Chris Bowen
Limerick
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Trailfinders Ireland Ltd, driving sales growth and operational excellence. Mastered customer retention and team motivation, surpassing sales targets by 10% over nine years. Expert in strategy and client relations, fostering robust vendor and customer relationships. Achieved significant milestones, including a €75 million office turnover, with exceptional interpersonal communication and leadership skills.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Trailfinders Ireland Ltd
Limerick
01.2013 - Current
- Company Overview: Privately owned travel company, 90 employees in Ireland, 16 in Limerick
- 1000 in Group
- Achieved significant financial milestones with an office and group turnover of €75 million and €1 billion, respectively.
- Established Limerick Trailfinders with a team of nine.
- Enhanced overall effectiveness of destination marketing strategies.
- Executed strategic approaches to achieve exceptional growth.
- Excellent brand delivery through continuous coaching and focused KPIs.
- Demonstrated strong ability to lead and communicate.
- Proud to be the manager of Trustpilot's number one travel organizer in the UK and Ireland.
- Strengthened company reputation through effective crisis mitigation.
- Implemented database segmentation for improved marketing outcomes.
- Enhanced sales process with advanced dual display technology.
- Directed extensive update of company digital platforms, boosting user satisfaction.
- Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on fares and products.
- Oversaw product development initiatives from concept through completion stages.
- Conducted regular meetings with senior management team to review progress against established objectives.
- Developed marketing strategies designed to increase brand awareness within target markets.
- Prepared detailed reports for senior leadership outlining key performance metrics related to operational success.
- Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
- Recruited, trained and empowered employees to achieve key performance indicators.
Sales Manager
Trailfinders Ireland Ltd
Cork
01.2006 - 01.2013
- Accountable for driving overall sales performance and operational efficiency.
- Oversaw all advertising operations resulting in substantial revenue.
- Created and presented monthly reports to management on sales performance.
- Collaborated with marketing team to create promotional materials for target customers.
- Trained, coached, and mentored junior sales personnel to ensure success in their roles.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff members to review goals and objectives for the quarter and year.
- Coached, developed and motivated team to achieve revenue goals.
Senior Sales Supervisor
Trailfinders Ireland Ltd
Dublin
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Strong contributor in surpassing annual sales targets by 10% over 9 consecutive years.
- Ensured team hit monthly goals.
- Demonstrates genuine care for team members while steering them towards success.
- Managed diverse personality types effectively.
- Maximizes sales by making swift and efficient decisions.
- Spearheaded transition of 2 underperforming teams to top-tier success at Trailfinders.
Travel Consultant
Trailfinders Ireland Ltd
Dublin
01.1997 - 01.2001
- Achieved and exceeded sales goals through exceptional brand execution.
- Promoted to supervisory role exceeding HR policy timeline.
- Developed customized travel plans to meet customer needs and preferences.
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, seasonal promotions and available products.
- Managed customer complaints effectively according to established procedures.
Education
QQI Level 6 - Digital Marketing - Distinction
LCFE
Limerick01.2020
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Biology & Geography
University of Hull
UK01.1995
Skills
- Sales
- Marketing
- Performance analysis
- Leadership
- Verbal and written communication
- Vendor relationships
- Training and coaching
- Team player
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Operations oversight
- Problem resolution
- Recruitment
- Customer relationship management
- Schedule management
- Business development
- Project management
Hobbies and Interests
- Plays soccer and tennis
- Enjoys hill walking, cycling and wild swimming
- Coaches under age soccer
Timeline
General Manager
Trailfinders Ireland Ltd
01.2013 - Current
Sales Manager
Trailfinders Ireland Ltd
01.2006 - 01.2013
Senior Sales Supervisor
Trailfinders Ireland Ltd
01.2001 - 01.2006
Travel Consultant
Trailfinders Ireland Ltd
01.1997 - 01.2001
QQI Level 6 - Digital Marketing - Distinction
LCFE
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Biology & Geography
University of Hull
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