Nicola Ferrie

Broad experience of engineering, purchasing, supplier development, finance, sales and marketing and more recently work-based learning with early careers.

Launched

Sailing products and a Sailing Academy with strict budget controls. Event managed the sponsorship of Classic FM's summer outdoor music festivals and track test experiences. Purchased automotive production parts, facilities and services liaising with all areas of the business.

A people person, a committed and dependable team member. Warm and easy to talk to which means I communicate effectively with all levels of the business essential for supporting the development of young learners starting out on their career journey. Passionate about apprenticeships having been one myself and get huge job satisfaction from being able to provide support, motivation, pastoral care and general guidance to the successful academic and vocational achievements of learners.

Early Careers Cohort Lead - Jaguar Land Rover

(2022-04)

• Support apprentice development by ensuring they are equipped with the required skills, knowledge and behaviours to achieve programme success and transition into the business
• Coach/mentor apprentices to help them identify their own strengths and development opportunities to reach optimal potential
• Maintain 2-way communication with line managers, placement mentors and the university team at all times ensuring correct levels of support are given for apprentice progression and performance and that feedback is timely and effective
• Assist the wider early careers team with recruitment, induction and CSR events

Work Based Learning Manager - Warwickshire College

(2013-11 - 2022-04)

• Support, mentor and guide apprentices through their apprenticeship towards successful academic and vocational progress
• Act as single point between the business and college
• Review apprentices on a regular basis to provide feedback and follow-up their action plans completed and communicated correctly
• Carry out assessment to awarding body standard and support through NVQ qualification
• Work closely with senior management in developing training objectives to ensure competence and framework needs of apprentice are met
• Deal with disciplinary issues in a professional manner in conjunction with HR

Marketing Manager - Performance Sailcraft Europe Ltd. (Laser Sailing)

(2005-04 - 2006-10)

Responsible for all the marketing of the Laser and Dart Brands in Europe – new product introductions, model year updates and Sailing Events. Actively managed the participation at four major Boat Shows (London and Southampton in the UK plus Paris and Genoa). Additionally responsible for the Export Dealer Marketing Programmes and the marketing of Laser Direct (the Parts and Accessories division of Laser).

Active role in the successful Launch of Sail Laser (a sailing school at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy), developing its marketing proposals, literature and website. Developed marketing strategies with VW and the Laser SB3 for Cowes week, Nationals and Ambassador Schemes.

• Budget development – justification of increased proportion of marketing element of unchanged total budget spend

Active Marketing Specialist - MG Rover Group UK Marketing

(2001-01 - 2005-12)

• Responsible for all UK Events, Sponsorship and Promotions, inc. Classic FM Music on a Summer Evening Concerts, Shopping Mall Tour and Track Test Programme
• Responsible for prize car promotions, inc. negotiation of terms, promotional conditions & POS
• Responsible for MG and Rover CRM activity, agency management, and staff briefing for 2001 UK International Motor Show

Product Marketing Analyst - MG Rover Group International Marketing

(2000-01 - 2001-12)

• Responsible for the timely and smooth introduction of product changes into European Markets – new product introductions, including MG TF and MG Saloons launch, range rationalisations, product enhancements
• Primary interface between Marketing, Finance and International Staffs
• Role in the organisation of international conferences

Corporate Sales Finance Analyst - BMW Group

(1999-01 - 2000-12)

• Management of all direct supply fleet contracts inc. Self Drive Hire and Motability
• Provision of 'one-stop shop' for review and authorisation of Fleet Discount Proposals across all fleet sales channels, incentive programmes and reporting of financial status and profitability to senior management

Marketing Services Buyer - BMW Group

(1998-01 - 1999-12)

Direct responsibilities for £40M spend on Vehicle Services Purchasing for Rover and Land Rover, inc. Roadside Assistance, Fleet Management and After Sales/Warranty Packages.

• Established Key Performance Indicators with suppliers
• Developed commodity strategies
• Initiated negotiated and monitored contractual agreements

Supplier Development Engineer - Rover Group

(1997-01 - 1998-12)

• Led joint Company/Supplier teams to increase Supplier Quality and consistency of delivery
• Directed and coached Company and Supplier Staffs in problem solving techniques and application of the same
• Ensured suppliers of both new and existing products planned and controlled their manufacturing processes effectively to guarantee highest quality
• Conducted assessments of supplier manufacturing sites
• Contributed to supplier sourcing and assessment processes

Production Buyer - Rover Group

(1995-01 - 1997-12)

Chassis Buyer - Brake Pipes and Manipulated Tube Assemblies.

• Developed KPIs with strategic suppliers
• Implemented a Manipulated Tube Strategy as part of a European Benchmarking exercise of Power Steering technology and supply
• Responsible for planning supplier strategies and managing supplier relationships
• Negotiating costs
• Planning and controlling manufacturing processes
• Benchmarking products and analysing market trends
• Sourcing new products and services
• Worked with the engineering teams to improve design, cost and quality

Facilities and General Services Buyer - Rover Group

(1992-01 - 1995-12)

Bought Utilities, Waste Management, Catering, Boilers and Compressors.

• Single sourced Catering service from 5 suppliers to 1
• Single sourced Waste Disposal from 3 suppliers to 1
• Combined savings > £5M

Apprentice and Sponsored Student - Rover Group

(1985-01 - 1992-12)

Facilities Engineer worked in Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Teams with placements in NVH, Company Vehicles, S&M, Finance and logistics.

A1 Assessor Qualification - Warwickshire College (2013-01 - 2014-12)

Integrated Management Development Scheme - Management - Warwick University (1994-01 - 1996-12)

B.Eng.

• Combined Engineering Studies - Coventry University (1989-01 - 1992-12)

ONC and HNC - Plant Engineering - Coventry Technical College (1985-01 - 1989-12)

O levels - Cardinal Wiseman G.S. (1980-01 - 1985-12)