Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Alice Harper

Summary

A strategic planner with expertise in data analysis, design approaches, and business improvement initiatives. Demonstrates proficiency in risk identification and project management, complemented by strong academic research and writing skills. Adept at workshop facilitation, communication, and content creation - fostering leadership and collaboration across teams. Committed to driving organisational success through innovative solutions and strategic foresight.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Quality Assurance Advisor - Process Improvement

NRS Dounreay
09.2023 - 09.2025
  • Facilitated mapping workshops and created interactive maps in system.
  • Collaborated with process SMEs to identify automation opportunities.
  • Developed strategies for process/procedure improvement to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Analysed data trends to support informed decision-making on process improvements.
  • Trained staff on best practices in Process Manager system and methodologies.
  • Streamlined communication processes, enhancing team coordination.

Executive Assistant - Managing Director

NRS Dounreay
08.2024 - 02.2025
  • Supported Managing Director and Dounreay Leadership Team in planning and implementing major project delivery.
  • Facilitated escalation of emerging requirements, risks, and issues to relevant teams.
  • Built robust relationships across business units and documented success stories for sharing.
  • Strengthened collaboration through regular updates with NRS Sites and Corporate colleagues.
  • Coordinated executive schedules and managed appointments to optimise workflow.
  • Prepared comprehensive reports and presentations to assist decision-making processes.
  • Streamlined administrative processes to enhance workplace efficiency.
  • Conducted thorough research to inform strategic decision-making efforts.

Graduate Programme - Design & Business Improvement

NRS Dounreay
09.2021 - 09.2023
  • Fostered a broad understanding of operations through placements in four distinct departments (IT/Training/Innovation/QA).
  • Applied design expertise to influence team strategies and project outcomes positively.
  • Obtained key qualifications in leadership techniques, effective communication, health safety practices, and project management.
  • Enhanced professional capabilities through targeted shadowing, site visits, and mentorship opportunities.

Design & Business Improvement Consultant

NHS Scotland
10.2021 - 12.2021
  • Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative design solutions for healthcare services.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to analyse needs and ensure alignment with organisational goals and objectives.
  • Engaged with multidisciplinary teams to drive cultural change and promote a patient-centred approach in service delivery.
  • Prepared proposals with revised methods, new strategies and redefined functions.
  • Encouraged development of clear objectives and action plans.

Brand Identity Designer

NHS Scotland
06.2021 - 10.2021
  • Developed cohesive brand guidelines that enhanced visual identity across various platforms.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create engaging marketing materials and campaigns.
  • Presented design concepts to stakeholders, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
  • Utilised design software to create high-quality graphics and layouts for print and digital media.


Member Pioneer

The Co-Operative Group
05.2021 - 08.2021
  • Developed a comprehensive programme for fundraising events and activities.
  • Monitored and evaluated fundraising performance, delivering actionable insights for future initiatives.
  • Supported individuals with funding applications to enhance their success rates.

Campaign Designer

NHS Tayside
05.2021 - 08.2021
  • Led innovative campaigns promoting a health initiative across multiple platforms.
  • Created engaging visual content to maximise audience reach.
  • Conducted in-depth research to identify target demographics and tailor messaging.
  • Oversaw project timelines, ensuring timely delivery of campaign materials.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of campaigns through feedback and engagement metrics.


Service Design Consultant

NHS Scotland
01.2021 - 07.2021
  • Directed design initiatives for website, packaging, and service blueprints that improved patient experience.
  • Performed comprehensive research and analysis to enhance service delivery effectiveness.
  • Coordinated workshops with stakeholders to collaboratively develop design solutions.
  • Assessed service delivery against benchmarks to pinpoint opportunities for enhancement.
  • Managed team meetings to ensure effective project coordination.

Fundraising Coordinator

Barnardo's
01.2018 - 06.2018
  • Developed comprehensive fundraising strategies to enhance donor engagement and retention.
  • Coordinated fundraising events, ensuring seamless execution and participant satisfaction.
  • Cultivated relationships to secure sponsorships and donations.

Education

MSc - Design for Business

The University of Dundee
Dundee, Dundee City
10.2020 - 08.2021

BDes - Product & Service Design

The Glasgow School of Art
Glasgow
09.2016 - 06.2020

NC Engineerin - Engineering

University of the Highlands & Islands
Thurso, Highland
06.2013 - 06.2014

Skills

  • Data analysis and strategic planning
  • Project management
  • Business improvement/change initiatives
  • Risk identification
  • Design methodologies
  • Academic research and writing
  • Workshop facilitation
  • Communication and content creation
  • Leadership and collaboration

Certification

  • Pimavera P6 Professional - Complete Project Management (Udemy, Sept 2025): Utilising Primavera P6 for project management, planning, scheduling, and control.
  • Project Fundamentals Qualification (APM, Sept 2023): Gaining a fundamental awareness of the project management life cycle.
  • Lean & Continuous Improvement (Lean Competency System, June 2023): Lean thinking knowledge and practice. An overview of continuous improvement for business transformations.
  • Leadership & Management (Institute of Leadership & Management, June 2023): Gaining leadership & management skills to handle conflict within a workplace, to bring out the best in your colleagues, and to be able to lead a team effectively. Academic theories and writing on relevant research topics.
  • Leadership & Teamwork (Outward Bound, June 2023): A one week intensive leadership course. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, leading diverse teams, and handling high pressure scenarios.
  • Lead Auditor (MQ, April 2023): Plan and conduct an accurate audit in accordance with ISO standards.
  • IOSH Managing Safely (Britsafe, Jan 2023): Knowledge and tools to tackle health and safety issues. Assessing/controlling risks, understanding hazards, investigating incidents, and measuring performance.
  • Systematic Inventive Thinking Practitioners Course (SIT, Sept 2022): An introduction to SIT's methodologies for the rapid and systematic creation of innovative products, services, processes, and tools.
  • Enterprise Challenge (Centre for Entrepreneurship, Jan-Feb 2021): Designing a full application proposal including the value proposition, business model canvas, wireframes, all supplementary visuals for the brand and experience created.
  • Modual - Open Futures (University of the Arts London, July 2020): Working as part of an interdisciplinary team to ideate and develop our concept proposal pitch to a large audience.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Executive Assistant - Managing Director

NRS Dounreay
08.2024 - 02.2025

Quality Assurance Advisor - Process Improvement

NRS Dounreay
09.2023 - 09.2025

Design & Business Improvement Consultant

NHS Scotland
10.2021 - 12.2021

Graduate Programme - Design & Business Improvement

NRS Dounreay
09.2021 - 09.2023

Brand Identity Designer

NHS Scotland
06.2021 - 10.2021

Member Pioneer

The Co-Operative Group
05.2021 - 08.2021

Campaign Designer

NHS Tayside
05.2021 - 08.2021

Service Design Consultant

NHS Scotland
01.2021 - 07.2021

MSc - Design for Business

The University of Dundee
10.2020 - 08.2021

Fundraising Coordinator

Barnardo's
01.2018 - 06.2018

BDes - Product & Service Design

The Glasgow School of Art
09.2016 - 06.2020

NC Engineerin - Engineering

University of the Highlands & Islands
06.2013 - 06.2014
Alice Harper