Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Ivan Safarik

Ivan Safarik

Summary

I'm a dedicated professional with senior management experience in coordination of technology services and projects. I've spent most of my career with IBM, where I was responsible for the supervision and delivery of SW products and seamless cooperation between various segments of the company, as I've continuously proven in the demanding and competitive environment that is IBM. Among my main strengths are problem-solving, sound knowledge of Agile methodology, a collaborative spirit, and a proven track record of successful project deployments to any team.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work history

EMEA SW Deployment Manager

IBM
Bratislava, Slovakia
08.2016 - 04.2023
  • Deployment of new SW products/versions, following the Agile methodology
  • Preparation of the offering requirements according to EMEA demands.
  • Testing technical solution set-up and reporting to the Global offering manager.
  • Acting as Subject Matter Expert (SME) of SW products portfolio and performing an advisory role on all offering content and deployment-related aspects.
  • Adapting Offering Marketing Material to each GEO's needs.
  • Providing Sales education on offering content; supported and implemented all Global-led portfolio and E2E process simplification initiatives in EMEA.

IT Business Analyst

IBM
Bratislava, Slovakia
07.2015 - 07.2016
  • Supporting the business teams, understanding and answering business inquiries, finding and elaborating workaround solutions in case the system didn't support current business needs.
  • Clarification of business requirements, defining user stories, and acceptance criteria.
  • Supporting the contract tool (CHIS) team within the solution architecture to define system functions and non-functional requirements, providing technical expertise and problem resolution
  • Ensured effective communication between Global Sales & Contract Management and Business teams about implemented changes in the contracting system (CHIS/ISAT), creating user guides and process updates.

BT/IT GTS Run CHIS Dispatcher

IBM
Bratislava, Slovakia
04.2014 - 06.2015
  • Acting as a focal point between the contract handling application (CHIS) support team & sales/contract teams.
  • Distribution of Jira problem tickets after the first analysis to Contract tool (CHIS) Specialists.
  • Communication with country contract teams and Business support members.
  • Participation in various projects focused on process simplifications and time/cost savings
  • Analyzing SQL databases to find the reported problems.
  • Providing support, education, and guidance for newcomers and EEUs (experienced end users).
  • Processing of data changes/updates in the databases.

BTIT GTS Run CHIS Specialist/Europe Operations

IBM
Bratislava, Slovakia
01.2013 - 03.2014
  • Provided support in the problem management area to the End User community of the contract handling application (currently supporting 43 countries).
  • Worked on assigned problem incidents reported via the internal database and provided support to resolve reported problems.
  • Provided input for root cause analysis, resolved assigned problems, reproduced the problem in the test systems, and raised code fix requirements for the development team.
  • Communicated with different counterparts (users, developers, application support teams) and tested the code fixes.

Contract Administrator for Pakistan

IBM
Bratislava, Slovakia
02.2011 - 12.2012
  • Preparation of contracts and provided support for Pakistan, with experience in supporting other CEE&MEA countries.
  • Provided education within and outside the team (CEE, MEA, UKI) on various tools and offerings.
  • Acted as a SME Focal point for MEA, initiating innovative projects.
  • Presented process and software updates within the team.
  • Collaborated closely with other teams within IBM on a daily basis.

Bar manager/owner

The Big Chill, cafe bar
Bratislava, Slovakia
03.2010 - 01.2011
  • Planned staffing levels based on evolving service demands.
  • Ordered beverage and equipment stock by analysing sales and customer trends.analyzing

Restaurant/Event Manager

Cocktail Time, Catering group
Bratislava, Slovakia
07.2009 - 12.2009
  • Managed teams of chefs and waiting staff during events.
  • Oversaw the Incheba hotel restaurant.
  • Planned events, receptions, VIP parties, etc.

Operations Manager

Red Snapper Events
London, UK
02.2008 - 06.2009
  • Planned events as a part of the operations team.
  • Managed teams of porters and waiting staff during events.
  • Was responsible for transport, safety, and logistics.
  • Contributed to one of the UK's top catering companies.

Chief Porter/Team Leader

Esprit&Decorum Ltd.
London, UK
03.2004 - 01.2008
  • Managed a team of porters on a client's behalf.
  • Set up and broke down events.
  • Worked on London's most prestigious events, including charity events supported by the Royal family, movie premieres, MTV Awards, celebrity weddings, and more.

Branch Manager Assistant

DÔVERA a.s, Health Insurance Company
Bratislava, Slovakia
11.2002 - 12.2003
  • Presented new company products.
  • Arranged meetings and logistics.
  • Provided customer service with a focus on customer relations.
  • Prepared health insurance contracts.

Education

A-Levels - European studies

Comprehensive school of Albert Einstein
Bratislava
09.1995 - 06.1999

Skills

  • Business analysis
  • Detail oriented
  • Project management
  • Problem-solving
  • Technical expertise
  • Digital transformation
  • Strong team player

Languages

English
Advanced
Czech
Fluent
Slovak
Native
German
Elementary
Spanish
Elementary

Timeline

EMEA SW Deployment Manager

IBM
08.2016 - 04.2023

IT Business Analyst

IBM
07.2015 - 07.2016

BT/IT GTS Run CHIS Dispatcher

IBM
04.2014 - 06.2015

BTIT GTS Run CHIS Specialist/Europe Operations

IBM
01.2013 - 03.2014

Contract Administrator for Pakistan

IBM
02.2011 - 12.2012

Bar manager/owner

The Big Chill, cafe bar
03.2010 - 01.2011

Restaurant/Event Manager

Cocktail Time, Catering group
07.2009 - 12.2009

Operations Manager

Red Snapper Events
02.2008 - 06.2009

Chief Porter/Team Leader

Esprit&Decorum Ltd.
03.2004 - 01.2008

Branch Manager Assistant

DÔVERA a.s, Health Insurance Company
11.2002 - 12.2003

A-Levels - European studies

Comprehensive school of Albert Einstein
09.1995 - 06.1999
Ivan Safarik