Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Darren Smith

Darren Smith

Leeds,United Kingdom

Summary

As a versatile Managing Director, I possess a strong track record in organizational management at all levels. My expertise lies in developing strategic partnerships, overseeing personnel, and crafting tactical plans to achieve long-term goals. With a background in International Business Development, Global Partnerships, Student Recruitment, and International Partnerships, I have proven myself as a capable leader.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated proficiency in strategy, planning, and operations within the education sector. By formulating and executing business plans, I have successfully maximized profitability, streamlined operations, and ensured compliance with industry regulations. Furthermore, I have excelled in motivating and optimizing staff performance and productivity, driving organizational efficiency and success.

Since assuming the role of Managing Director at a Further Education College in 2017, I have consistently delivered exceptional results. My areas of expertise include recruitment, marketing, and international business development. Drawing upon my goal-oriented mindset, I prioritize forging key partnerships while maintaining a positive reputation for the institution. Notably, I have extensive experience in various recruitment markets, with particular proficiency in the Middle East.

In terms of my education, I am a proud graduate of Kings College, where I completed my Post Graduate studies. I am also fluent in Turkish, allowing me to effectively communicate and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Overall, my background and skills make me a strong leader and problem-solver, dedicated to driving cost reduction and operational efficiency. By leveraging my independent decision-making abilities and sound judgment, I have consistently contributed to the success of organizations.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work history

Managing Director

MDA College
Leeds , United Kingdom
07.2017 - Current


  • Documented processes and drafted SOPs to comply with regulations and company policies.
  • Conducted market research to identify partnership opportunities and trends in higher education.
  • Represented MDA College in international conferences and events, showcasing its academic offerings and promoting collaboration opportunities.
  • Collaborated with academic departments to create tailored partnership programs to enhance student mobility and academic collaborations.
  • Provided leadership and mentorship to a team of partnership coordinators, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
  • Regularly reported on partnership activities and achievements to senior management and relevant stakeholders.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with influential stakeholders, including government bodies, corporations, and non-profit organizations.
  • Monitored and evaluated partnership performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective measures.
  • Managed partnership budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources and achieving financial targets.
  • Successfully negotiated and closed high-value partnership agreements with key international institutions.
  • Developed and implemented partnership growth strategies to expand the Colleges global footprint.
  • Developed and implemented partnership growth strategies to expand the Colleges global footprint.
  • Led and managed strategic partnerships across Asia, Middle East, and Americas regions.
  • Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
  • Negotiated new annual contracts and service agreements with Student Recruitment agencies to achieve a healthy flow of partners and students.
  • Spearheaded successful business development initiatives aligned with company's strategy and core competencies.
  • Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
  • Led change and transformation across business areas to deliver benefits and align company resources.
  • Devised and implemented innovative marketing campaigns to promote the college programmes in new markets.
  • Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
  • Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help the company evolve and grow.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
  • Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
  • Led the development of a comprehensive business plan to maximize profitability and company performance.
  • Interacted well with students and partners to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
  • Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
  • Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue and effectively targeting new markets.
  • Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
  • Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
  • Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.

Managing Director

Kingston Nursery
Kingston Upon Hull , United Kingdom
09.2018 - 02.2023
  • Documented processes and drafted SOPs to comply with regulations and company policies.
  • Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
  • Negotiated new annual contracts and service agreements with vendors to achieve prime pricing.
  • Spearheaded successful business development initiatives aligned with company's strategy and core competencies.
  • Worked collaboratively with functional leaders to implement new procedures and corrective actions to improve quality.
  • Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
  • Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
  • Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
  • Achieved team goals through formalized training plans, coaching, and performance management.
  • Analyzed business operations and implemented strategies to improve operational cohesiveness.
  • Spearheaded implementation of process improvements and cost-saving initiatives to increase value and maximize profits.
  • Analyzed customer feedback and identified areas for improvement to drive business success.
  • Oversaw successful implementation of operational strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.
  • Negotiated with vendors, suppliers and other stakeholders to acquire mutually beneficial contracts and agreement.
  • Established and monitored quality assurance standards to achieve operational excellence.
  • Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
  • Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue and effectively targeting new markets.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.

Education

High School Diploma -

Kingswood High School
07-2012

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Istanbul University
Istanbul, Turkey
06-2016

Master of Arts - TESOL

Kings College London
London, UK
06-2017

CELTA - CELTA

University of Cambridge
05-2016

CELTA Young Learners - CELTA YL

University of Cambridge
08-2016

Skills

  • P>Strategic planning
  • P>Staff Management
  • P>Business planning
  • P>Problem solving skills
  • P>Business Development
  • P>Operations management
  • P>Project Management
  • P>Recruitment
  • P>Coaching and mentoring
  • P>Staff training/development
  • P>Effective leader
  • P>Quality assurance

Languages

English
Native
Turkish
Fluent

Timeline

Managing Director

Kingston Nursery
09.2018 - 02.2023

Managing Director

MDA College
07.2017 - Current

High School Diploma -

Kingswood High School

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Istanbul University

Master of Arts - TESOL

Kings College London

CELTA - CELTA

University of Cambridge

CELTA Young Learners - CELTA YL

University of Cambridge

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