Clare McKenna
Brighton,East Sussex
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in customer service and team leadership, specializing in project management and strategic initiatives. Proven track record in coaching and compliance, effectively managing customer complaints to enhance retention rates. Strong organizational and planning abilities paired with commercial insight and workforce management expertise. Committed to achieving company sales targets and fulfilling business objectives.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
ASSISTANT SWIM COACH & L2 TEACHER
City of Brighton & Hove Swimming Club
Brighton
01.2020 - 08.2025
- Facilitating enjoyable, safe, and high-quality group swimming lessons within clubs' learn to swim section when required.
- Support lead coach in training competitive swimmers from Stage 7 to national level, emphasising skill enhancement and performance optimisation.
- Inspire and drive competitive swimmers to reach personal bests.
- Manage squads at away meets, assuring effective logistics and support.
- Supporting swimmer development through Sussex County programs.
- Coordinating, organising, and directing teams of 12-18 year olds during regular away competitions and annual overseas swim camps.
VOLUNTEER, EVENTS AND PRODUCT COORDINATOR
City of Brighton & Hove Swimming Club
Brighton
01.2016 - 08.2025
- Organising over 40 volunteers for club events and galas.
- Perform DBS checks and references to ensure thorough compliance.
- Recruiting and positioning volunteers in optimal roles, delivering training and inductions while establishing systems for compliance, engagement, and recognition
- Administering up-to-date volunteer database for optimal coordination.
- Oversee creation of custom team wear, club hats, and merchandise.
- Negotiated and oversaw management of club Speedo Sponsorship contract
- Oversight of suppliers and e-commerce club shops.
STUDIO AND OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Loop Digital
Brighton
01.2015 - 08.2025
- Coordinating activities of small studio involving project scheduling, finance tracking, and supplier management.
- Support daily business management encompassing HR, administration, and operational planning.
- Handle customer queries promptly, enhancing customer satisfaction levels.
- Scheduled meetings for senior management team.
EARLY YEARS MULTI-SPORT COACH (2-6yrs)
PlayBall
Brighton & Hove
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Delivered structured sports sessions for children aged 2-6, supporting their physical and emotional development.
- Adapted sessions to suit different learning styles and developmental stages.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
Various Projects
London
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Formulated and implemented brand strategies for several street food ventures and independent coffee shops, elevating market positioning and customer engagement.
- Optimised operational efficiencies by streamlining processes and enhancing procedural management.
- Facilitated recruitment, coaching, and training support to cultivate skilled, high-performing customer-focused teams.
- Developed and implemented effective business strategies for optimal growth.
NATIONAL FRANCHISE MANAGER
Coffee Republic
Nationwide
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Executed rebranding and integration of cafés post-acquisition, facilitating seamless transitions.
- Accelerated growth through lead generation and franchise term negotiation
- Secured high levels of compliance with brand standards during audits related to food safety, health, customer experience, and execution.
- Updated franchise agreements and materials consistently, facilitating seamless operations
- Presented insights to senior leadership to inform strategic decisions.
REGIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Coffee Republic
South East
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Oversaw operations across 30 locations in London and South East
- Secured consistent business growth through process optimisation and team mentoring.
- Managed P&L performance, budget allocation, and forecasting processes across multiple locations.
- Established standard operating procedures, enhancing consistency and compliance.
- Directed regional recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluations for site managers.
- Partnered with marketing and product teams to launch innovative campaigns and menu offerings.
- Performed regular site visits and audits, ensuring adherence to coffee and brand standards, service quality and health and safety regulations.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Coffee Republic
London
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Oversaw daily operations and performance of 20 café locations throughout Central London
- Accelerated business growth and profitability through strategic planning and effective team leadership.
- Directed and cultivated team of 20 site managers alongside in-store teams.
- Reduced overhead costs through efficient resource allocation and budget management.
HEAD OF NEW SITE OPENINGS
Coffee Republic
Nationwide
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Managed launch of 20 new café openings alongside national rebranding initiative.
- Oversaw integration of newly acquired sites.
- Selected and mentored new managers in conjunction with launch teams.
COFFEE SHOP MANAGER
Coffee Republic
Central London
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Multiple locations across London including flagship and headquarters site.
- Managed daily operations for smooth business functioning.
- Improved customer satisfaction by implementing new service protocols.
- Ensured compliance with food hygiene standards, maintaining high quality offerings.
Education
BSc - Business Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester 09.1997 - 06.2000
Foundation - Art & Design
Birmingham Institute of Art
Birmingham 09.1996 - 06.1997
A-Levels - Fine Art, Textiles, Design
Cadbury College
Birmingham 01.1995 - 01.1996
GCSEs - Including Maths & English
Hillcrest School
Skills
- Customer service-oriented
- Strong Team Leadership
- Project Management
- Coaching & Development
- Strategic planning
- Workforce Coordination
- Safeguarding & Compliance
- Complaint handling & Customer Retention
- Excellent organisation and planning skills
- Commercial acumen
- Travel coordination
Certification
- SEQ L2 Swim Teaching
- SEQ L1 Swim Coaching
- SE Team Manager 2
- SE Safeguarding in Aquatics Certificate
- SE Enhanced DBS Checked
- SCA Barista Intermediate Certified
- Full Clean Drivers License
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
ASSISTANT SWIM COACH & L2 TEACHER
City of Brighton & Hove Swimming Club
01.2020 - 08.2025
EARLY YEARS MULTI-SPORT COACH (2-6yrs)
PlayBall
01.2018 - 01.2020
VOLUNTEER, EVENTS AND PRODUCT COORDINATOR
City of Brighton & Hove Swimming Club
01.2016 - 08.2025
STUDIO AND OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Loop Digital
01.2015 - 08.2025
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
Various Projects
01.2010 - 01.2014
NATIONAL FRANCHISE MANAGER
Coffee Republic
01.2008 - 01.2010
REGIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Coffee Republic
01.2006 - 01.2008
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Coffee Republic
01.2003 - 01.2006
HEAD OF NEW SITE OPENINGS
Coffee Republic
01.2001 - 01.2003
COFFEE SHOP MANAGER
Coffee Republic
01.1999 - 01.2001
BSc - Business Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
09.1997 - 06.2000
Foundation - Art & Design
Birmingham Institute of Art
09.1996 - 06.1997
A-Levels - Fine Art, Textiles, Design
Cadbury College
01.1995 - 01.1996
GCSEs - Including Maths & English
Hillcrest School
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