Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Sandi Friedlos

Summary

Results-driven professional with over 8 years of experience in the Department of Communities, recognized for exceptional communication skills and the ability to cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Consistently delivers urgent and complex projects under tight deadlines, demonstrating proven expertise in drafting high-quality documentation tailored to diverse audiences. A broad perspective and meticulous attention to detail enhance operational efficiency, while a strong aptitude for developing and implementing streamlined office systems minimizes duplication of effort and leverages cost-effective technology. Specialization in navigating complex and sensitive matters with discretion and ethical integrity underscores a commitment to excellence in all endeavors.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Relationship and Contract Officer

Department of Communities
09.2025 - Current
  • The Homelessness portfolio contracts under my management include 7 service agreements (totaling $5.7m) and 3 grants (totaling $3.3m) for FY2025–26.
  • Monitor performance, compliance, risk and brokerage; maintain contract management plans and produce escalation briefs.
  • Prepare accurate, concise Ministerial briefings, including issue investigation and creative approaches to issue resolution.

Key achievements:

  • Established productive working relationships with service providers, local councils, external stakeholders, and program teams to enable effective communication and ensure prompt issue identification and collaborative resolution.
  • Positive feedback received from manager and stakeholders for my handling of several Ministerials requiring me to further investigate to identify the root issues of the conflict and facilitate collaborative problem-solving.
  • Strengthened brokerage governance and reporting accuracy through guidance and coached reviews.
  • Conducted Service Reviews for Street to Home program service providers, using revised templates and process,

Digital Capability & Innovation Leadership:

  • Experienced, responsible user of Microsoft Copilot to summarize complex contract information, draft briefings/ministerials, analyze brokerage trends and research - always with human‑in‑the‑loop verification, privacy and integrity.
  • Completed Microsoft learning and webinars on Copilot in Microsoft 365, responsible AI, Teams productivity and data‑led decision making - translating learning into practical improvements in monitoring, reporting and stakeholder communication.
  • Collaboratively leading Copilot adoption project within FDV & Homelessness team. AI‑supported workflows to reduce low‑value admin and lift analysis quality are being explored.

Administration Officer - Legal

Department of Communities
04.2025 - 08.2025
  • Executed timely quality assurance and processing of child protection applications and court documentation for child protection legal unit.
  • Facilitated timely preparation of court documentation to support legal proceedings.

Senior Knowledge Coordinator / Project Officer

Department of Communities
08.2024 - 03.2025
  • Project Officer on the legal database replacement project team, while also acting in the position of Senior Knowledge Coordinator.
  • Drawing from extensive experience in support of the Legal division, I assisted in the design of sensible system functionality to meet the needs of change-resistant stakeholders.
  • Managed system testing efforts and addressed bugged issues following the sudden exit and non-replacement of several critical team members.
  • Learnt how to design system testing and triage bug management activities within Azure DevOps.
  • Implemented improved reporting protocols for software testing progress, facilitating clear communication and real-time insights for stakeholders across six unique development streams.

Inspector

SGS International
01.2024 - 07.2024
  • Conducted sampling of minerals and fertilizers to ensure product quality standards.
  • Adhered to established protocols to ensure thorough inspections and accurate testing.
  • Evaluated workplace risks and advised on corrective measures to ensure employee safety and compliance.
  • Engaged with stakeholders and management to clarify and align on inspection objectives and expectations. Achieved high levels of stakeholder satisfaction with timely and respectful communication to stakeholders at all levels.
  • Created tailored inspection checklists for diverse job sites/projects, ensuring strict adherence to safety and quality standards.
  • Executed detailed inspections and cleaning processes to proactively address potential hazards, facilitating timely repairs and equipment requests to meet client expectations.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement through diligent and proactive inspection efforts to enhance operational standards.
  • Guided team members through inspection and testing procedures to ensure adherence to quality standards.
  • Executed routine checks and repairs on testing equipment, enhancing reliability and efficiency in testing operations.
  • Assisted in developing inspection and testing protocols.
  • Designed and implemented training materials for new hires to enhance safety compliance and operational excellence.

Strategy Officer/Executive Officer

Department of Communities
12.2022 - 12.2023
  • Provided professional executive support to the Carers Advisory Council. Coordinated compliance reporting for submission to Parliament by the Minister for Community Services, and oversaw the development, monitoring, and reporting of ongoing project and contract compliance requirements.
  • Contributed to strategic project initiatives aimed at maximizing operational efficiency and enhancing relationships with stakeholders. Managed and reported on compliance with departmental operating policies and procedures.
  • Planned, coordinated, and conducted research activities to develop evidence-based responses and recommendations that supported program activities' development, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Prepared professional submissions, ministerial correspondence, reports, policies, and timely communications for internal and external stakeholders. Maintained a registry of stakeholders to consult, facilitating the negotiation of priorities related to the development and dissemination of information and the implementation of projects and initiatives.
  • Planned, managed, and delivered various projects and policy initiatives to achieve strategic outcomes that align with stakeholder priorities and ministerial commitments. Applied specialized project and program knowledge to provide stakeholders and staff with advice, information, referrals, and guidance to support the development of intersecting policy and project initiatives.

ACHIEVEMENTS + HIGHLIGHTS

  • Streamlined compliance reporting process by leveraging existing technology tools, ensuring efficient delivery and alignment with council's key priorities across nine health organizations.
  • Facilitated effective communication by balancing the demands of diverse stakeholders while delivering comprehensive ministerial and departmental correspondence.
  • Secured funding approval to enhance Carers Advisory Council's outreach through regional travel for community consultations.
  • Significantly improved the Compliance Reporting process, public profile of carers across Western Australia and supported the new Minister for Community Services to implement key policy and project initiatives for the portfolio.
  • Facilitated project execution and received commendations for implementing innovative approaches to enhance resource efficiency.

Project Officer (Acting)

Department of Communities
11.2021 - 12.2022
  • Assisting the Commissioning Plan Project Manager to deliver on Communities responsibility to develop a new Commissioning Plan to support a cohesive and consistent approach to procurement and contracting for four key service delivery areas: Homelessness, Family and Domestic Violence Services, Child Sexual Abuse Therapeutic Services, and Out of Home Care Services, with a focus on encouraging more Aboriginal Community Controlled Organizations to be able to deliver services across the state of Western Australia.
  • Facilitated communication with internal and external stakeholders to support senior leadership priorities. Assisted in managing expectations through effective engagement strategies. Collaborated with teams to streamline processes and enhance project outcomes.
  • Live Event hosting (as Production Crew) including the coordination of key personnel to attend and present, which requires the juggling of multiple calendars to enable the sessions to be scheduled in light of competing priorities and other urgent work in a Covid-19 landscape
  • Orchestrated venue and supplier coordination to facilitate seamless execution of in-person events with external stakeholders.
  • Coordinated Eventbrite account setup and managed event communications to ensure stakeholder engagement and satisfaction.
  • Developed surveys aimed at enhancing user interaction and analyzed results to inform future strategies.
  • Prepared detailed progress documentation for project sponsors and ministers McGurk and Carey, highlighting key milestones and developments.
  • Documented project events and planning processes, ensuring clarity and accuracy in all reports.
  • Drafted comprehensive weekly stakeholder newsletter, ensuring clear communication of progress and future plans.
  • Implemented contact management system to streamline stakeholder information handling.
  • Developed and implemented updates for wa.gov.au website, collaborating with communications team to enhance stakeholder engagement.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Negotiated contract extension to maintain project momentum and deliverables.
  • Authored training documentation and led training sessions for production team members to enhance operational efficiency during events.

Executive Officer/Executive Assistant

Department of Communities
10.2020 - 11.2021
  • Managed scheduling, documentation, and project support for Chief Legal Officer, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Executed timely coordination and quality control of ministerial and director general correspondence responses under tight deadlines.
  • Facilitated impactful internal communications for the chief legal officer. Organized successful events for 16 Days in WA, International Women's Day, NAIDOC Week, and team-building initiatives.
  • Facilitated daily administrative support for Chief Legal Officer through complex diary management and email inbox triage.
  • Assisted in relocating city-based community offices to Boorloo office. Supported transition efforts until relocation to Fremantle for commissioning plan project.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Spearheaded the establishment of processes for centralized handling of ministerial functions within the division.
  • Designed and implemented an expedited process for legal document execution, ensuring timely closure for abuse victims awaiting resolution of their claims.
  • In November 2021, I was requested by name to assist the Commissioning Plan project for six weeks

Administrative Officer - Legal, Legal & Business Services

Department of Communities
07.2017 - 10.2020
  • Facilitated seamless operations for senior legal staff, contributing to improved workflow and communication. Enhanced support for chief legal officer and general counsels, resulting in more effective legal practice management. Strengthened collaboration among principal and senior lawyers, principal policy officers, and the broader legal team, leading to optimized project outcomes.
  • Organized and managed interdepartmental meetings and document distribution to enhance collaboration with senior personnel and external stakeholders.
  • Collaborated with senior legal personnel to draft, edit, and reformat critical documents for presentation to director general and relevant ministers' offices.
  • Sourced and synthesized relevant information from various documents and online resources to enhance background briefings and facilitate informed meetings.
  • Executed corporate credit card compliance processes and facilitated time sheet audits to uphold regulatory standards within the unit.

Key Achievements / Additional responsibilities/projects:

  • Negotiated and secured multiple employment contract renewals, culminating in permanent employment as of October 2021.
  • Facilitated a comprehensive review of Adoption Act legislation. Required strong organizational skills and the creation and maintenance of databases; production of documents including reports produced to tight deadlines, minute-taking, agendas, backgrounders, briefing notes, and other records. Interdepartmental liaison to schedule meetings with key/senior personnel and external stakeholders to discuss the highly charged topic of adoption legislation reform. We achieved early delivery of the final report to parliament.
  • Negotiated the redesign and implementation of the deed execution process for more timely sign-off of high-priority, confidential deed documents. The improved process enhanced efficiency and reduced delays to payment of compensation to victims of abuse.
  • Led content creation, resource design, and distribution of inaugural legal and business services newsletter. Collaborated with diverse contributors from newly merged legal and business services units.

Administration & Secretarial Support

Western Power Corporation
01.2011 - 01.2017
  • Performed various office tasks to support daily operations, including correspondence and records management for the Fleet Services division.
  • Delivered high-quality PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, and reports on schedule, contributing to successful project outcomes.

Key Achievements:

  • Developed and maintained an efficient claims register to enhance turnaround times and improve recordkeeping for future claims management.
  • Recognized for exceptional customer service and collaborative teamwork through multiple service award nominations.
  • Secured permanent position following successful contract tenure beginning in April 2012.

Freelance Journalist and Copywriter

Self Employed
01.2010 - 01.2013
  • Networked with industry experts to broaden knowledge base and establish meaningful connections.
  • Executed timely delivery of commissioned writing in accordance with project briefs.

Real Estate Editor

The West Australian Newspaper
01.2008 - 01.2010
  • Engaged with industry professionals to expand knowledge base and foster valuable connections.
  • Analyzed current events and produced original news and feature stories, enhancing publication's editorial offerings.
  • Write accurate, relevant, entertaining and informative copy to weekly print and daily online deadlines
  • Managed selection and commissioning of graphics and photography, ensuring alignment with illustrative objectives.
  • Enhanced content quality through precise sub-editing, ensuring impactful headlines and captions.
  • Supervision of staff and staff development
  • Attended corporate events to enhance newspaper's presence and foster industry relationships.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Developed additional reporting avenue on property life cycle through land report lift-out, supporting advertising sales team with new revenue opportunities.

Editor - Residential Magazine

Community Newspaper Group
01.2008 - 01.2008
  • Engaged with industry professionals to expand knowledge base and foster valuable connections.
  • Sourced information and crafted compelling on-diary news and feature articles to engage readers.
  • Crafted accurate and engaging copy to meet weekly print and daily online deadlines.
  • Source suitable graphics and photography for illustrative purposes
  • Enhanced editorial quality through precise sub-editing and effective headline and caption development.
  • Supervision of staff and staff development
  • Key Achievements:
  • Executed strategic initiatives for first three months of publication, leading to recruitment by The West Australian newspaper.

Administration & Secretarial Support (Contract Temp)

Western Power Corporation
01.2007 - 01.2008
  • Executed daily administrative tasks to ensure efficient functioning of office environment.
  • Reviewed and updated health and safety intranet content to support compliance and user awareness.

Office Manager and Personal Assistant to the CEO

Intrepid Investments Ltd
01.2006 - 01.2007
  • Spearheaded establishment of headquarters for property investment start-up focused on international investments in emerging markets.
  • Collaborated with CEO and senior staff to optimize business operations in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
  • Facilitated problem-solving processes for administrative and operational issues to enhance efficiency.
  • Facilitated resolution of human resources information technology challenges to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Facilitated ongoing negotiations with suppliers and contractors to enhance cost efficiency in office operations.
  • Developed and formalized office systems and procedures to streamline workflow and improve productivity.
  • Secured bonus upon first eligibility, demonstrating strong performance and commitment.

HR Secretary/Administrator & PA to Head of Human Resources

Associated Newspapers Ltd
01.2005 - 01.2006
  • General office duties to ensure the smooth running of the office
  • Coordination of various Special Projects including the editing and republishing of the Employee Handbook
  • Key Achievements:
  • Led the transition of temporary support staff recruitment from HR to individual departments, enhancing departmental autonomy. Developed training programs and communication strategies for key staff to facilitate the recruitment process. Fostered collaboration among departments to optimize staffing solutions.
  • Coordinated logistics and entertainment for children's Christmas celebration, fostering community engagement among staff.

Various Temporary Administration & Secretarial Roles

Albany Appointments Recruitment Agency
01.2004 - 01.2005
  • Associated Newspapers Ltd - short-term roles:
  • Administration support to various senior management, editorial and advertising departments including the Sports Desk, Evening Standard; Features Department, Daily Mail; Office of the Managing Editor, Daily Mail; Event Co-ordination Assistant with Corporate Affairs; Human Resources Assistant/Secretary with Personnel Department; Events Co-ordination Assistant for The Evening Standard; and Personal Assistant to the Editor, Daily Mail Weekend Magazine
  • Key Achievements:
  • Consistently booked for assignments across the company’s diverse newspaper titles, reflecting strong demand for expertise.

Administration & Secretarial Support (Contract Temp)

Western Power Corporation
01.2004 - 01.2004
  • Performed essential administrative functions to support organizational efficiency and productivity.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Executed vehicle log book processing to ensure accurate taxation reporting.
  • Vehicle Information booklet project lead - including the research, copywriting, printing supplier selection, seeking of management approval of final draft for production and eventual distribution to staff

Journalist

Community Newspaper Group
01.2001 - 01.2003
  • Cultivated and sustained professional networks and information sources.
  • Identified relevant topics for news coverage and authored or commissioned articles for timely publication.
  • Conducted comprehensive research and crafted feature articles to meet stringent publication timelines.
  • Reviewed and enhanced articles for clarity and coherence, ensuring timely delivery for publication.
  • Supervision of staff and staff development
  • Key Achievements:
  • Property section lead journalist and coordinator with autonomy under the Editor to create a widely read property section appealing to the higher-income, tertiary-educated demographic
  • Founding member of the Western Suburbs Weekly newspaper title, winner of a Pacific Area Newspaper Publishers Association award in our first year of publication

Education

Mt Lawley Senior High School
Western Australia
01-1995

Mt Lawley Senior High School
Western Australia
01-1995

Diploma of Business - Marketing

Central Metropolitan College of TAFE
Western Australia
01-2003

High School -

Mt Lawley Senior High School
Western Australia
01-1995

Skills

  • Effective communication
  • Performance management
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Organizational skills
  • Relationship building and interpersonal communication
  • Conflict resolution, problem-solving abilities
  • Project planning, idea development and brainstorming
  • Continuous improvement
  • Workflow optimization
  • Expertise in Microsoft 365 tools

Certification

  • Department of Finance - Community Services Commissioning Capability Courses COMPLETED 2026
  • Microsoft Learn - Plan your organization’s AI skilling journey with Microsoft 365 Copilot COMPLETED 2026
  • Microsoft Learn - Leverage AI tools and resources for your business COMPLETED 2026
  • Acknowledge This! COMPLETED 2026
  • Department of Finance - Introduction to contract management in the WA Public Sector - Modules 1-5 COMPLETED 2025
  • Department of Finance - Introduction to contract negotiations COMPLETED 2025
  • Department of Finance - Introduction to Community Services Procurement COMPLETED 2025
  • Microsoft Learn - Azure DevOps - various - COMPLETED 2025
  • Accountable and Ethical Decision Making Training COMPLETED 2021
  • Purchasing Card Policy and Procedure Changes Training COMPLETED 2020
  • Cultural Appreciation Training COMPLETED 2019
  • Freedom Fertility Formula specialist training course COMPLETED and CERTIFIED, 2019

Timeline

Relationship and Contract Officer

Department of Communities
09.2025 - Current

Administration Officer - Legal

Department of Communities
04.2025 - 08.2025

Senior Knowledge Coordinator / Project Officer

Department of Communities
08.2024 - 03.2025

Inspector

SGS International
01.2024 - 07.2024

Strategy Officer/Executive Officer

Department of Communities
12.2022 - 12.2023

Project Officer (Acting)

Department of Communities
11.2021 - 12.2022

Executive Officer/Executive Assistant

Department of Communities
10.2020 - 11.2021

Administrative Officer - Legal, Legal & Business Services

Department of Communities
07.2017 - 10.2020

Administration & Secretarial Support

Western Power Corporation
01.2011 - 01.2017

Freelance Journalist and Copywriter

Self Employed
01.2010 - 01.2013

Real Estate Editor

The West Australian Newspaper
01.2008 - 01.2010

Editor - Residential Magazine

Community Newspaper Group
01.2008 - 01.2008

Administration & Secretarial Support (Contract Temp)

Western Power Corporation
01.2007 - 01.2008

Office Manager and Personal Assistant to the CEO

Intrepid Investments Ltd
01.2006 - 01.2007

HR Secretary/Administrator & PA to Head of Human Resources

Associated Newspapers Ltd
01.2005 - 01.2006

Various Temporary Administration & Secretarial Roles

Albany Appointments Recruitment Agency
01.2004 - 01.2005

Administration & Secretarial Support (Contract Temp)

Western Power Corporation
01.2004 - 01.2004

Journalist

Community Newspaper Group
01.2001 - 01.2003

Diploma of Business - Marketing

Central Metropolitan College of TAFE

Mt Lawley Senior High School

Mt Lawley Senior High School

High School -

Mt Lawley Senior High School
Sandi Friedlos