Mary Cowley
Administrator
Macroom
Summary
Having served in HMF for 28 years and held the position of secretary of the units British Legion teams on two occasions, I have a sound understanding of how the Legion works. During my military career and subsequent civilian roles, administration has been pivotal in fulfilling my varied positions. As the Regional Warrant Officer my tasks often involved routine use of a number of in-house database systems. I have extensive knowledge of managing accounts in both the military and the charity, not to mention my civilian work placements since leaving the military. I began volunteering at the age of 14 and still volunteer today. In this time I have held a number of positions such as, volunteer, trainer and mentor, secretary, manager and volunteer coordinator. I am a versatile employee with travel and relocation availability. Outstanding administration and financial acumen with abilities to prepare presentations. Specialties include first-rate leadership, team building and organizational skills. Keen to meet new challenges and old developmental obstacles with equal vigor.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Customer Service Assistant
Dunnes Stores
Macroom
11.2020 - Current
- Collected customer feedback and made process changes to exceed customer satisfaction goals.
- Offered basic technical support for clients on wide range of company products.
- Answered customer questions about product availability and shipment times.
- Responded to customer calls and emails to answer questions about products and services.
Retail Manager
National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI)
Macroom
03.2019 - 09.2020
- Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
- Controlled store inventory and reviewed cash handling and operations reports.
- Implemented daily operating procedures to keep store clean, adequately stocked and well-organized.
- Cultivated customer loyalty to enhance retention by delivering outstanding service.
- Supported volunteers by providing training, mentoring, developing and delivering resources and identifying and cultivating partnerships to support volunteers.
- Screened volunteers applying for service, interviewing, reviewing application documents and running background checks on prospective volunteers.
Customer Service Representative
Dunnes Stores
Macroom
02.2018 - 02.2019
- Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
- Provided primary customer support to internal and external customers.
- Clarified customer issues and determined root cause of problems to resolve product or service complaints.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services and company information.
Community Shop and Café Manager
Longborough and Sezincote Village Shop Association
Longborough
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Grew cafe sales by effectively marketing business and improving customer relations strategies.
- Handled business administration functions such as payroll, cash register counting and supply ordering.
- Scheduled and taught in class and online courses to volunteers and paid staff thereby increase learning opportunities.
- Analyzed team performance and identified opportunities for additional training.
- Strengthened merchandising and promotional strategies to drive customer engagement and boost sales.
Assistant Shop Manager
AGE UK
Moreton In the Marsh
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Managed inventory control, cash control and store opening and closing procedures.
- Delivered excellent customer service by addressing and resolving customer inquiries and complaints.
- Trained volunteers in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.
Regional Practice Manger
Royal Air Force
RAF Brize Norton
07.1986 - 01.2013
- Specially selected to lead audit and governance teams overseeing the management of RAF medical centres in the UK.
- Active liaison with staffing authorities to enable personnel to be released for training and deployed operations
- Following a review process transformed day-to-day working practices and improved the quality resulting in an improved understanding of standard operating procedures throughout my regional practices.
- Successfully project managed the phased withdrawal of personnel, equipment, vehicle fleet and closure/handover of the largest BASRA medical centre.
- Appointed as a Serving Brother of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in recognition of outstanding service to the Defence Medical Services.
- Awarded Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief commendation for services to the local community and charities.
- Provided essential strategic direction and leadership in two training practices culminating in successful accreditation from the General Practice Education Council.
Education
No Degree -
Fellowship of The ILM
04.2001 -
Project Management (PRINCE2TM) Foundation Level
NQF Level 7/Masters Degree Comparable
Member of The City And Guilds Institute
Diploma
Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Man
National Gen Certificate in Occupational Health An
NEBOSH
04.2001 -
Skills
Documentation and reporting
Change management – able to drive through and embed change
Health management – adaptability and understanding of all aspects of health
Projects – ensures all tasks are completed in a methodical and timely manner
Communication – briefed up to executive level and author of accurate reports
Leadership – enthusiastic, cheerful with ability to lead and motivate effective teams
Excellent interpersonal, analytical and investigative skills
Walking my dog, reading, gardening and craft work.
My down time is spent walking my dog on the many trails that this beautiful island has to offer. I read extensively and have no true loyalty to one author. I read to reflect my mood, anything from romance to thriller and everything in between. I`m fortunate to have a large garden so I spend my free daylight hours nurturing the area and seeking out my green fingers. My absolute chill out time is spent crafting and sewing having learnt from an early age that just about most things can be made into something else.
Timeline
Customer Service Assistant
Dunnes Stores
11.2020 - Current
Retail Manager
National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI)
03.2019 - 09.2020
Customer Service Representative
Dunnes Stores
02.2018 - 02.2019
Community Shop and Café Manager
Longborough and Sezincote Village Shop Association
01.2015 - 01.2018
Assistant Shop Manager
AGE UK
01.2013 - 01.2015
No Degree -
Fellowship of The ILM
04.2001 -
National Gen Certificate in Occupational Health An
NEBOSH
04.2001 -
Regional Practice Manger
Royal Air Force
07.1986 - 01.2013
Project Management (PRINCE2TM) Foundation Level
NQF Level 7/Masters Degree Comparable
Member of The City And Guilds Institute
Diploma
Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Man