Vanda Wright

A motivated, enthusiastic and highly organised professional who thrives on helping people succeed. I bring energy, focus and a personable approach to every role and am comfortable communicating with people from all backgrounds. I have 31 years' experience across business management, sales and marketing, finance, administration, retail operations, recruitment, fundraising and hospitality, working within the private, public and third sectors. This varied experience now supports my work in training and coaching, where I enjoy helping others build confidence, develop skills and reach their potential. I am computer literate with working knowledge of Word and Excel.

Business Trainer at SHOOTS TRAINING TEAM (2021-02 – Present)

Delivering standards across the business sector

• Business Administration
• Team leading
• Customer Service
• Sales
• Operational Management
• Maths FS level 1 and 2 coaching

Business Assessor at GP STRATEGIES TRAINING LTD (2018-02 – 2021-02)

Delivering standards and frameworks across the Business sector

• Business Administration
• Team leading
• Customer Service
• Sales
• Retail
• Management

Retail Store Manager, Cornwall Services at SALTROCK SURFWEAR LTD (2016-04 – 2018-02)

Managing retail operations and team leadership

• Managing a team of 4-9 staff in a very busy store
• Visual merchandising
• Ensuring core standards are met by way of excellent customer service and promoting the lifestyle brand and its ethos
• Engaging with local charities to fundraise through the business
• Driving sales in line with KPI's
• Payroll and producing working staff Rota's in-line with store budgets
• Taking deliveries of stock, management of store stock System
• Assisting area manager with area key tasks and supporting under-performing stores to achieve their KPIs

B2B Business Development Manager at IN-COMM TRAINING AND BUSINESS SERVICES LTD (2014-09 – 2016-04)

Business development and training needs analysis for engineering, manufacturing, automotive and aerospace industries

• Office and field-based across the West Midlands and Cornwall
• Identify training needs within businesses for apprenticeships in Engineering, Manufacturing, and Warehouse & Storage, as well as short courses such as Health & Safety and Forklift training
• Advise CEOs, directors and decision-makers on training solutions, grants and funding opportunities
• Manage own diary, appointments and client meetings
• Work to and achieve set monthly targets
• Proactively generate new business through marketing, social media promotion, and organising local business networking events
• Create internal campaigns encouraging non-sales staff to generate leads
• Liaise with local schools to speak with Year 10–11 students interested in industry careers
• Account manage clients, identifying training needs and delivering training plans, quotations and programme schedules
• Support and monitor apprentices' progress, providing guidance where needed

Sales Negotiator at CONNELLS ESTATE AGENTS (2012-07 – 2014-08)

Real estate sales and client relationship management

• A Sales role gaining new business by generating home valuations, mortgage business, survey referrals, house sales, lettings leads
• Matching new purchasers to existing stock in the areas desired and for the price desired
• Arranging house viewings for new applicants
• Negotiating offers with prospective purchasers and vendors
• Conduct financial qualification/identification checks prior to mortgage appointments to qualify offers in order to assist smooth sale
• Controlled viewings of more bespoke/exclusive homes to ensure potential purchasers are given a more personable service to assist in their decision making
• Telesales

Senior Sales Executive at REDCLIFFE CATERING LTD AND BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS (2009-02 – 2012-07)

B2B and B2C events and catering sales

• Advising B2B and B2C clients on events/catering requirements and venue locations
• Arranging menus from finger buffets to full A La Carte Cuisine
• Quoting events, venue hire and catering requirements through to signed contracts and scheduling
• Hosting corporate and local exhibitions including the Birmingham Botanical Gardens annual Wedding show
• Hosting black tie dinners including the Lord Mayor's annual Dinner
• Sales and Telesales

Owner, Retailer: Event and Venue decorator, Catering and hospitality coordinator at CONGRATULATIONS (1999-01 – 2009-12)

Self-owned business specializing in event decoration, venue coordination and catering

Office junior/cashier/customer service/administration at BARCLAYS BANK PLC (1990-07 – 1995-11)

Banking operations and customer service

Sales and Telesales, Personal Banker, Cash bullion controller, branch manager at BARCLAYS BANK PLC (1995-12 – 1999-05)

Banking sales and management

– Norton Canes High School (1985-01 – 1990-12)