CLAIRE PAYNE
Maidstone,Kent
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in client solutions and first-class consultation, leveraging vast industry knowledge to deliver exceptional customer service. Proficient in virtual worlds (CAD) and adept at negotiating, with a strong command of customer relationship management software and the Microsoft Office Suite. Skilled in information gathering, technical writing, and data entry, with a focus on relationship management to enhance client satisfaction. Committed to utilising these competencies to drive business success and foster long-term client relationships.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work history
Product identifier/Analyst/Contracts Support
West One Bathrooms Solutions
Fully Remote
2022.03 - 2026.04
- Worked entirely from Home - Identified hotels fixtures and fittings in guest, public utilities and back of house spaces, often via images provided by surveyor and from historical O&M files . Compiled all relevant spares and consumables for the longevity of the products, including full specification sourced accurate costs and using individual tailored client margins entered this information into both procure wizard (part of The Access Group) a cloud-based, purchase-to-pay (P2P) software designed for the hospitality industry and also a Wordpress database model for Service engineers to reference when purchasing new/replacement products within dozens of prestigious 5 star hotels and residencies across London and UK - accuracy was imperative for the high value fixtures and to maintain client loyalty.
- Created comprehensive reports, aiding in strategic planning. Contributed to team projects by providing key analytic insights.
- used monday.com to manage workflow with peers
Showroom Sales and Design Consultant
The Bathroom Cellar (then Salacia)
Maidstone
2021.10 - 2022.03
- Welcomed new and existing customers into the showroom to showcase a wide portfolio of Bathroom products. Conducted site surveys and showroom consultations - Facilitated online video calls in a dynamic social environment to enable personalised design space solutions without restrictions. Generate accurate and creative product presentations and quotations to fulfil client specifications after thorough consultations.
- Engaged with independent installers throughout installation processes to facilitate efficient project management and on-time delivery whilst Managing multiple projects concurrently, maintaining high quality standards.
Showroom Manager
HPS
Sevenoaks
2021.01 - 2021.10
- Invited to return to drive showroom growth by enhancing customer engagement in a high-traffic plumbers merchant showroom.. The success of the branch is largely built on the strength of consistent Contractor business. Oversaw collaboration with installers and contractors to cultivate trust and enhance delivery of client designs and space solutions.
Managed the end-to-end process of bathroom solutions, from initial surveys and designs to final quotations and fitting specification packs.
Ensured seamless execution of all projects by taking full responsibility at each stage. - Identified potential sales opportunities within the local area market, leading to increased footfall in the showroom.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner, improving overall customer experience.
- Negotiated deals successfully with suppliers and vendors.
Showroom Consultant
Redstone Supplies
Maidstone
2018.07 - 2020.12
- Delivered personalised design solutions to clients, ensuring satisfaction through a warm and friendly professional approach.
- . Created innovative virtual worlds CAD and hand-drawn plans, often meeting diverse client needs.
- Achieved timely customer order fulfilment, ensuring smooth operations and client retention, successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Enhanced profitability by strategically monitoring and managing supplier terms and incentives.
Showroom Manager
HPS
Sevenoaks
2017.10 - 2018.07
- Achieved rapid establishment of showroom, resulting in a dedicated customer base. Exceeded anticipated sales figures by more than 25% through effective teamwork and strategy. Delivered exceptional results by aligning branch staff efforts towards common sales goals.
- Managed the end-to-end process of bathroom solutions, from initial surveys and designs to final quotations and fitting specification packs. Ensured seamless execution of all projects by taking full responsibility at each stage. Responsible for customer order fulfilment, and co-ordinating despatch Continuously monitor supplier terms and incentives to maintain healthy margins.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner, improving overall customer experience.
- Managed showroom operations efficiently, enhancing customer experience.
Showroom Manager
Drakes Plumbing Supplies
Sevenoaks
2016.09 - 2017.10
- Achieved successful showroom relaunch in prime location, attracting new clientele. Championed collaboration with branch manager, counter staff, and sales director to elevate bathroom product sales through strategic customer incentives and proactive outreach.
Drove initiatives to foster a robust and loyal customer base through targeted engagement and cold calling efforts.
Developed targeted outreach programmes and executed strategic sales initiatives to ensure exceptional service delivery and enhance customer satisfaction. - Conducted consultations with retail and contractor customers to deliver personalised hand-rendered layouts. Oversaw maintenance and cleaning tasks regularly to maintain a presentable showroom at all times. Oversaw the development of innovative CRM systems across multiple showroom branches. Led the training and onboarding of new staff for various showroom locations.
- Liaised regularly with head office to update on showroom progress.
Area Sales Controller
Qualitex Bathroom Supplies
Aylesford
2015.12 - 2016.09
- Achieved targeted orders for trade customers in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales within a lively pressurised sales office team, taking and processing telephoned, emailed, and faxed orders under tight targeted timescales with high accuracy. Collaborated with Mansfield Distribution Depot to guarantee all orders are confirmed and available for timely deliveries. Making initiative-taking sales calls to my dedicated customer base, upselling, and offering compatibility advice, Facilitated returns and collections of unwanted or faulty goods in accordance with company policies.
Provided comprehensive office support to external account managers.
Assisted in maintaining compliance with company procedures. Collaborate with accounts team to investigate and resolve customer account queries efficiently. Present monthly area sales results predictions and observations to directors and fellow staff members.
Contract Sales & Progressing Support
C P Hart Bathrooms
Dartford
2013.11 - 2015.12
- Achieved timely order despatches by expertly managing the sales order book for contracts. Delivered immediate stock generation and placement of special orders upon quotation conversion. Realised improved customer satisfaction through efficient order processing and management. Pursue updates and chase purchase confirmations to maintain seamless supply chain operations. Produced client and supplier call-off schedules to enhance operational efficiency and ensure timely delivery.. Conducted occasional site visits to assist in effective project planning while fostering ongoing relationships with main contractors and architects. Coordinated order generation and processed returns using CRM software to streamline operations and improve service delivery.Collaborated with transport and warehouse departments to ensure efficient management of high volume order storage and timely deliveries.
- Consistently exceeded 2015 projected despatch target figure to enhance operational efficiency and reliability.
Sales Consultant
C P Hart Bathrooms
Tonbridge Wells
2011.02 - 2013.11
- Key role is to achieve sales targets at the required margin whilst supplying the customer with an inspirational service. Meet, greet, and direct customers around the showroom. Proactively chase leads & quotations daily while keeping an up-to-date customer CRM. Provide the customer with detailed information, production of 2D plans and advice on the products and space layout. Build solid relationships with clients and local trades and designers to ensure satisfaction and encourage repeat engagements.. Complete comprehensive product and sales training programme.
- Had various clients bathrooms used as case studies in home improvement publications
Showroom Sales Supervisor
The Bathroom Trading Company
Maidstone
2003.01 - 2011.02
- Deliver tailored design space solutions that meet individual client needs through effective consultations.
Generate comprehensive CAD and hand-drawn bathroom plans that fulfil project specifications.
Elevate customer satisfaction by aligning design services with specific client expectations.. Oversaw two staff members to ensure smooth operations within the showroom and upheld system integrity.
Drove showroom expansion by setting and aligning targets to enhance turnover and profitability.
Managed customer development, led contract negotiations, and ensured timely order fulfilment. - Oversaw redesign of showroom with a focus on strategic space optimisation and effective budget management, resulting in a more engaging atmosphere for visitors and employees.
- Cultivated robust, sustainable partnerships with industry executives and decision makers.
- Cultivated strong relationships with a number of respected manufacturers to consistently rank in their top five customer lists, frequently achieving the number one position.
Showroom Sales Executive
Plumbase (Clarkes of Kent)
Maidstone & Charing
1995.01 - 2003.01
- Assisted with various tasks in bathroom and kitchen sales within showroom environment.
Conducted site surveys for retail customers and developers.
Produced hand-drawn and CAD (Planit) bathroom and kitchen designs.
Maintained regular customer base for trade and retail. - Drove substantial business growth to facilitate company expansion and establish an additional showroom..
- Established strong working relationships with local developers and companies to foster continuous collaboration and ensure ongoing orders.
Skills
- First Class Consultation
- Client Solutions
- Virtual Worlds (CAD)
- Negotiating
- Customer Service
- Vast Industry Knowledge
- Customer relationship management software
- microsoft office suite, excel etc
- Information gathering
- Technical writing
- Relationship Management
- Data Entry
PERSONAL
Interests and Pastime: Enjoy vintage events that are based on 1940s and wartime home front life, dressmaking & watercolour painting., Mobility: Full clean driving licence, Born: 1974
Affiliations
- Dressmaking and crafting
- Enjoy mid century design, classic car and motorcycles
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Product identifier/Analyst/Contracts Support
West One Bathrooms Solutions
2022.03 - 2026.04
Showroom Sales and Design Consultant
The Bathroom Cellar (then Salacia)
2021.10 - 2022.03
Showroom Manager
HPS
2021.01 - 2021.10
Showroom Consultant
Redstone Supplies
2018.07 - 2020.12
Showroom Manager
HPS
2017.10 - 2018.07
Showroom Manager
Drakes Plumbing Supplies
2016.09 - 2017.10
Area Sales Controller
Qualitex Bathroom Supplies
2015.12 - 2016.09
Contract Sales & Progressing Support
C P Hart Bathrooms
2013.11 - 2015.12
Sales Consultant
C P Hart Bathrooms
2011.02 - 2013.11
Showroom Sales Supervisor
The Bathroom Trading Company
2003.01 - 2011.02
Showroom Sales Executive
Plumbase (Clarkes of Kent)
1995.01 - 2003.01