Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
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Clare Novell

South Croydon,Surrey

Summary

Dynamic professional with a strong focus on attention to detail and extensive product knowledge. Proven expertise in customer service and communication at all levels, fostering collaboration and resilience in diverse environments. Skilled in territory management, and strategic account planning, driving business development through collaborating effectively with our finance provider on quarterly campaign development. Adept at data analysis and time management, with a talent for training and presenting to enhance agent performance. Committed to leveraging skills as a team player to achieve strategic goals and contribute to organisational success.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education

Work history

smart UK Sales Manager

smart UK Automotive Ltd
Milton Keynes, Bedford
10.2024 - Current
  • Currently responsible for 18 out of 31 smart retail agents across the UK.
  • Collaborating with Heads of Business of MB and smart JV to strategically plan continued growth of smart within the UK market.
  • Identify areas of improvement whether marketing, lead enquiries and/or order process'.
  • Analyse demo allocation against sold units to enhance the prospect of further sales.
  • Ensuring each quarter's finance campaign in collaboration with Santander consumer finance. Is fully understood.
  • Monitor lead management enquiries
  • Hands on performance coaching and best practice sharing within the agent network to ensure increased levels of engagement.
  • Conduct monthly reviews with heads of business.
  • Collate and analyse both retail and fleet data to present in a power point format to the respective HOB. Focusing primarily on retail sales, with an expectation of a minimum of 45% finance penetration via our partner, Santander Consumer Finance.
  • Create an action plan bespoke to each agent based on performance, product presentation and current sales.
  • Document and follow-up on agreed action points in a timely manner.
  • Manage and co-ordinate local campaigns collaboratively with our marketing team, in creating awareness of the brand.
  • Attend weekly and quarterly review meetings with Santander Consumer Finance.
  • Work together with internal stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with the product manager on pricing, model year updates. In addition to any new product launch face to face training required, within the agent network.
  • Cultivate strong relationships with Santander to ensure smooth operations.
  • Carry out training where required on both internal and Santander's external systems.
  • Participate in smart's weekly team and sales planning meetings.
  • Produce agent reports and evidence field activity.

smart relationship manager

ALD Automotive Ltd
Bristol, Avon
10.2023 - 10.2024
  • Take a leading role to define, implement and track the smart partnership.
  • Contributed to developing and implementing new ways of working to include, pricing planning process and monthly product reviews.
  • Prepared and delivered monthly & quarterly smart reviews.
  • Supported smart to create value in the partnership.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams, ensured smooth project execution.
  • Continue to build relationships with key stakeholders through consistent engagement activities.
  • Organised team meetings, facilitated effective communication among members.
  • Fostered a culture of open communication within the team promoting collaboration.
  • Established strong client relationships by providing exceptional customer service.
  • Utilised commercial credit and lending experience to meet and exceed customer needs effectively.
  • Complied with relevant regulatory processes with comprehensive understanding of risk management.
  • Achieved revenue growth by adopting needs-based approach, engaging clients and securing new business opportunities.

Business Development Manager - Polestar

ALD Automotive Limited
Bristol
06.2020 - 10.2023
  • Liaising with internal and external stakeholders. Developing, supporting our OEM relationships within their Partnership web based service - essentially a digital online sales journey
  • Developed strategic partnerships for sustained growth.
  • Handled crisis situations effectively, minimising impact on business operations.
  • Delivered excellent customer service by addressing queries promptly and effectively.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to align business goals and objectives.
  • Used multi-source data to determine sales and delivery terms for products and services.
  • Supported front-line sales & customer service teams with well-coordinated administrative operations.
  • Analysed sales reports to identify trends and update strategies.

Retailer business development.

ALD Automotive Limited
Bristol
04.2018 - 06.2020
  • Developed new relationships within the automotive network, whilst maintaining key accounts.
  • Engaged with internal teams to develop key opportunities.
  • Utilised product knowledge to offer informed recommendations.
  • Attended and hosted networking events, establishing solid relationships with other business professionals.
  • Monitored competitor activities, responding creatively to maintain relevancy and competitive edge.
  • Formulated marketing and advertising strategies for continuous business growth.
  • Supported existing key accounts to improve sales volume.
  • Participated in staff training sessions regularly to improve skills.

Regional sales manager - GM UK Leasing.

ALD Automotive Limited / Masterlease
Bristol
02.2008 - 04.2018
  • Accountable for both account management and retailer development across 80 Saab, Vauxhall and Chevrolet agents.
  • Responsible for London & the South East, Kent, Essex, East Anglia and the M1 corridor up to Leicestershire.
  • Promoting funding of leasing products for both cars and LCV's.
  • Providing extensive retailer support and training pertaining to all leasing products.
  • Agreeing and implementing action plans to promote sales and improve volume.
  • Working effectively with respective OEM field teams in joint retailer visits.
  • Prepare and deliver quarterly presentations for the respective OEM at regional meetings.
  • Facilitated regular team meetings, fostering open communication and teamwork within the sales force.
  • Led national team training sessions to increase product knowledge and sales techniques.
  • To strengthen customer relations, provided post-sale support as needed.
  • Developed competitive pricing strategies for increased market share.
  • Identified key areas of opportunity with under performing retailers.
  • Monitored enquiries to sales, ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Documented individual key retailer performance.

Sales Manager

Valley Saab Automotive Limited
Chipstead, Surrey
06.2003 - 12.2007
  • Worked closely with the Saab GB team to achieve new & used annual sales targets.
  • Achieved increased customer satisfaction by implementing innovative sales strategies.
  • Conducted detailed market analysis to identify new opportunities.
  • Implemented training programmes, improving team performance levels.
  • Developed robust client relationships for improved business growth.
  • Guided team members on best practices in upselling and cross-selling techniques, leading to enhanced customer value proposition.
  • Streamlined sales processes to enhance team productivity.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with suppliers and other industry players to ensure smooth operations.
  • Maintained regular contact and strong relationships with existing customers by providing comprehensive support.
  • Achieved exceptional client satisfaction feedback and ratings.
  • Exceeded sales goals and improved profitability by developing sales strategies and business plans according to market trends.
  • Hired and trained dedicated and high-achieving sales teams.
  • Retained existing customers and substantially grew customer base, product line and sales volume.
  • Supported front-line sales teams with well-coordinated administrative operations.

Senior sales executive

Doves Saab
South Croydon, Surrey
04.1998 - 06.2003
  • First female sales executive to be employed.
  • Achieved and exceeded sales targets.
  • Saab GB 'League One' top of five sales winners.
  • Updated current stock portfolio utilising the 'Kerridge' system.
  • Participating and successfully completing Saab sales training courses.
  • Prompted to Business to business development across Saab, Jeep and Jaguar brands.
  • Tailored sales approach to meet individual client needs, nurturing meaningful relationships to drive revenue.
  • Identified prospect needs and offered appropriate products and services.
  • Built long-term relationships with customers and generated referrals from existing clients.
  • Maintained contact with customers throughout sales and pre-delivery process.
  • Created and managed client contracts, negotiating positive, profitable terms to aid target revenue attainment.
  • Achieved and exceeded sales targets in line with client growth across all products and services.
  • Processed orders and recorded transactions accurately.
  • Maintained expert product knowledge for persuasive, reliable customer guidance.
  • Provided clear, accurate quotes and estimates to prospective clients.
  • Kept clear, detailed customer records to maximise future sales opportunities.
  • Adapted sales pitches and presentations to meet bespoke customer requirements.
  • Proactively contacted prospective customers to increase sales.

Travel Industry

Various
09.1988 - 03.1998
  • Ymca Travel - Covent Garden
  • Carefree Travel - Knightsbridge
  • Bally Shoes Flagsip Store - Marble Arch
  • American Express Travel
  • Carefree Spain - Tour Operator


Education

Certificate of Higher Education - Travel and Tourism

Carshalton College
Carshalton
09.1986 - 06.1988

Skills

  • Attention to Detail
  • Product knowledge
  • Customer Service
  • Communication at all levels
  • Collaboration
  • Resilience
  • Territory management
  • Campaign development
  • Strategic account planning
  • Process Improvement
  • Business development
  • Time management
  • Training & presenting
  • Data Analysis
  • Team player

Affiliations

  • I love to spend time gardening, walking, and with our friends & family.
  • Seeing the world and the diversity it brings.

Accomplishments

Nominated for a ROSCA award for the successful 'go live' of our Polestar digital journey. Essentially it's an award to recognise staff who go above and beyond their role.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

smart UK Sales Manager

smart UK Automotive Ltd
10.2024 - Current

smart relationship manager

ALD Automotive Ltd
10.2023 - 10.2024

Business Development Manager - Polestar

ALD Automotive Limited
06.2020 - 10.2023

Retailer business development.

ALD Automotive Limited
04.2018 - 06.2020

Regional sales manager - GM UK Leasing.

ALD Automotive Limited / Masterlease
02.2008 - 04.2018

Sales Manager

Valley Saab Automotive Limited
06.2003 - 12.2007

Senior sales executive

Doves Saab
04.1998 - 06.2003

Travel Industry

Various
09.1988 - 03.1998

Certificate of Higher Education - Travel and Tourism

Carshalton College
09.1986 - 06.1988
Clare Novell