Catherine Houldsworth
Scunthorpe,North Lincolnshire
Summary
I am a results-driven leader with extensive experience within the software market and particularly the deployment and management of complex software solutions.
With over 20 years' experience working with pension funds, I have a strong appreciation of market requirements and the importance of how software supports high-performing teams.
I'm detail-orientated and adept at making critical decisions, managing deadlines and conducting critical programmes of work. With expertise in analysis and problem-solving skills, dedicated to company growth and improvements.
My approach is analytical, collaborative, and solutions-focused, enabling me to build trusted relationships, support strategic objectives, and drive positive change across teams and projects.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Pre Sales Manager
Civica
05.2018 - Current
- Contributed to high-performing team delivering software and services solutions, enhancing client satisfaction.
- Implemented and managed internal and external communication strategies, ensuring clarity and alignment across stakeholders.
- Led engagement with stakeholders during complex procurement processes, managing bids valued between £2,000 and £10,000,000.
- Supported strategic planning for product and service offerings, engaging with key stakeholders to align objectives.
- Working on bid values from £2,000 to £10,000,000 during complex procurement processes
- Facilitated communication with stakeholders during challenging situations, addressing concerns and resolving issues effectively.
Service Delivery Team Leader
Civica
04.2014 - 05.2018
- Led high performing team to deliver innovative solutions and drive business transformation
- Delivered projects valued from £2,000 to over £2,000,000, ensuring alignment with client expectations
- Monitor team performance in line with financial targets and budgetary constraints
- Handled customer escalations, enhancing satisfaction and upholding service quality standards.
- Focussed on continual business improvements and driving change
- Monitor and oversee work in line with key policies including ISO9001 and ISO27001
Training Team Leader
Civica
09.2013 - 04.2014
- Developed standards for training courses aligning with contractual obligations, ensuring compliance and quality
- Coached the team to ensure quality of delivery was consistently high
- Established new working practices and enhanced key skills across business unit, fostering team development
- Planned and managed comprehensive change in approach for implementation projects and training, enhancing effectiveness
Pre Sales Consultant
Civica
08.2009 - 09.2013
- Interpreted the needs of prospective clients from a current and future development perspective
- Delivered complex software demonstrations in pressurised situations
- Coordinated large-scale sales bids exceeding £10,000,000 in total contract value
- Participated in contract negotiations for significant bids targeting private sector and central government clients
- Developed tender responses and supporting documentation to meet client specifications
- Implemented product to market processes to manage the full development lifecycle
- Applied communication skills, proactive innovation and customer focus to achieve the end goal
Pensions QA Analyst / Consultant
Civica
11.2007 - 08.2009
- Test management and planning for key releases, bugs and hotfixes
- Oversaw release management cycle for testing and communicated release notes to customers, facilitating smooth transitions and updates
- Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders to address and resolve support issues effectively
- Provided in-depth first and second line support on software and architecture issues, ensuring timely resolution of technical challenges
Service Delivery Consultant
Civica
10.2005 - 11.2007
- Acted as key technical liaison between customers and internal development teams
- Conducted scoping exercises to identify business needs and facilitate change
- Delivered training, consultancy, and communication management for diverse projects
Committals Officer – Revenues
North Lincolnshire Council
04.2002 - 09.2005
- Executed the recovery of Council Tax and Business Rates by conducting committal proceedings according to strict monthly timetables linked to the billing cycle.
- Managed live case load of over 500 committal cases while supervising a small team.
- Delivered the presentation of prosecution cases in Magistrates court in often hostile situations
- Implemented software upgrade and conducted client-focused training sessions.
Democratic Services Clerk
North Lincolnshire Council
06.2000 - 04.2002
- Engaged with stakeholders at all levels, from members of the public to the Chief Executive, to facilitate effective communication and address their needs.
- Preparation of board packs and reports for submission to a variety of high profile meetings
- Collaborated with team to provide comprehensive business support to Local Government Councillors, ensuring adherence to strict committee meeting schedules.
Trainee Accountant
Forrester Boyd Accountants
11.1998 - 06.2000
- Managed client annual account production, ensuring accuracy and adherence to key accounting principles
- Conducted audits for large-scale clients, verifying compliance with regulations and identifying areas for improvement
Education
IRRV Technician
Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation
01-2003
NVQ Level 3 - Business and Accountancy
John Leggott College
Scunthorpe01-1997
Skills
- Bid management
- Procurement processes
- Business strategy
- Strategic planning
- Service/Solution Design
- Cross functional leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Executive communication
- Team Management
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Organisational Effectiveness
- Influencing
- Commitment to quality
Professional Training
- 2022 NCFE Level 2 Cert. in Understanding Autism
- 2016 Effective Appraisals / Managing Absence
- 2015 - Management Program
- 2011 - Presentation Skills
- 2011 - Introduction to Management
- 2009 - Commercial Relationships Workshop
- 2009 - Miller Heiman – Strategic Selling
- 2008 ISEB Foundation in Software Testing
- 2005 - Leadership Skills
- 2004 - Personal Effectiveness
- 2004 - Transforming Stress into Personal Power
- 2004 IRRV Technician
Custom
References available upon request
Timeline
Pre Sales Manager
Civica
05.2018 - Current
Service Delivery Team Leader
Civica
04.2014 - 05.2018
Training Team Leader
Civica
09.2013 - 04.2014
Pre Sales Consultant
Civica
08.2009 - 09.2013
Pensions QA Analyst / Consultant
Civica
11.2007 - 08.2009
Service Delivery Consultant
Civica
10.2005 - 11.2007
Committals Officer – Revenues
North Lincolnshire Council
04.2002 - 09.2005
Democratic Services Clerk
North Lincolnshire Council
06.2000 - 04.2002
Trainee Accountant
Forrester Boyd Accountants
11.1998 - 06.2000
IRRV Technician
Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation
NVQ Level 3 - Business and Accountancy
John Leggott College