Clare Forster
Downpatrick,Co. Down,
Summary
A highly successful and motivated Brand Manager with over 16 years' experience in a marketing, commercial sales, digital and communications. Responsible for spearheading and managing major marketing, digital and PR campaigns throughout the UK and Ireland to raise awareness of brands and achieve successful results. An experienced leader that flourishes in a dynamic and fast-moving environment with a passion to succeed. A strong communicator with the ability to work under pressure, to strict deadlines and drive team performance.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Director
Morrow Communications
Holywood , Down
04.2023 - Current
- A forward-thinking Senior Communications Director responsible for developing and executing strong marketing, digital and communication strategies for public and private sector clients.
- Member of the Senior Management Team.
- Leading the roll out of the company's employee engagement programme to enhance internal communications.
- Responsible for brand management of client accounts, implementing and executing strong multi-channel campaigns, telling compelling stories and achieving results.
- Evaluated success of various communications campaigns using key metrics.
- Generate new business leads to bring in new client revenue and improve bottom-line profitability.
- Leading client teams and managing projects ensuring client needs are met in line with agreed budgets, targets, and objectives.
- Spearheading high-impact social media campaigns for clients, resulting in increased engagement and reach.
- Developing commercial brand strategies to add value to client’s portfolio to meet business growth targets.
- Managing budgets, projecting and forecasting client income to build profitability, margins and increase revenue within the business.
- Negotiating costs with clients, business terms and contracts and working alongside internal departments to set up new accounts in line with company processes and systems.
- Responsible for crisis management and responding to media queries and challenges on the client’s behalf.
- Developing strong relationships with media, stakeholders and partners to maximise media coverage and exposure for clients.
- Championed creative use of resources, collaborations and partnerships.
Head of Marketing
Mash Direct Ltd
Comber, Co. Down
02.2016 - 04.2023
- Responsible for planning and executing annual marketing and communications strategies and campaigns to elevate business growth and raise the profile of the brand.
- Managed the marketing budget; measuring and evaluating performance against return on investment for future decision making.
- Managed cross functional departments to develop multi-channel strategies to enhance the brand's position and business growth plans.
- Managed the commercial retailer support plans and evaluated profitability of products to increase sales and met growth targets.
- Coordinated strategic communications with internal and external stakeholders, Board of Directors and Commercial Account Managers for continuous improvement.
- Responsible for managing the marketing, brand and commercial operations teams to elevate the brand's position to drive revenue.
Marketing Executive
Mash Direct Ltd
Comber, Co. Down
02.2012 - 02.2016
- Responsible for articulating the Mash Direct brand story to raise awareness of the brand.
- Responsible for managing communications and executing compelling campaigns to increase brand awareness and raise the profile of the brand.
- Managed third party stakeholders and agencies including design, website and media agencies ensuring brand plans were executed in line service level agreements and budgets.
- Manged events and sampling schedules to build brand awareness.
Commercial Account Manager
Mash Direct
Comber , Co. Down
02.2009 - 02.2012
- Managed commercial retail accounts in NI/UK, building trusted relationships with buyers and retail support teams.
- Prepared and delivered presentations and pitches to retailers to sell the brand strategy and vision to ensure continued business growth.
- Set up new accounts, negotiating prices, terms and joint business plans with retailers. Knowledge of category management, supply chain and crisis management.
- Prepared promotional plans/proposals, forecasted sales and operated internal and retailer systems to process orders and payments.
- Worked with the NPD to develop product specifications, providing briefs to ensure customers needs are met and launched products to market.
- Completed new line forms, providing retailers with product details including shelf life, lead times and depots days.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
University of Ulster, Jordonstown
Belfast07.2008
Skills
- Marketing Strategy
- Brand Strategy & Management
- Strong Commercial Acumen
- Communication Strategy-including PR, media, relations and digital
- Budget Management
- People Management
- Leadership and Operations
- Project Management
- Community Development
- Strong Communication Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Marketing
- A passionate marketer with a creative flair, who thrives upon success and new challenges.
- Passionately evolving within a Senior Marketing and Communications role.
- I enjoy helping brands grow and evolve.
- Excited by business growth and achieving results.
Hobbies and Interests
Sports Enthusiast with a passion for Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing. Committee Member of East Down Athletics Club. Enjoy running, strength and conditioning training.
Accomplishments
- Responsible for building a national household brand from infancy into a UK household brand.
- Achieved first national retail listing for the brand with Asda UK.
- Winner Best Brand Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2019 & 2016.
- Highly Commended Leader in Marketing, Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2021.
Professional Development
- Member of Chartered Institute of Marketing (MCIM)
- Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 5 Diploma Leadership and Management (QCF)
Accreditations
- PCRA The Savoy Account Director (March, 2024)
- Core Skills Programme, Beckinridge (Jan 2024)
- Core Skills for Successful Campaign Projects, Beckinridge (Jan, 2024)
- Core Writing Skills Training, Irish News Editor, (March, 2024)
- Story Telling Workshop, Donna Traynor and Ronan Kelly, Kellyvision (Nov 2023)
- Social Advertising, Emma Burdette (August 2023)
- Managing Performance, Happy Raspberry (Nov 2020)
Timeline
Communications Director
Morrow Communications
04.2023 - Current
Head of Marketing
Mash Direct Ltd
02.2016 - 04.2023
Marketing Executive
Mash Direct Ltd
02.2012 - 02.2016
Commercial Account Manager
Mash Direct
02.2009 - 02.2012
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
University of Ulster, Jordonstown
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