Maria Teresa Portillo
@mariateresaportillo
Bilingual operations manager passionate about people development and learning.
What I'm looking for
I am a seasoned professional with a diverse background in operations and people development, currently seeking to return to a corporate environment. My career began in customer service, where I honed my skills in stakeholder engagement and client program management. I have successfully led high-performing teams and translated strategic initiatives for the Italian market, leveraging data to optimize workflows and enhance performance.
Throughout my career, I have designed and delivered tailored corporate learning programs that focus on communication, leadership, and soft skills. My experience includes managing the Italian branch of E. & J. Gallo Winery, where I oversaw operational budgets and ensured compliance with corporate guidelines. I am particularly motivated by opportunities that allow me to contribute to innovative learning solutions and foster organizational development.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Learning Designer & English Communication Coach
The English Coach
Jan 1994 - Present (31 years 8 months)
Designed and delivered customized learning programs for corporate clients, focusing on communication effectiveness, leadership presence, and cross-cultural competencies. Integrated digital tools such as Thinkific, Google Classroom, and Zoom to create engaging hybrid learning experiences.
Corporate Training Consultant
Multiple Institutions & Companies
Jan 1998 - Dec 2020 (22 years 11 months)
Delivered soft skills, business English, and exam preparation courses for various corporate clients and institutions. Created client-specific courses for professionals in diverse sectors including automotive, logistics, and pharma.
Customer Service Specialist
GER Elettronica Srl
May 2016 - Apr 2017 (11 months)
Handled order processing and quote generation for machinery in the leather surface and thickness measurement sector. Organized participation in trade shows to promote company products.
Customer Service Specialist
Nuova Tradizione Srl
May 2014 - Apr 2016 (1 year 11 months)
Managed the full order cycle, including handling complaints and returns, and overseeing shipping logistics for semi-finished products. Ensured efficient and accurate processing of all customer orders.
Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Galvanin SpA
Apr 2013 - Apr 2014 (1 year)
Drafted offers and assisted customers with inquiries related to cold stamping and precision metal components. Supported marketing efforts for new product launches.
Marketing Manager & Customer Service
Ceccato SpA
Jul 2007 - Mar 2012 (4 years 8 months)
Managed company trade shows, including the creation of promotional materials and sales support. Handled customer orders and provided post-sales support, managing credit positions.
Customer Service Manager
Taplast SpA
Jul 2005 - Jun 2007 (1 year 11 months)
Led a team of four in the commercial back office, acting as the primary contact for approximately 60 active B2B accounts. Handled a high volume of client communication and coordinated with production, warehouse, and shipping departments to optimize deliveries.
Procurement Office Specialist
Control Techniques (Emerson Electric Group)
Nov 2003 - Jun 2005 (1 year 7 months)
Managed purchasing activities, warehouse documentation, and inventory control for industrial automation components. Ensured efficient stock levels and accurate record-keeping.
Operations Manager & Marketing Assistant for Italy
E. & J. Gallo Winery
Nov 1997 - Oct 2003 (5 years 11 months)
Established and managed the Italian branch, supporting the American Country Manager in securing initial commercial appointments with major Italian retailers. Recruited, trained, and supervised a sales team, scaling it from 1 to 17 members.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Instructional Design Foundations, Instructional Design
Currently pursuing a certification in Instructional Design Foundations through Coursera, offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This program focuses on the core principles and practices of instructional design.
Politecnico di Milano
Designing Learning Innovation, Learning Innovation
Completed a program in Designing Learning Innovation at Politecnico di Milano. This course provided insights into innovative approaches and methodologies in learning design.
Cambridge University
CELTA, English Language Teaching
Obtained the CELTA certification from Cambridge University, focusing on practical teaching skills for English language instruction. This certification is widely recognized for teaching English as a foreign language.
Openminds at Interlingua Formazione
CLIL & Innovative Teaching Strategies, Education
Completed a program in CLIL & Innovative Teaching Strategies at Openminds at Interlingua Formazione. This course focused on Content and Language Integrated Learning and modern teaching methodologies.
University of Maryland College Park
Bachelor’s in Global Business & Public Policy, Global Business & Public Policy
Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Global Business & Public Policy from the University of Maryland College Park. This program provided a comprehensive understanding of international business practices and public policy frameworks.
University of Maryland College Park
Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, Business Administration
Obtained an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland College Park. This degree provided foundational knowledge in business principles and administrative practices.
Studio Agorà
Professional Qualification in Marketing & PR, Marketing & Public Relations
Completed a Professional Qualification in Marketing & PR at Studio Agorà, Verona. This qualification focused on developing expertise in marketing strategies and public relations.
ITC G. Piovene
Diploma in Accounting & Foreign Trade, Accounting & Foreign Trade
Earned a Diploma in Accounting & Foreign Trade from ITC G. Piovene, Vicenza. This diploma provided specialized knowledge in accounting principles and international trade practices.
California State Institute of Education
High School Diploma, General Studies
Received a High School Diploma from the California State Institute of Education. This diploma signifies completion of secondary education.
Arizona State University
TESOL Certificate, English Language Teaching
Earned a TESOL Certificate from Arizona State University via Coursera, which equipped me with essential skills for teaching English to speakers of other languages. The program covered various pedagogical approaches and classroom management techniques.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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