Shafra Cader, Marketing Expert in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Shafra Cader

Verified Expert  in Marketing

Marketing Expert

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Toptal member since February 20, 2025

Bio

Shafra is a results-driven professional with 13+ years of experience at a leading multinational bank. She specializes in managing sales and service teams, fostering stakeholder relationships, and driving strategic sales and client retention initiatives. Skilled in data analysis, Shafra optimizes processes and enhances customer experience by identifying trends and inefficiencies. With a keen attention to detail, she is a driven career coach, dedicated to mentoring and supporting employee growth.

Project Highlights

System Enhancement Projects
Spearheaded the design and development of the very first interactive voice response (IVR) system for Standard Chartered Bank (Sri Lanka) Limited.
Client Retention Team Implementation
Implemented the client retention team for credit card and loan products at Standard Chartered Bank's retail banking division in Sri Lanka, driving customer loyalty and retention.
Client-centric Processes for Sales Channels
Revised two sales processes as part of the digital squad initiative to enhance client-centricity.

Expertise

  • Call Center Operations
  • Customer Retention
  • Process Development
  • Project Management
  • Revenue Optimization
  • Risk and Quality Assurance
  • Sales Operations
  • Service Quality

Work Experience

Telephone Sales Manager

2019 - 2024
Standard Chartered
  • Won the Standard Chartered Global Award in 2019 and 2024.
  • Achieved the highest credit card contribution to Standard Chartered Bank (Sri Lanka) Limited from 2019 to 2023.
  • Received awards for credit card portfolio management and revenue generation projects in 2022 and 2023.
  • Implemented the client retention team for Standard Chartered Bank (Sri Lanka) Limited, driving customer loyalty and retention.
  • Spearheaded over 12 system enhancement and operational effectiveness projects.

Manager, Client Center & Priority Clients

2015 - 2019
Standard Chartered
  • Won the Standard Chartered Global Award consecutively in the call center category from 2015 to 2018.
  • Received an award for credit card portfolio management and revenue generation projects in 2016.
  • Headed the project team to implement the first interactive voice response (IVR) system for the Standard Chartered Bank call center in Sri Lanka, enhancing efficiency and customer experience.

Officer, Risk & Quality Assurance

2013 - 2015
Standard Chartered
  • Carried out multiple process reengineering projects to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Ensured the unit passed two group audits that were critical for the organization.
  • Won the Best Idea Award at the Next Big Idea competition held by the retail banking business.

Project History

System Enhancement Projects

Spearheaded the design and development of the very first interactive voice response (IVR) system for Standard Chartered Bank (Sri Lanka) Limited.

Before implementing an IVR system, our unit faced an overwhelming number of queries, leading to high call volumes, stressed staff, and impacted KPIs. This burden hindered efficiency and productivity. However, by introducing the IVR, we ensured that only complex, human interaction-based queries reached the call center. This strategic move allowed us to streamline operations, reduce stress, and free up valuable time. As a result, the unit shifted from being a cost center to generating revenue, significantly boosting staff productivity and enabling effective workforce management. This led to increased performance and reduced burnout. Ultimately, this transformation turned the unit into a more efficient, revenue-generating entity.

Client Retention Team Implementation

Implemented the client retention team for credit card and loan products at Standard Chartered Bank's retail banking division in Sri Lanka, driving customer loyalty and retention.

An analysis within SCB retail banking revealed that retaining clients was more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. As a result, I was tasked with implementing a client retention team. I spearheaded the development of proactive and reactive retention strategies, designed processes, and oversaw ground-level operations. Starting with a few call center employees, we initially achieved a 4% retention rate. Through continuous improvement and team expansion, I built a dedicated team of three members, increasing the retention rate to 45% in a short period. This success transformed the unit from a cost center into a revenue-generating force, improving client loyalty, reducing churn, and driving profitability.

Client-centric Processes for Sales Channels

Revised two sales processes as part of the digital squad initiative to enhance client-centricity.

The digitization of the credit card/personal loan application process allowed clients to apply easily through a digital form, significantly reducing processing time and improving turnaround time (TAT). This move not only saved clients valuable time but also cut costs by eliminating paper forms and the need for staff to meet clients in person. In addition, we implemented a video KYC process, enabling clients to complete the necessary verification from the comfort of their homes or offices. This seamless, efficient approach enhanced the customer experience while streamlining operations, improving service delivery and cost savings.

Education

2020 - 2021

Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA)

University of Bedfordshire - Bedfordshire, England

2014 - 2015

Graduate Diploma in Business Management

Northumbria University - Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England

Skills

Other

Managing People, Sales Operations, Stakeholder Management, Process Development, Complaint Management, Customer Retention, Call Center Operations, Quality Assurance (QA), Process Improvement, Risk and Quality Assurance, Recruitment, Performance Management, Revenue Optimization, Call Centre KPI, Workforce Management (WFM), Career Coaching, Project Management, CEMS, Workflow, Genesis Framework, Eops, CTI, International HR, Strategy, Economics, Management Practices, Organizational Resource Management, Management Fundamentals, Managing Finances, Marketing Management, Target Market Strategy, Sales Strategy, Budget Management, Training & Training Content Development, Risk Management, Service Quality, Conserved Domain Database (CDD), Know Your Customer (KYC), AML, Cross-selling, Customer Experience Management, Risk & Compliance, Audits, Financial System Health Checks, Risk Coordinator, BCP Coordinator, IT Project Management, Revenue Growth, Cost Management, Productivity, Cleint Retention, Strategic Decision-making, Team Development, Loyalty Programs, Digitization, Client Relationship Management, Operations Effectiveness

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