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Maria João SantanaMS
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Maria João Santana

@mariajoosantana

Business Operations Manager advising organisations on operating models, process improvement, and governance.

Portugal
Message

In my interim and freelance work, I help organisations structure operations, improve business processes, and implement operating models. I also support CEOs and leadership teams with strategy execution and change management.

At MIMA Housing, I implemented the Concept Design Department’s operating model, defined processes and prioritisation criteria, and introduced monitoring tools and weekly reviews. I contributed to an approximate 90% client progression rate into subsequent project phases.

For Carla Zuzarte Interiores, I reorganised operations, implemented a governance model, developed a Procedures Manual covering 20+ processes, and created a digital project tracking system. My work with Robert Bosch GmbH was the Best MBA Capstone Project, developing a planning and governance model for its Corporate Quality division.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

IF
Current

Operations & Business Manager

Interim & Freelance

Jul 2022 - Present (4 years 2 months)

Provided operations management and business operations consulting services, supporting organisations in structuring operations, optimising business processes, and implementing operating models. Led projects for Mirai, Carla Zuzarte Interiores, and Robert Bosch GmbH.

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Google logoGO

Google

Google Project Management Professional Certificate, Project Management

2026 -

Google Project Management Professional Certificate, currently in progress.

Porto Business School logoPS

Porto Business School

GenAI and Responsible AI, Artificial Intelligence

2026 - 2026

Certification in GenAI and Responsible AI from Porto Business School.

Porto Business School logoPS

Porto Business School

International MBA, Strategy & Business Foresight

2024 - 2025

Grade: 17/20

Activities and societies: ESG Certification; Best MBA Capstone Project (in partnership with Robert Bosch GmbH)

International MBA with a final grade of 17/20, awarded the Best MBA Capstone Project in partnership with Robert Bosch GmbH.

ED

EDIT

Agile Methodologies, Agile Methodologies

2023 - 2023

Agile Methodologies course (45 hours) from EDIT.

FP

Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto

Integrated Master's Degree, Architecture

Integrated Master's Degree in Architecture from the Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto.

Porto Business School logoPS

Porto Business School

Leader Coach Executive Program, Leadership

2025 - 2025

Leader Coach Executive Program from Porto Business School.

Porto Business School logoPS

Porto Business School

General Management Programme, General Management

2021 - 2021

General Management Programme (225 hours) from Porto Business School.

Tech stack

Software and tools used professionally

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