Carron Williams
Guildford,Surrey
Summary
Carron has many years of experience working in the design and manufacturing industry. Currently self employed as an interior designer/decorator and freelance product designer. Carron spent the previous 10 years working as the category/product manager for the organisation HEAD UK, developing and sourcing a wide range of inline and SMU Sports bags and accessories. Carron has overseen the initiatives “cradle to grave”, maintaining and developing products for key accounts within Head UK, for retailers such as Sports direct, ASOS, Bank Fashion, Tesco, Sainsbury, Argos, WH Smiths, TK Maxx, ASOS, Amazon, Asda and many other customers. Carron’s skills and knowledge have also been strengthened through living and working in Hong Kong for five years and frequent business visits to China, whilst employed with Head. Focused product manage/designer with impressive track record in collaborative, cross-functional teamwork within high-pressure environments. Adept at project planning and managing multiple accounts at once. Dedicated to improving company sales goals and meeting business objectives. Client-focused Interior Designer with strong creativity and attention to detail for focused bespoke solutions. Skilled in brainstorming, concepting and detailing for lifecycle design management. Builds positive staff and client relationships for excellent project productivity.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work history
Interior designer/decorator and product designer manager
Self Employed
Guildford
01.2016 - Current
- Working with clients and manufacturers to advise, design, produce drawings, samples
- Sourcing manufacturers and new products
- Design and production of marketing material, including website.
- Recommended furniture, art and accessories to elevate interior design schemes.
- Coordinated with contractors and suppliers to implement design plans accurately.
- Developed key client relationships by providing design solutions meeting needs and budgets without compromising quality or design intent.
- Maintained advanced product knowledge, sharing expertise with team members for improved customer service.
- Maintained expert product knowledge for persuasive, reliable customer guidance.
- Designed new materials patterns to enhance existing product designs.
- Illustrated design concepts via hand sketches or Adobe illustrator and Photoshop.
- Developed harmonious, comprehensive designs encompassing technical, functional and aesthetic considerations.
- Commissioned product prototypes and samples to further design goals.
- Designed practical, viable products to meet consumer needs within project budgets.
- Interpreted consumer requirements to deliver relevant, engaging product design and evolution.
- Calculated production costs based on design parameters.
- Completed quality designs in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, meeting key project objectives.
- Selected accessory materials and attachments to complete designs.
- Maintained brand identity across product designs for cohesive user experiences.
- Prepared drawings, models and mood boards to translate design themes and specifications.
Category/Product Manager – Sports bags
Head UK Ltd
Kendal, United Kingdom
07.2005 - 01.2016
- To drive profitable sales in line with company expectations
- Understand Head UK customer base and customer/consumer product needs
- Improved quality and design of ranges, which secured new accounts with retailers such as ASOS, Bank Fashion, Foot Asylum, Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrison, WH Smith.
- Presented new products to existing and potential customers and sales agents, to maintain and grow business
- Researched marketplace, reacted accordingly to competition/trends
- Ensured that right product for each customer was available at right price, at right time
- Creative design lead and direction of Head UK and Far East design teams
- Organised production and development of prototypes/samples from suppliers
- Arranged travel, itinerary and documentation required for supplier visits
- Liaised with vendors re production, FOB prices, lead times and ensure strong supplier relationships
- Oversaw Far East to UK supply chain
- Co-ordinated within Head UK to Ensure Logistics/Warehouse, National account manager, Customer Services, GM and MD can meet customer deadlines
- Client relationship between Head UK and core customers
- Analysed/Forecasted reports, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual activity results
- Responsible for marketing activities, A+P, and expenses budgets
- Event management of trade/retail exhibitions
- Organise creation of website, model, photography and third party company warehouse/order processor.
- Monitored health and safety measures for guaranteed compliance.
- Organised financial and operational data to help with yearly budgeting and planning.
Fashion accessory designer and director
Bagbug Ltd
Frimley, United Kingdom
01.2004 - 07.2005
- Designed original handbags and holdalls for women
- Sourcing manufacturers, fabrics and hardware from suppliers in Asia
- Drawing up designs, pattern cutting and arranging manufacture of prototypes
- Arranging for alternative fabrics / linings trims if necessary
- Arranging import of samples
- Set retail pricing, ref cost price, customs and excise, vat, shipping and profit margin
- Presenting samples to potential buyers and agencies
- Organising Trade shows
- Designing of Stand, preparing all publicity and marketing, writing press releases, designing brochures, price lists etc
- Meeting buyers/agents, building up/maintaining relationships
- Organised production of items for orders
- Liaising with manufacturers re fabrics, delivery dates etc
- Organising international payments
- Arranged import of goods with shippers/importers
- Account management
- Organising supply of goods to customer, raising invoices, collecting payments, credit control
- Providing customer service, supplying repeat orders etc
- Actively seeking new commercial initiatives to increase sales and looking at competitors
- Managing stock /cost control.
- Negotiated with suppliers on product specifications, delivery deadlines and price.
- Oversaw development of pre-production samples, consistently adhering to strict timeframe and budget constraints.
- Sketched artistic designs to communicate early planning stages.
Personal Assistant
Bery Designs
London
09.2002 - 03.2004
- Promotion of Bery Designs within relevant market sector using advertising, press releases and direct mail
- Control of all copy to ensure correct brand message
- Creation and development of promotional and publicity materials (brochure, sales leaflets and website) to reflect brand values, from initial concept and copy through to final artwork and delivery
- Planning, organising, preparation for participation in trade fairs
- Stand concept, design, installation, travel arrangements
- Full account management of each client: Initial briefings; costing to meet client’s budget
- Critical path management from placing of order to delivery
- 10 to 40 clients at any one time
- Maintenance of client database
- Enabling customer profiling and targeting for sales and marketing campaigns
- General accounting, credit control
- Issuing invoices, paying bills, petty cash control, etc
- Sourcing and buying all raw materials
- Arranged import and export of materials, goods, samples, artwork etc
- Assisted in development of new designs and techniques and finishes
- Liaising with retail customers, clients and interior designers both in showroom and remotely Advising on all aspects of Bery Designs products and services
- Managing diaries, arranging client meetings, creating letters, estimates and preparing presentations
- Concept and installation of showroom window displays and showroom merchandise
- Organised personal and professional calendars, supplying timely reminders of upcoming meetings and events.
Interior Designer
D.F.O.A. Ltd
Camberley
08.2001 - 08.2002
- Increased commissions through innovative concepts
- Liaised with clients and defined role requirements
- Managed Projects from conception through to completion
- Produced quotes and estimates and provided cost-effective solutions
- Designed schemes for show homes, serviced apartments, hotels and private residences.
- Prepared drawings, models and mood boards to translate design themes and specifications.
- Designed floor plans, elevations, 3D perspective views and material boards for review and presentation, maintaining client input throughout.
Specialist Interior Decorator/Designer
Gerard Bookle
Hong Kong
09.1997 - 08.2000
- Provided specialist design and decoration, custom murals and commissioned paintings to interior design industry
- Designed and produced Specialist Paint Finishes, Gilding, Murals, Paintings, and Venetian Stucco etc for many interior design projects for hotels, restaurants and residential projects in and around Hong Kong
- Liaised with clients, architects and contractors, sourced and ordered materials, prepared quotes, sample boards and sketches, presented to clients.
Creative Director/Artist in residence
Hong Kong International School
Hong Kong
07.1997 - 08.1997
- Presented devised concept and proposal of mural project to school and art department
- Set up workshops with students of school
- Taught students Alternative ways of making images
- Organised field trip to inspire student’s imagination
- Collated student’s images into 8 x 3 metre Painting which now hangs in school foyer.
Interior Designer
On the Tiles
Hong Kong
08.1997 - 05.1998
- Worked on number of large scale floor and wall mosaic projects for commercial interiors in Hong Kong and Macau
- Gained experience in designing and working with, ceramic, glass, marble and granite.
Interior designer
Source Interiors
Hong Kong
02.1996 - 08.1997
- Co coordinated supply of fabrics, trimmings, wall coverings, lighting and furniture for commercial and residential properties to Architects, Interior Designers and Individuals
- Prepared schemes, ordered materials, arranged shipments and couriers
- Organised and co-ordinated decorating, upholstery and soft furnishing projects with local contractors
- Designed interiors for clients using fabrics, upholstery, wall coverings, lighting and accessories
- Created room sets for showroom interior and window displays
- Prepared quotes, liaised with contractors, documented daily and accounts
- Accounting, administration and maintained extensive library of samples
- Agents for Nobilis, Lilievre, Brunswich and Fils, Colefax and Fowler, Jane Churchill and others.
Education
B.A Hons. Fine Art -
Surrey Institute of Art And Design Fine Art
Farnham, SurreyD.A.T.E.C. Fashion Design, Illustration, textiles and manufacture - Fashion Design, Illustration, Pattern Cutting
Epsom School of Art And Design
EpsomFoundation Diploma with Credit, Art and Design - Art And Design, Photography
Surrey Institute of Art And Design
Farnham A Level Art - Art And Design
Guildford University
Guildford Skills
- Experienced category and product manager
- Original, creative, product and concept designer
- Freehand and Adobe illustrator skills
- Strong Client relationship management
- Critical path and project management
- Business analysis of company and client’s requirements
- Successful negotiator
- Ability to provide cost effective solutions to client and business
- Sales leads generation through innovative and creative concepts, by developing new products to achieve new markets and retailers
- Third Party Management, including Asia Pacific manufacturers, managing in design, sourcing, production, packaging and shipping
- Project Management
- Customer relationship building
- Competitor analysis
- Brand management
- Key accounts and territory management
Timeline
Interior designer/decorator and product designer manager
Self Employed
01.2016 - Current
Category/Product Manager – Sports bags
Head UK Ltd
07.2005 - 01.2016
Fashion accessory designer and director
Bagbug Ltd
01.2004 - 07.2005
Personal Assistant
Bery Designs
09.2002 - 03.2004
Interior Designer
D.F.O.A. Ltd
08.2001 - 08.2002
Specialist Interior Decorator/Designer
Gerard Bookle
09.1997 - 08.2000
Interior Designer
On the Tiles
08.1997 - 05.1998
Creative Director/Artist in residence
Hong Kong International School
07.1997 - 08.1997
Interior designer
Source Interiors
02.1996 - 08.1997
B.A Hons. Fine Art -
Surrey Institute of Art And Design Fine Art
D.A.T.E.C. Fashion Design, Illustration, textiles and manufacture - Fashion Design, Illustration, Pattern Cutting
Epsom School of Art And Design
Foundation Diploma with Credit, Art and Design - Art And Design, Photography
Surrey Institute of Art And Design
A Level Art - Art And Design
Guildford University
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