Suzi Wilson

Dynamic and results-driven professional and MBA graduate with 7 years' experience in event operations.

Experience in managing complex logistics, leading teams and delivering projects on time and within budget. After several years in events and hospitality roles, I have recently returned from travelling through 30+ countries across Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, which has shaped my global perspective and helped me strengthen my people-focused leadership style. I bring strong problem-solving skills, have a passion for helping others grow and enjoy managing and developing high-performing teams.

One of the key aspects of my MBA was an exploration of team dynamics in high turnover industries, reflecting my interest in behavioural psychology, learning and development and adapting managerial styles to support diverse teams. I am currently studying towards my CIM Diploma in Digital and Professional Marketing.

Freelance Design and Marketing Business Owner at W by Design (2024-01 – Present)

To support my global travel, I introduced flexibility into my career by launching my own freelance design and marketing business. I work virtually with clients from around the globe, managing projects across different time zones while delivering high-quality outputs that meet client visions.

• Designed and produced digital and physical resources for client use, including guides, templates, manuals, marketing brochures, label redesigns, and complete website platforms.
• Collaborated closely with business owners and exporters to align project requirements, ensuring designs met both operational needs and brand vision.
• Delivered full rebrands, including website, logo, and marketing materials, resulting in a 164% increase in corporate bookings and 101% increase in podcast audience.
• Streamlined e-commerce and booking systems to enhance customer experience, boosting retail bookings by 283%.

Residential Support Worker at Moore House Group through Randstad (2020-05 – Present)

I began working as a Residential Childcare Support Worker during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the event industry was on hold, providing dedicated support and care to children with challenging behaviours. Since then, I have continued to take on this work periodically, even alongside full-time roles in events and travelling, balancing it with my other commitments. I am drawn to this work by the personal satisfaction of making a positive difference in children's lives.

• Deliver tailored support and development to young people with very diverse needs, applying strong communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills to build trust, facilitate routines, and encourage positive behaviours.
• Work with multi-agency teams to assess individual needs, implement care plans, and monitor progress, ensuring outcomes are aligned with each child's developmental goals whilst maintaining accurate records and reports.
• Adapt quickly to volatile, fast-paced situations, supporting children with severely challenging behaviours, sometimes involving police intervention. This involves making quick decisions under pressure where poor judgment could have serious consequences.

Event Manager at Heritage Portfolio (part of the Sodexo Group) (2022-07 – 2024-08)

Operational planning and execution of high-profile events, supporting logistics, staff deployment, and on-site setup to ensure seamless execution. Events included Royal Ascot Royal Enclosure, 2024 Dior pre-fashion show, Edinburgh TV Festival Awards, and Edinburgh Tattoo Royal Gallery.

• Delivered structured training and guidance for team members, including onboarding and on-site coaching.
• Collaborated with internal teams and external partners to align expectations, manage feedback, and resolve issues effectively in order to maintain the highest of standards.
• Conducted risk assessments and ensured compliance with legal, health & safety, and operational requirements.
• Reviewed post-event outcomes, gathering feedback and implementing process improvements.
• Supported recruitment and development of event staff, ensuring teams were well-prepared and equipped for operational demands.

Hospitality Manager at Genting Casino (2019-07 – 2020-01)

• Managed staffing: rotas, recruitment/induction of new staff, training, performance management and supervision.
• Oversaw all aspects of hospitality department: deliveries, food and beverage service, bar/restaurant operations, customer service standards.

Event Manager at Hickory Limited (Dissolved) (2016-10 – 2019-07)

Progression from Front of House (FOH) to Venue Manager while studying for my MBA.

• Managed the execution of a wide range of events in multiple different venues including corporate functions, weddings, conferences, and annual business meetings.
• Known for delivering high-quality events under pressure while ensuring exceptional guest experience, smooth operations, and strong commercial outcomes.

Graduate Programme at Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2014-09 – 2016-01)

• Managed day-to-day branch operations, supported staff and helped to ensure excellent customer experiences.
• Monitored and managed accounts receivable and bad debt for my branches, reducing outstanding balances from -£38 per vehicle to -£2.
• Managed P&L's, coordinated logistics, staff and contractors to meet client expectations whilst supporting revenue growth.

MBA in Business Administration – Edinburgh Napier University (2016-08 – 2019-07)

LLB (Hons) in Law & Criminal Justice – Liverpool John Moore's University (2011-09 – 2014-07)

Secondary Education – The Mary Erskine School (now Erskine Stewart Melville Senior School) (2004-09 – 2010-06)