Hope Childs

Highly organised and proactive Personal Assistant and Business Operations professional with over six years' experience providing executive-level support, coordinating complex schedules, managing confidential information, and supporting senior leadership within a fast-paced environment. Experienced in acting as a trusted point of contact, anticipating requirements, managing competing priorities, and ensuring the smooth running of both professional and personal commitments. Skilled in diary management, travel coordination, supplier liaison, event coordination, purchasing, stakeholder communication and operational support.

Recognised for exceptional attention to detail, discretion, problem-solving ability and a calm approach under pressure. A reliable and adaptable individual who takes ownership, builds strong relationships and thrives in dynamic environments where no two days are the same.

Executive Assistant to Managing Director / Business Operations Manager at IBL Lighting Ltd (2022-09 – Present)

• Managed complex calendars, meetings, appointments and changing priorities, ensuring the Managing Director remained organised and prepared.
• Coordinated domestic and international travel arrangements, including itineraries, accommodation and logistical planning.
• Prepared confidential documents, reports, correspondence and business information with a high level of discretion.
• Liaised with customers, suppliers, contractors and external stakeholders, building strong professional relationships.
• Arranged company events including annual worldwide brand trip to The Philippines, managing multiple moving parts and deadlines.
• Manage supplier approval processes and procurement activities.
• Prepare and submit quarterly sales reports in accordance with WEEE regulations, ensuring ongoing compliance with statutory reporting requirements.
• Coordinate business operations across multiple departments, improving efficiency and ensuring compliance with company procedures and industry standards.

International Project Specialist at IBL Lighting Ltd (2022-09 – Present)

• Coordinate international lighting projects across the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) Africa and Asia from specification through to final delivery, ensuring deadlines and customer requirements are met consistently.
• Manage purchasing, freight forwarding, logistics and export documentation, including Certificates of Origin and customs requirements, while building strong relationships with international customers, distributors and logistics partners.
• Act as the primary, head office point of contact for worldwide international distributors, coordinating enquiries and supporting project delivery.
• Liaise with internal departments to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and in line with customer expectations.
• Provide executive support to the Managing Director, including project coordination, reporting and operational planning.
• Support finance activities, including invoicing, purchase ledger administration and financial reporting.

UK Sales & Administration Coordinator at IBL Lighting Ltd (2019-09 – 2022-09)

• Coordinated day-to-day administrative operations, supporting the smooth running of multiple business functions.
• Managed customer orders from quotation through to delivery, ensuring accuracy and excellent customer service throughout the sales process.
• Sole responsibility for the purchasing process, including raising purchase orders, monitoring supplier deliveries and maintaining supplier records.
• Maintained company documentation and databases using Oracle Netsuite, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with internal procedures.
• Acted as the first point of contact for customer enquiries, providing timely support and resolving issues efficiently.
• Prepared management reports, spreadsheets and business documentation to support operational decision-making.
• Worked closely with sales, purchasing and finance teams to improve processes and ensure efficient business operations.

A-Levels – Hurtwood House (2016 – 2018)

GCSE – Howard of Effingham (2011 – 2016)