Alexia Vella
Driving Innovation, Leading Transformation
Mellieħa
Summary
With over 15 years of experience in the creative and digital media industry, I served as the Chief Executive Officer at Jobsplus, Malta's Public Employment Service, until March 2024. I hold a MA in Digital Media from London Metropolitan University, as well as MA & BA Hons degrees in Industrial Design from Birmingham City University. Additionally, I possess multiple certifications in strategy implementation, strategy, and analytical skills.
During my tenure at Jobsplus, I led a team of over 280 professionals and was responsible for shaping the vision, strategy, and growth trajectory of the organization. I am deeply passionate about developing innovative and user-friendly solutions that facilitate meaningful connections between individuals and opportunities.
Under my leadership, Jobsplus successfully launched several new SaaS features, Business Intelligence tools and online services, including an affiliate online training marketplace, enhanced jobseeker and employer portals, as well as optimization of data collection processes and the generation of in-depth data-driven insights. Furthermore, I established strategic partnerships with various organizations, both nationally and transnationally, to broaden the reach and impact of Jobsplus.
I am dedicated to enabling individuals to realize their professional ambitions while cultivating an environment of teamwork, inclusivity, and outstanding performance.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Chief Executive Officer
Jobsplus
03.2020 - 03.2024
- Oversaw divisional marketing, advertising and new product development.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
- Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.
- Increased company revenue by implementing innovative business strategies and expanding product offerings.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Cultivated a positive company culture, promoting employee engagement and retention through tailored initiatives.
- Oversaw business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization.
- Improved operational efficiency by redesigning internal processes and implementing cutting-edge technology solutions.
- Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and business bottlenecks.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented business culture to lead industry in innovation and push progress.
- Made large-scale financial decisions and supervised company spending to reduce material losses and maximize profits.
- Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
- Shaped solutions and approaches by leveraging trends in customer marketplaces and industries.
- Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Developed and executed comprehensive marketing campaigns, driving significant growth in customer base.
- Managed high-performing teams to successfully execute corporate objectives and drive organizational success.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
- Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
- Drove continuous improvement by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and open communication across all levels of the organization.
- Coached and guided senior managers to improve employee job satisfaction and achieve higher performance levels.
Department Manager
Jobsplus
02.2017 - 03.2020
- Overseeing all operational activities, including budget projections, financial planning, performance evaluation, fund allocation, strategy formulation, and policy development pertaining to the Projects Design & Management Department.
- Providing leadership and guidance to a diverse team of professionals.
- Collaborating with key stakeholders such as public-private partners, contractors, and relevant departments throughout the project lifecycle to ensure timely delivery of expected outcomes while prioritising user satisfaction.
- Crafting and presenting progress reports and necessary documentation regarding expenditure commitments and projects performance.
- Developing and executing strategic marketing campaigns for both national and EU-funded initiatives, including overseeing Jobsplus' official social media presence on platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
- !!!! Free Childcare Scheme !!!!!!
- Planning and coordinating press conferences, seminars, and events.
PA to the Executive Chairman
Employment & Training Corporation (ETC)
09.2015 - 01.2017
- Concept design and development of digital business intelligence tools (Jobsplus' Employers Meetings, Youth Guarantee Database which includes participants' profiles, performance tracking and bespoke reporting).
- Strategic planning and management of marketing campaigns, including organisation of events and social media management.
- Drafting of Cabinet memos, public consultation documents and the new Employment and Training Services Act, development of tender specifications & legal frameworks.
- Management of all the operational activities related to the Free Childcare Scheme, following intensive training specific to the Childcare Information System (CIS) and entire handover during Q4
of 2016, including mentoring of the newly appointed Free Childcare Scheme staff. - Actively participated in all consultative meetings during Q3 and Q4 of 2016, held between Jobsplus and the Childcare Centres Providers Associations (Malta) in relation to the renewal of the Free
Childcare Scheme Public-Private Partnership agreement between Government and all Childcare Centres.
Creative Services Director
Freelance
05.2012 - 03.2020
- Managed a diverse array of projects in collaboration with pertinent stakeholders, overseeing them from conceptualisation through to implementation. These projects encompassed various scopes, including departmental initiatives, national and EU-funded educational and vocational training endeavors, as well as extensive marketing campaigns and infrastructure projects.
- Spearheaded project management efforts for esteemed entities such as the Ministry for Education and Employment, Ministry for Agriculture, servizz.gov, and private sector organisations.
- Designed and coordinated cross-platform marketing campaigns to ensure consistent messaging and brand coherence across different mediums.
- Conducted comprehensive research and developed digital solutions tailored to target audiences, with a primary focus on enhancing customer user experience.
Private Secretary
Ministry For Education and Employment
03.2013 - 09.2015
- Networking and liaising with various stakeholders from Government entities, private sector, civil society and international entities for the implementation of national initiatives and campaigns.
- Facilitated timely delivery of special projects to meet organizational and departmental objectives.
- Led a team of experts in the creation of educational initiatives, collaborating with pertinent stakeholders. This included overseeing the development of a work-based learning accredited top-up course centered on Game Development in partnership with MCAST, Malta Enterprise, and international private enterprises.
- Enabled seamless transitions between projects/initiatives by maintaining comprehensive records of key decisions/actions for reference in future planning or execution phases.
- Safeguarded sensitive information by implementing strict confidentiality measures when handling classified materials or discussions.
User Experience Design Consultant
MeDirect Malta
01.2013 - 04.2013
- Responsible for the User Experience and User Interface (UI/UX) design for MeDirect's savings and e-wealth management platform targeted towards their European market.
- Delivered high-quality presentations to stakeholders, effectively communicating project objectives and results.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Design and development of UI & UX proposals, including presentation of digital prototypes and identifying potential user journey’s and user personas.
- Integrated technology and business operations to identify targeted solutions to customer issues.
- Evaluated client needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
User Interface Designer
Uniblue Systems Ltd
07.2011 - 04.2012
- Graphic/User Interface designer within the User Experience team, mainly responsible for designing prototypes and visual interfaces for the company's software product range
- Collaborated with the marketing department to design effective multi-channel campaigns, including; email marketing, custom landing pages, wireframe and template designs, static and animated web banners.
- Conducted user research to inform design decisions, enhancing overall usability and satisfaction.
- Participated in design critiques, incorporating feedback for continuous improvement of UI designs.
- Streamlined processes through improved collaboration among cross-functional teams, leading to more efficient project completion.
Digital Designer
The WOW Agency (London Metropolitan University)
07.2010 - 02.2012
- Designed compelling visuals for various digital marketing campaigns, resulting in increased brand awareness and engagement.
- Developed creative solutions for London Metropolitan University's official website.
- Evaluated website analytics data to identify areas of improvement within user interface designs for better user engagement rates.
- Decomposed complex information into easy-to-understand visualisations that facilitated better decision-making among stakeholders involved in the project scope.
- Worked with clients to gather and define requirements, establish scopes, and manage project milestones.
3D & Product Design Lecturer
MCAST
09.2007 - 09.2009
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
- Planned and curated diverse art and design exhibitions while fostering partnerships with stakeholders.
- Participated in conferences and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with latest trends in field.
- Mentored and advised students to explore career pathways and amplify knowledge, skills and strengths.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to create meaningful learning experiences.
Product Design Intern
Toly Products
11.2006 - 11.2006
- 3D/Product Design - Concepts and redesign for cosmetic packaging
- Concept for new products, graphic design and artwork for presentations.
Industrial Design Intern
Vitra Design Museum
05.2006 - 05.2006
- Brainstormed with peers and other members of design team to determine enhancements and product features.
- Expanded knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes, ensuring informed choices for product development.
- Presentation and evaluation of concepts proposed for the Marks & Spencer (UK) store refit for 2015 to the Directors at Vitra Campus & Design Museum.
Industrial Design Intern
Marks and Spencer
01.2006 - 03.2006
- 3D/Product Design - Concepts for M&S store refit for 2015, including spatial design, product and graphic design
- Design proposals presentation to Marks & Spencer (UK) Directors.
Junior Interior Designer
Artec Contract Design Ltd
01.2001 - 01.2003
- 3D & CAD design - Interior and architectural design projects for residential and hospitality sectors (for Le Meridien, St. Julians and Maritim Hotels)
- Responsibilities included; on site project management, site surveys, furniture design, colour schemes, detailed production drawings, plans, elevations, sections, presentations and client meetings
Architectural Design Intern
CGE Architects & Civil Engineers
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Architectural design and CAD draughting of plans, elevations and sections for residential projects.
Education
Master of Arts - Digital Media
London Metropolitan University
London, UK 04.2009 - 04.2011
MA - Product Design
Birmingham City University
01.2005 - 04.2006
BA Hons - Product Design
Birmingham City University
01.2003 - 04.2005
Timeline
Chief Executive Officer
Jobsplus
03.2020 - 03.2024
Department Manager
Jobsplus
02.2017 - 03.2020
PA to the Executive Chairman
Employment & Training Corporation (ETC)
09.2015 - 01.2017
Private Secretary
Ministry For Education and Employment
03.2013 - 09.2015
User Experience Design Consultant
MeDirect Malta
01.2013 - 04.2013
Creative Services Director
Freelance
05.2012 - 03.2020
User Interface Designer
Uniblue Systems Ltd
07.2011 - 04.2012
Digital Designer
The WOW Agency (London Metropolitan University)
07.2010 - 02.2012
Master of Arts - Digital Media
London Metropolitan University
04.2009 - 04.2011
3D & Product Design Lecturer
MCAST
09.2007 - 09.2009
Product Design Intern
Toly Products
11.2006 - 11.2006
Industrial Design Intern
Vitra Design Museum
05.2006 - 05.2006
Industrial Design Intern
Marks and Spencer
01.2006 - 03.2006
MA - Product Design
Birmingham City University
01.2005 - 04.2006
BA Hons - Product Design
Birmingham City University
01.2003 - 04.2005
Junior Interior Designer
Artec Contract Design Ltd
01.2001 - 01.2003
Architectural Design Intern
CGE Architects & Civil Engineers
01.1999 - 01.2001
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