MAUREEN WHELAN
Greystones
Summary
Seasoned professional with extensive expertise in retail management, sales leadership, and project management. Demonstrates exceptional skills in customer focus, opportunity identification, and team leadership. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, store layout planning, staff rota arrangement, visual merchandising, and logistics coordination. Career goals include leveraging experience to drive sales strategy and enhance operational efficiency within a dynamic organization.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work history
Retail Manager and Sales Lead
Rhinestone Country Clothing & Equestrian
2020.11 - 2026.04
- Retail Manager and Sales Lead in a busy country clothing and equestrian store
- Ensured high levels of customer satisfaction with proactive interaction and prompt issue resolution.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for cost-effective procurement of merchandise.
- Implemented promotional displays to increase product visibility and sales.
- Resolved customer complaints effectively, protecting the store's image and consumer relationships.
- Streamlined operations to maximise efficiency and minimise waste.
- Optimised product placement to encourage impulse purchases.
- Assisted in training new staff members, enhancing team efficiency.
- Designed incentive schemes to motivate team members towards achieving sales targets.
Front Of House Maître De
Fernhouse Restaurant at Avoca Handweavers
2018.10 - 2020.11
- Senior Waitress and Front Of House Maître De
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations within the restaurant premises.
- Coordinated linen, silverware, glassware requirements maintaining aesthetic appeal of the restaurant.
- Conducted inventory checks for smooth operation of the restaurant.
- Implemented daily specials board, increasing variety of offerings.
- Ensured accurate orders by effectively communicating with kitchen staff.
- Organised staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage during peak hours.
- Handled cash transactions and end-of-day accounting tasks ensuring financial accuracy.
- Trained new staff members, promoting consistent service standards across the team.
Catering & Activities Co-ordinator
Oakwood Stables
2013.09 - 2018.09
- Assisted in meal planning and budgeting for catering operations.
- Identified any food allergies or intolerances and followed protocol.
- Coordinated supplier management to ensure timely order fulfilment.
- Maintained up-to-date records of all participants' progress and responses to different activities.
- Supported day trip arrangements and maintained customer service standards for clients and students.
- Increased client satisfaction by planning and implementing various activities.
- Ensured safety during activities with diligent supervision and risk assessment.
- Assisted in residents' personal development with carefully planned educational programmes.
- Managed all resources needed for activities, ensuring smooth event execution.
- Worked within allocated budget to provide programme of activities and maintain stock of activity equipment.
Part-time Administration & Customer Services Assistant
Paul O’Beirne Motors
2013.09 - 2016.09
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through effective management of general administration tasks.
- Streamlined sales logging and facilitated smooth interactions with trade-in customers.
- Achieved high standards of customer service in a dynamic, busy workplace.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, maintaining financial integrity of the till.
- Upheld company policies and procedures consistently for maintained standards of operation.
- Showcased strong communication skills when explaining promotions or discounts to customers .
- Improved customer relations by managing customer complaints effectively.
- Collaborated well within a team setting, fostering a positive working atmosphere .
Café Manager
The Tap Café & Restaurant
2011.11 - 2013.09
- Achieved high customer satisfaction through effective team leadership.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, enhancing operational standards.
- Optimised staff performance through targeted training and development efforts.
- Developed promotional strategies, driving an increase in sales volume.
- Trained new staff members to maintain quality of service delivery.
- Recommended improvements to management which led to reduced operational costs.
- Liaised with suppliers regularly to ensure timely deliveries of supplies.
- Created rosters based on shifts and business needs for smooth operations.
- Organised special events at the cafe, attracting more customers.
- Fostered positive work environment, leading to improved team morale.
- Streamlined operations for increased efficiency through effective staff scheduling.
Tour Guide and customer service
Avoca Handweavers
2011.04 - 2011.11
- Delivered exceptional customer service, resulting in positive feedback and repeat visits.
- Facilitated engaging tours at Avoca Mill, increasing visitor awareness of heritage.
- Boosted product sales through strategic upselling during tours, enhancing overall customer experience.
- Performed regular maintenance checks on tour vehicles, guaranteeing passenger safety.
- Enhanced visitor experience by providing informative and engaging tours.
- Maintained punctuality at all times, respecting the time constraints of tourists.
- Prepared detailed itineraries for optimal tour experiences.
- Received positive feedback from customers due to exceptional service delivery.
Skills
- Customer focus
- Project management and team leadership
- Sales strategy
- Opportunity identification
- Written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail
- Retail management expertise
- Tour guiding proficiency
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Store layout planning
- Staff rota arrangement
- Visual merchandising insight
- Logistics co-ordination
- Crisis management capabilities
- Financial reporting
- Sales Leadership
References
References available upon request.
References
References available on request.
INTERESTS AND HOBBIES
I am a fit and healthy person who loves animals, enjoys exercise and adores being outdoors. My hobbies include going to the gym, pilates, cycling, cooking, hiking and sea swimming.
Timeline
Retail Manager and Sales Lead
Rhinestone Country Clothing & Equestrian
2020.11 - 2026.04
Front Of House Maître De
Fernhouse Restaurant at Avoca Handweavers
2018.10 - 2020.11
Catering & Activities Co-ordinator
Oakwood Stables
2013.09 - 2018.09
Part-time Administration & Customer Services Assistant
Paul O’Beirne Motors
2013.09 - 2016.09
Café Manager
The Tap Café & Restaurant
2011.11 - 2013.09
Tour Guide and customer service
Avoca Handweavers
2011.04 - 2011.11