Responsible for driving excellence in support processes and competences within the Project Support Community. Driving and influencing for the global Project Support teams to support developing their performance to meet business forecasts

Sunday Times Fast Track and Profit Track and owner of the ‘Me To You’ Brand featuring ‘Tatty Teddy’ a top selling Character IP represented in over 60 Countries. The business developed ranges made up of Greetings Cards, Plush, Gifts and Toys which it manufactured and distributed.Leading the team responsible for the global logistics operation for all product ranges to UK and International customers. Within the UK, this would involve managing the bespoke supply chains into key retailers such as ASDA, Sainsbury’s and Clintons. Methods of distribution differ depending on client’s requirements varying from a box going direct to store, to several containers from factories in the Far East going into a Distribution Centre.Achievements and ResponsibilitiesLeading, motivating and developing a multi-disciplined team and ensuring that the team work cohesively and collaboratively to deliver goods, sales support and operational excellence.Improving client service quality and implementing improvements to process and operating procedures; developing and maintaining department strategies; establishing and communicating service standards.Implemented process mapping workshops to over 30 accounts to ensure delivery processes are meeting customer logistics requirements. This approach saw a reduction in fines incurred by 80%Team restructured to ensure workloads and skill sets were matched, developing a culture of ownership of accounts and skills progression Working with HR manager to deliver a suite of training programmes to develop core customer service skills, as well as specialist training on export terms and retailer specific workshopsPart of the project team to evolve existing IT systems to meet European logistics standards and retailing requirementsDeveloped pricing sign off process across sales and operation teams to deliver acceptable margin contributions and accurate order placementsReconciliation project to recover debts in excess of over £550,000

Responsibility for the International and Licensing Operation and Logistics teams to support the strategic planning, protection, development and delivery within a consumer product based business operating globally. Working alongside the Commercial Director, Licensing and International Sales teams, to develop the brands into existing and emerging international markets, in line with strategic objectives and contributing significantly to total group EBIT. Achievements and ResponsibilitiesDeveloped and implemented an online ordering system, linked into live inventory stock levels, for international accounts to place orders globally without the restriction of UK office hours Developed a customer service culture within the Operations team to help understand international accounts cultural and commercial expectations Improved team’s performance through order accuracy and despatch turnaround which led to an additional sales increase of 20% in a financial yearSuccessfully negotiated licensing agent agreements including commission structures, brands and territoriesBuilt territory specific strategies and marketing plans to ensure that brand integrity is maintained whilst meeting the needs of the international territory and profit objectives.Support to Export and Licensing sales teams to ensure agreements are managed according to laws operating in the specific territories whilst protecting brand integrityPresentation delivery at yearly international conferences on brand protection updatesSigned new business worth over $1.1m in royalty guarantees in one territoryResponsible for managing the companies brand protection programme, working with in house marketing department, international distributors and licensees to maintain compliance.Management of the companies intellectual property portfolio, including the implementation of a roadmap, for the long term development of the trademark portfolio to support the licensing programme

Account management responsibility for over 20 licensees operating in both domestic and international markets. Responsible for signing “best in class” new licensees in line with the company’s strategic objectives. Managed the product and creative approval processes with licensees to support a retail launch strategy and revenue targets. Achievements and ResponsibilitiesGrew the company’s largest Direct to Retail account, New Look Retailers, to a value of over £16m at retailDoubled Licensing revenues in 3 years.Designed and implemented an in-house licensing approvals systemProject managed an online asset management system to support licensee creative teamsEstablished a brand protection programme including trade mark portfolio

A HR consultancy specialising in pioneering new approaches in Human Resources including the ‘Paperless Portfolio’ approach to NVQ implementation and ‘seamless management development’ approach to linking academic and vocational awards with business needs. Responsibility for the administration team and management of over 20 projects ranging small businesses training through Fire Brigade and NHS with competence based performance programmes, including project and contractor management co-ordination.

Running of a secretarial services bureau, which included call handling service, document translation, serviced offices, conference room hire.