Nicole Drake
Vancouver,BC
Summary
Experienced individual with a creative mindset and attention to detail. Managerial experience in design, architectural, and customer service fields. Proficient in providing innovative and personalized interior spaces that align with client specifications and budget constraints. Skilled at building strong client relationships through effective design aptitude and clear communication.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
City Showroom Specialist
Cosentino
Vancouver, British Columbia
04.2023 - Current
- Assists in day-to-day operations in Cosentino City, Vancouver, including finding new ways to improve operational efficiency.
- Organizing an annual events schedule to attract more customer accounts into the showroom.
- Conducted regular reviews of showroom sample inventory levels, displays, and promotional materials.
- Kept showroom clean and maintained neat, orderly product displays to deliver professional appearance to guests.
- Identify and generate sales leads through avenues such as Interior Designers, Commercial Designers, Architects, Custom Home Builders, Developers - but to also investigate diversification avenues such as Furniture Design and Landscape Architecture.
- Networking and making new business opportunities through hosted and attended events.
Showroom Specification Specialist - Contract
Image Glass
Auckland, New Zealand
09.2022 - 01.2023
- Developed and implemented specialized procedures for customer service operations.
- Provided technical support for customers in resolving complex issues.
- Analyzed customer needs and recommended appropriate products or services.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure efficient workflow processes.
- Established relationships with key clients, while maintaining existing customer base.
- Provided technical support for customers when needed, answering questions about product features and capabilities.
Sales Support Manager - Contract
Unison Workspaces
Auckland, New Zealand
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Created reports and analyses of sales performance, customer data, and product trends.
- Prepared presentations for management summarizing weekly sales activities.
- Performed periodic reviews of existing processes and procedures to ensure efficiency in the sales process.
- Managed daily sales operations, including order entry, invoice processing, and tracking shipments.
- Collaborated with internal teams to develop promotional materials for trade shows and other events.
- Resolved customer inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Participated in trade shows and conferences related to the company's products or services.
Store Manager - Fixed Term Maternity Cover
A&C Homestore
Mt Eden, Auckland
07.2021 - 04.2022
- Positively impacted product relevance through careful distribution, merchandising and display techniques.
- Conducted job interviews, led employee performance evaluations and rewarded top performers to attract and retain quality personnel.
- Coached and mentored employees by offering constructive feedback and taking interest in long-term career growth.
- Prevented store losses using awareness and attention to detail to detect gaps for corrective action.
- Connected with customers daily to understand needs, provide assistance and collect feedback to optimize operations.
- Contributed to merchandising ideas at team meetings to increase sales.
- Mentored employees and instructed on management of complicated sales, complex issues and difficult customers.
Gallery Manager
Mr Bigglesworthy & Good Form
Ponsonby, Auckland
03.2020 - 06.2021
- Set gallery priorities, led team to reach or exceed sales targets and drove special growth initiatives.
- Supervised gallery operations and 10-person team comprised of buyers, sales associates, furniture handlers, furniture restorers, marketing personnel and brand suppliers.
- Oversaw sales and marketing operations while developing strategic partnerships.
- Eliminated process discrepancies, implementing continuous improvements for scheduling procedures across multiple client calendars.
- Cultivated culture of empowerment to help employees better meet customer needs with minimal oversight.
- Led team of five design professionals meeting customer service needs.
- Studied existing procedures and policies to offer optimal leadership to employees and store operations when standing in for absent managers.
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Sales Associate
Mr Bigglesworth & Good Form
Ponsonby, Auckland
01.2020 - 03.2020
- Built trusting relationships with customers by making personal connections.
- Helped customers find specific products, answered questions, and offered product advice.
- Met merchandise processing standards and maintained an organized and accessible work area.
- Maintained knowledge of current promotions, exchange guidelines, payment policies, and security practices.
- Adhered to company initiatives and achieved established goals.
- Built and maintained relationships with peers and upper management to drive team success.
- Reset store displays for special events and seasonal merchandise changes.
Sales Consultant
Backhouse Interiors
Newmarket & Parnell, Auckland
02.2018 - 01.2020
- Cultivated productive relationships with existing customers through exceptional follow-up after sales.
- Increased revenue by skillfully upselling and closing customer sales and driving product benefits around client needs.
- Handled credit and debit card payment processing to complete purchasing experience.
- Priced out products for customers and drew up sales paperwork.
- Listened to customers to understand needs and refer to optimal services.
- Placed orders and answered customer questions in-person, through email and over phone to maximize customer service.
- Developed key customer relationships to increase sales.
- Fostered relationships with customers to expand customer base and retain business.
- Answered product questions with up-to-date knowledge of sales and promotions.
- Created and implemented store displays, promoting sales and growth.
Hospitality Manager
Cazador
Mt Eden, Auckland
07.2017 - 10.2019
- Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees.
- Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.
- Exhibited thorough knowledge of foods, beverages, supervisory duties, service techniques and guest interactions.
- Worked closely with restaurant director/owner, chef and cooks to determine menu plans for special events or occasions.
Design Intern
Spatial Studio
Morningside, Auckland
03.2019 - 06.2019
- Measured rooms and documented information to plan layouts.
- Grouped finish selections and prepared professional design boards for client presentations.
- Ordered fabric and finish samples to view options in person.
- Researched fixtures and furnishings aligned with project requirements and design style.
- Created custom design boards with attention to detail for visual representation, including samples of fabrics, wall finishes and flooring.
- Developed interior design concepts and prepared interior systems and finishes.
- Assisted clients successfully by choosing furnishings consistent with preferences and budget.
- Designed floor plans, elevations, and 3D perspective views and material boards for both in-house review and presentation to client.
Education
Bachelor of Architectural Studies - Architecture
University of Auckland
Auckland12-2018
Bachelor of Design Majoring in Spatial Design - Design
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland12.2015
Skills
- Customer Service
- Sample Inventory Management
- Sales Tracking
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Product Specifications
- Proficient With Furniture Systems
- Service-Oriented
- Color and Material Application
- Space Planning
- Estimating Abilities
- CAD and 3D Software Knowledge
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Social Media Promotion and Management
- Event Planning
Accomplishments
- Promoted to Gallery Manager after 3 months in the Sales Associate position.
- Consistently maintained high customer satisfaction ratings.
- Developed relationships with new clients and typically exceeded sales goals by 25-50%
- Through the use of SaaS systems - created highly effective new processes and procedure that significantly impacted efficiency and improved operations.
- Improved delivery of furniture by clear communication, logistics and transparency, realizing overall increase in customer satisfaction and cost efficiency.
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Affiliations
- Skiing
- Mountain Biking
- Qualified Lifeguard
- First Aid Certified
Timeline
City Showroom Specialist
Cosentino
04.2023 - Current
Showroom Specification Specialist - Contract
Image Glass
09.2022 - 01.2023
Sales Support Manager - Contract
Unison Workspaces
06.2022 - 09.2022
Store Manager - Fixed Term Maternity Cover
A&C Homestore
07.2021 - 04.2022
Gallery Manager
Mr Bigglesworthy & Good Form
03.2020 - 06.2021
Sales Associate
Mr Bigglesworth & Good Form
01.2020 - 03.2020
Design Intern
Spatial Studio
03.2019 - 06.2019
Sales Consultant
Backhouse Interiors
02.2018 - 01.2020
Hospitality Manager
Cazador
07.2017 - 10.2019
Bachelor of Architectural Studies - Architecture
University of Auckland
Bachelor of Design Majoring in Spatial Design - Design
Auckland University of Technology
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