Alison Blair Email & Phone Number

Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa

* Oversee and manage all management operations, including establishing new systems to streamline and improve compliance and functionality of management operations.* Supports the strategic direction and development of operational systems and processes to ensure improved organisational delivery and functioning.* Supports the management of all projects, including tracking all grant deliverables and dates and ensuring that reports and other deliverables are submitted on time.* Lead on… Show more * Oversee and manage all management operations, including establishing new systems to streamline and improve compliance and functionality of management operations.* Supports the strategic direction and development of operational systems and processes to ensure improved organisational delivery and functioning.* Supports the management of all projects, including tracking all grant deliverables and dates and ensuring that reports and other deliverables are submitted on time.* Lead on managing certain projects, including ensuring activities are completed on time, partner relationship management, all forms of reporting, and all other project management activities.* Support the design of new projects.* Support the design and development of proposals for bids for new work.* Ensure good record-keeping, including timekeeping, filing project documents, and other records as required. Show less

Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Nelspruit Area, South Africa

As part of the Executive Committee, I played a key role in the overall strategy development and implement for the group.My main role was to develop and implement the annual marketing strategy within the set budget and manage the budget accordingly on a monthly basis.Submitting monthly reports on all activities, including the spend, reach and effectiveness of each campaign launched.I had this role from 2005 till 2010 and again from 2018 - 2020. Many of the projects I… Show more As part of the Executive Committee, I played a key role in the overall strategy development and implement for the group.My main role was to develop and implement the annual marketing strategy within the set budget and manage the budget accordingly on a monthly basis.Submitting monthly reports on all activities, including the spend, reach and effectiveness of each campaign launched.I had this role from 2005 till 2010 and again from 2018 - 2020. Many of the projects I launched in both those times still form a critical role in the overall business strategy and enhances daily sales across the group. Show less

Johannesburg Area, South Africa

Launched the school’s educational trust fund, called the Brescia House School Foundation, in order to raise funds for under privileged girls to attend Brescia House School.Strategic:Development of the Business & Marketing Strategy; Development & Implementation of various Fundraising Campaigns; Presentation of Campaigns to Target Audiences; Development of Donor & Alumnae Management System, Manage Daily use of Database through New System, Project Management of a new Alumnae Website;… Show more Launched the school’s educational trust fund, called the Brescia House School Foundation, in order to raise funds for under privileged girls to attend Brescia House School.Strategic:Development of the Business & Marketing Strategy; Development & Implementation of various Fundraising Campaigns; Presentation of Campaigns to Target Audiences; Development of Donor & Alumnae Management System, Manage Daily use of Database through New System, Project Management of a new Alumnae Website; Graphic Design of all Marketing Material and Proposals related to the Foundation. Show less

Nelspruit Area, South Africa

Founded and headed the agency – leading and managing both the Business and Creative elements, with strong additional focus on business development and pioneering the regional industry. Described by Pepe Marais (Chief Creative Director, Joe Public), as follows:“[Alison is] a trailblazer who is singlehandedly putting a stake in the ground in order to raise the standard of the creative industry in her region.”■ Management: General Management; Business & Marketing Strategy; Profit &… Show more Founded and headed the agency – leading and managing both the Business and Creative elements, with strong additional focus on business development and pioneering the regional industry. Described by Pepe Marais (Chief Creative Director, Joe Public), as follows:“[Alison is] a trailblazer who is singlehandedly putting a stake in the ground in order to raise the standard of the creative industry in her region.”■ Management: General Management; Business & Marketing Strategy; Profit & Loss (P&L) & Administration Management; New Business Development; Staff Recruitment, Management, Performance; Client Relationship Management; Service Delivery Management; Project Management; Vendor / Outsourced Services Management■ Creative: Taking Client Briefs; Marketing Strategy Development (advertising, social media, events, brand); Creative Process Management (copy writing, graphic design, print media, etc.); Production Management (print publications)Special Notes:-■ New Niche Magazine Grows to 20,000 Distribution.In 2011 saw a gap in the market for magazine, “Mom’s Notes Magazine.” Launched in 2011, it has grown from 24 pages and distribution of 7,500, to 100 pages and distribution of 20,000. (It is now run independently.)■ Pioneered the 1st local creative design awards in 2012.Set up the “Red Aloe Awards”, judged by Pepe Marais (Chief Creative Director of Joe Public) in order to encourage the use of local Marketing vendors. Also launched the Mart’it Expo to showcase local vendors.■ Local & National Recognition.TwoRedPens received the Chamber of Business’ “Entrepreneur Award” in 2012 (2nd year of business). As MD of TwoRedPens was personally chosen to represent Mpumalanga at the “SA Businesswoman of the Year,” awards, 2013. Show less

Nelspruit Area, South Africa

Spearheaded all Marketing, Advertising, Brand and PR functions for the retail pharmacy group, ensuring execution and realisation of the vision, mission and business objectives of the CEO and Exco.■ Key Management Areas: Marketing Strategy, Strategic Planning, Execution; Market Research; Identification of New Opportunities; Understanding Customer Needs; Creative Agency Management; Budget & Team Management; Customer Loyalty Programme Management; Supplier Relationship Management &… Show more Spearheaded all Marketing, Advertising, Brand and PR functions for the retail pharmacy group, ensuring execution and realisation of the vision, mission and business objectives of the CEO and Exco.■ Key Management Areas: Marketing Strategy, Strategic Planning, Execution; Market Research; Identification of New Opportunities; Understanding Customer Needs; Creative Agency Management; Budget & Team Management; Customer Loyalty Programme Management; Supplier Relationship Management & Negotiations (for revenue to support promotional campaigns).Special Notes:-■ Launched a Loyalty Programme that Grew to 55,000 Members.Identified the need for a loyalty/rewards programme – enabling it to compete with big name corporate competitors (eg. Clicks, Dis-Chem). Formulated the strategy, presented to the board and launched the Mopani Card within 6 months. The card grew to 55,000 active members, it reduced annual marketing budget while increasing sales (by 15-20% pa). 70% Of purchases made were with Mopani Card. The programme is still in place.■ Custom Marketing Strategies, Increase in Sales.Customised marketing strategies for each department, with strong sales team buy-in, into both the departmental and overall pharmacy advertising & promotional campaigns. This resulted in well informed Sales Assistants and outstanding service, with sales growth the result.■ Supplier Budget Contribution +400%.Motivated suppliers to contribute to monthly advertising budgets via a solid 12 month plan & strong mutually profitable partnerships. Contributions grew by 400%. Show less