Ricardo Miguel Dias

Seasoned Operations and Finance leader with over 15 years’ comprehensive management experience, skilled in balancing strategic planning with day-to-day operational demands. Demonstrated success in driving operational efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, and building high-performing teams. Recognised for delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that foster long-term organisational growth.

Sep 2023 – Oct 2024 Home Office, London

Detention Engagement Team (DET)—Executive Officer

Outline

Detention Engagement Officer who conducted face-to-face inductions, follow-up engagements, and specialist interviews with detainees, including Modern Slavery assessments and Asylum Screening interviews; responsibilities included serving official documentation, explaining rights and available options, initiating referrals to voluntary return schemes, developing return plans, providing behavioural insights to caseworkers, and ensuring all interactions were accurately recorded on Home Office IT systems.

Key Responsibilities

· Identified vulnerability indicators and managed cases per policy, attending multidisciplinary meetings.

· Managed case portfolios, provided resident updates, and maintained workflow.

· Reported contract issues promptly, supporting management and compliance reporting.

· Coordinated resident movements, handled escalated queries, and collaborated with the Welfare Officer to resolve centre issues.

Key achievements/projects

· Played an integral part in developing a voluntary departure business proposal, showcasing my ability to adapt, develop and contribute to new projects

· Played an important part in de-escalating a protest that may have cost the company thousands.

Jul 2022 – Aug 2023 Home Office, London

Passport Administrative Officer (Team Lead)

Outline & Key Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive administrative support by processing application data, maintaining accurate records, coordinating queries with appropriate forms, and managing document dispatch, including passport printing and correspondence. Ensure timely completion of daily tasks while adhering to Home Office policies on security and confidentiality. Demonstrate flexibility by supporting colleagues and other operational areas as required, maintaining compliance with company guidelines and non-examination functions.

Key achievements/projects

· Recognised as an employee of the month (August 2022)

Jan 2019 – March 2023 the Sapphire Community Group Limited, London

Chairman and Board of Trustees

Outline

Provided inclusive leadership by holding the Board of Trustees and Executive team accountable for the charity’s mission, vision, and governance. Supported the Chief Executive in fostering an effective Board and served as ambassador alongside the Chief Executive to promote organisational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

· Provided strategic leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring adherence to charitable objectives and optimisation of beneficiary impact.

· Oversaw financial stewardship, risk management, and accountability by maintaining rigorous governance frameworks.

· Cultivated a constructive partnership with the Chief Executive, holding them accountable for the achievement of strategic goals and managing their appraisal and remuneration in consultation with Trustees.

Key achievements/projects

· Recognised by the mayor of London as the best upcoming charity of 2022.

Dec 2018 – Jul 2022 Southeast Connections Limited, London

Director of Finance & Operations

Outline & Key Responsibilities

Provided strategic financial leadership through budgeting, cash flow management, performance reporting, and long-term planning to ensure financial stability and alignment with organisational objectives. Oversaw financial governance and regulatory compliance, implementing robust fundraising and accounting systems to maintain accurate revenue tracking and accountability. Enhanced operational efficiency by optimising systems, processes, and policies, while managing HR, finance, and IT functions for integrated, cost-effective service delivery. Collaborated with the CEO and senior leadership to align operations with strategic priorities and led high-performing teams fostering cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement.

Key achievements/projects

· Won the biggest GLA bid contract with ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency)

Career summary (Continued)

§ Business Development & Technology Manager, Southeast Training Centre | Sep 2017 – Dec 2018

§ Restaurant General Manager | Yum! III (Pizza Hut Delivery) | Jan 2017 – Sep 2017

§ Team Leader (Out of Hours Ambient) | Waitrose | Sep 2016 – Jan 2017

§ Business Operations Administrator | Close Brothers Premium Finance | Feb 2016 – Jul 2016

§ Assistant Manager / Senior Team Leader | Waitrose | 2012 – 2016

BA International Business Degree | Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) – Mdx Uni | (2011–2014)

National Certificate in Business | Double Grade Distinction | Southwark College | (2009 – 2011)

BTEC First Business |Merit & (English GCSE & Maths GCSE, C) | Southwark College | (2008-2009