and sustainable growth.

My work includes designing governance frameworks, defining workflows and standard operating procedures, implementing operational tracking and reporting systems, and monitoring project progress. I support CEOs and leadership teams with strategy execution and change management while coordinating multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Selected engagements include developing an operating model, organizational structure, business processes, and governance framework for Mirai; reorganizing operations and creating a procedures manual covering more than 20 processes for Carla Zuzarte Interiores; and developing a planning and governance model for Robert Bosch GmbH Corporate Quality as part of an MBA capstone project.

Head of Operations – Concept Design Department MIMA Housing

I led operational management for the Concept Design Department and managed a portfolio of more than 100 projects. I simultaneously oversaw 10 to 15 projects for international clients, coordinating delivery priorities and operational execution.

I implemented the department operating model, defined processes, prioritization criteria, and documentation standards, and introduced monitoring tools and structured weekly review meetings. I coordinated the team, managed key stakeholders, reported directly to the founders, and contributed to an approximately 90% client progression rate into subsequent project phases.

Project Manager MIMA Housing

I managed projects end to end for international clients, ensuring alignment between client requirements, technical teams, and company management. My responsibilities included planning, progress monitoring, prioritization, and delivery coordination.

I also managed project documentation and supported risk mitigation activities. I reported directly to the CEO and helped maintain clear communication and execution across multiple stakeholders.

Regional Account & Project Manager Mercado da Pedra

I managed B2B and B2C projects across the Lisbon and Algarve regions. I coordinated clients, production teams, and installation activities to support project delivery and account management.

I supervised the opening of the Lisbon showroom, managed strategic client accounts and international suppliers, and represented the company at Maison & Objet in Paris. My role combined regional business development, project coordination, and stakeholder management.

Architect ADOFF Arquitetos | Rarcon Arquitetura e Consultoria

I developed architectural projects and prepared technical documentation across project phases. My work required attention to design requirements, technical detail, documentation quality, and client needs.

I also supported the monitoring of construction works, collaborating with project stakeholders to help ensure implementation aligned with plans and technical specifications.

Education

Learning history

Porto Business School

International MBA, Strategy & Business Foresight

International MBA completed with a final grade of 17/20. Received the Best MBA Capstone Project award for a project developed in partnership with Robert Bosch GmbH. Also completed ESG Certification.

Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto

Integrated Master's Degree, Architecture

Integrated Master's Degree in Architecture.

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