Barbara Meade
Dublin,Ireland
Summary
A results-driven professional with extensive experience in sales, marketing, and public relations. Demonstrates a strong understanding of both international and national business environments based on the product in hand, coupled with exceptional customer orientation and commercial insight. Known for developing meaningful relationships and prioritising staff training to enhance team performance. A people person committed to driving business growth through strategic relationship development and effective communication.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Business Growth Manager Irish and International
Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter
Dublin
09.2023 - Current
- Built strong relationships with key Accounts, ensuring positive outcomes during negotiations for Introduction of NPD and in opening New Accounts both Irish and International.
- Drove revenue growth significantly by identifying and capitalising on new market trends, relationships and on hand client support.
- Developed partnerships that resulted in increased business collaboration and synergy.
- Negotiated contracts, securing optimum conditions for business expansion.
- Addressed customer issues with compassion and professionalism, ensuring swift, successful resolution.
- Analysed sales reports to identify trends and update strategies.
- Oversaw planning and execution of targeted sales and marketing strategies.
- Developed marketing plans to support Retailers strategies to maximise sales.
- Customised promotional strategies to meet needs of different clients. This included in store activations, JBP Negotiated Activities with Key Accounts such as Boots and Superdrug and running Promos with Key Retails Clients such as Tesco and major Irish Pharmacy Chains.
- Organised special sales at specific times to drive customer engagement and move high volumes of products.
- Liaised with Freight Forwarders ( Primeline is my key supplier) and Logistics for Overseas shipping.
- Provided staff product training for client accounts both Nationally and Internationally.
- Managed the backend from an IT perspective and implemented the launch of the Cocoa Brown TikTok Shop.
- Managed and executed Press Launches both in Ireland and the UK.
- Extensive International travel for both Trade Fairs and International Store Visits.
Managing Director
BMstyle LTD TA The Showroom Style
Dublin, Leinster
01.2021 - Current
- Part Time Presenter of Fashion on Virgin Media's Ireland AM
Managing Director
Swaybay Ltd TA The Showroom
Dublin
04.2013 - 02.2020
- Exclusive Distributor for 13 International Fashion Brands
- Supplied over 350 outlets nationwide both in Northern and Southern Ireland
- Managed Showrooms, Sales, on site logistics, Warehouse and Distribution channels, Marketing, Events and oversaw all Legal requirements for the business as a whole.
- Negotiated all Distribution Contracts with represented brands.
- Oversaw all accounts to include debt chasing on expiration of credit terms.
- Streamlined supply chain management, ensuring timely delivery of products.
- Oversaw financial operations for control and profitability.
- Improved company performance by streamlining operational processes.
- Enhanced staff morale with effective communication and engagement strategies.
- Managed all logistics for International Freight and National Freight.
- Negotiated all contracts with Freight Forwarders.
- Attended all International Fashion Trade Fairs to both represent existing distributed brands and always searching for the next big brand.
- Oversaw all HR related activities from hiring to staff contracts.
Director
Showroom 37 Agency and Distribution
Dublin
01.2012 - 06.2013
- Fashion Distribution Business with 24 Exclusive International Brands.
- Brand Managed 8 Brands from a Sales Perspective.
- All other activities are as per Swaybay Ltd
Fashion Brand & Marketing /PR Manager
Acappella Agency and Distribution
Dublin
03.2010 - 11.2011
- Brand Management for 5 International Brands hitting sales of Circa 1.4 million per annum.
- Executed product launches successfully through well-planned promotional activities and press events.
- Managed PR budget effectively, maximising ROI for spend.
- Managed Marketing/ PR activities from TV to print to Press Day execution for all brands under the umbrella.
- Oversaw PO's and Shipping of my Brand Orders to make sure all clients and retail outlets were serviced to the highest quality.
- Attended all International Sales Meetings and Trade Fairs.
- Maintained strong media contacts, ensuring positive exposure for the business.
Store Operations Manager
Carraig Donn Retail
Nationwide
03.2009 - 03.2010
- Responsibility for 32 Stores Nationwide
- In conjunction with the Board of Directors, set weekly and monthly Sales Targets across Homewares Fashion and Lifestyle.
- Attended weekly Board Meetings in Mayo at Head Office.
- Conducted daily Store Visits.
- Managed Sales Budgets and increased drive incentives when necessary.
- Upheld excellent customer service standards with staff training programmes.
- Prioritised tasks efficiently, enhanced daily operation flow within the stores.
- Coordinated shift schedules without disruption to store operations.
- Managed loss prevention efforts in store from both a staff, warehouse and customer perspective.
- Liaised and worked in conjunction with the Merchandising and Marketing Team for all stores.
- Analysed Books of Accounts for each store on Visits to include spot checks.
- Fostered a good Team Spirit within stores.
- Managed in store activations and promotions.
- Facilitated staff training sessions for exceptional customer service delivery.
- Conducted frequent ad hoc Stockroom visits to check inventory.
Fashion Brand Manager
Palladio Associates Ltd
London, UK
05.2004 - 08.2008
- Account Manager / Sales Manager for 8 International Brands.
- Managed Clients from the UK, Ireland, USA and Arab Emirates.
- Attended International Sales Meeting and Trade Fairs.
- Represented my International Brands for Sales Meetings in French, Italian and German.
- Managed Budgets for all 8 Brands to ensure Sales Targets were met.
- Business Development for all managed brands.
- Spearheaded brand strategy development, increasing market presence.
- Collaborated with in house PR/Marketing Division on Press Launches, Events and Print Coverage.
- Ensured quick processing of Orders.
- Managed Aftersales relationships with both my client brands and buyers.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Major in Marketing , Minor in Management and Politics
University College Cork
Cork 09.1996 - 03.2000
Masters in Electronic Business and Commerce - E Business, Web Design and Marketing, Computer Programming and Maths.
University College Cork
Cork 09.2000 - 05.2002
Skills
- Results-Driven attitude
- International and National business understanding
- Customer orientation driven
- Commercial insight
- People Person
- Sales, Marketing / PR professional
- Understanding of the importance of staff training
- Relationship Development
Affiliations
- Tennis, Fashion, Beauty, Cooking, Gardening.
Languages
French
Intermediate
German
Intermediate
Italian
Elementary
Timeline
Business Growth Manager Irish and International
Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter
09.2023 - Current
Managing Director
BMstyle LTD TA The Showroom Style
01.2021 - Current
Managing Director
Swaybay Ltd TA The Showroom
04.2013 - 02.2020
Director
Showroom 37 Agency and Distribution
01.2012 - 06.2013
Fashion Brand & Marketing /PR Manager
Acappella Agency and Distribution
03.2010 - 11.2011
Store Operations Manager
Carraig Donn Retail
03.2009 - 03.2010
Fashion Brand Manager
Palladio Associates Ltd
05.2004 - 08.2008
Masters in Electronic Business and Commerce - E Business, Web Design and Marketing, Computer Programming and Maths.
University College Cork
09.2000 - 05.2002
Bachelor of Commerce - Major in Marketing , Minor in Management and Politics
University College Cork
09.1996 - 03.2000
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