Desmond McCabe
Belfast,Antrim
Summary
Customer‑focused professional with years of experience supporting customers and keeping day‑to‑day operations running smoothly. I’m known for being reliable and committed, with a long history of loyalty and strong performance across just a few employers. My background is in sales, purchasing, store operations, and stock control, giving me a well‑rounded understanding of how to keep a business organised and efficient. A key objective in every role I take on is finding smart ways to cut costs and save money, whether through better stock management, improved processes, or more effective purchasing decisions. I’m the person who steps in without being asked, goes the extra mile for the team, and makes sure customers feel valued. Confident and approachable, I build strong relationships quickly and maintain high professional standards in everything I do.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Stores Controller/ Purchasing
Oxford Instruments Plc (Andor)
Belfast, Antrim
07.2022 - Current
- Handled customer enquiries, orders, and issue resolution efficiently and professionally.
- Picked and issued stock from storage locations to meet production work orders.
- Carried out daily cycle counts and annual stocktakes to keep stock levels accurate.
- Regularly refilled Kanban and consumable bins and ordered parts when needed to keep stock available.
- Received, inspected, and stored incoming deliveries, ensuring accuracy and proper handling of stock.
- Booked in deliveries and updated stock records on Sage, ensuring accurate inventory management.
- Responded to email enquiries regarding sales, work, and purchase orders to maintain accurate and timely processing.
- Assisted the materials team in resolving stock discrepancies and adding parts to RMA orders as required.
- Raised purchase orders for parts and packaging as required, monitoring costs and ensuring value for money.
- Liaised with suppliers to expedite purchase orders during shortages or urgent sales requirements.
- Managed bulk and slow-moving stock off-site at a storage facility, ensuring accurate tracking and availability.
- Coordinated delivery of parts as required and updated inventory systems to maintain accurate records.
Picture Framer/ Sales/ Purchasing
Art And Home
Holywood, Down
05.2011 - 06.2022
- Booked in deliveries and updated stock records on Sage, ensuring accurate inventory management.
- Sold art materials to artists and the public, ensuring excellent customer service and product knowledge.
- Launched and managed an eBay shop to expand business sales internationally, handling listings, orders, and customer enquiries.
- Prepared and packaged customer orders for dispatch, fulfilling online and eBay sales accurately and efficiently.
- Produced high-quality picture frames for artists, exhibitions, the public, and interior designers, ensuring craftsmanship and attention to detail.
- Raised purchase orders with suppliers for work orders, negotiating prices to secure the best deals and reduce costs.
- Managed monthly supplier invoices, checking for accuracy and negotiating new contracts to save money.
- Received incoming stock, checked for damages, and placed items in the correct storage locations.
- Attended weekly meetings with the business owner to review sales, cost-saving opportunities, and supplier performance.
- Arranged returns for damaged goods, securing refunds or replacements as required.
- Delivered urgent items to artists to meet deadlines and provide excellent service.
Branch Manager/ Sales
Scopas Mouldings
Belfast, Down
05.2007 - 05.2011
- Organised monthly promotions and events to increase sales and attract new customers.
- Predicted stock requirements from sales trends and seasonal demand, placing orders to maintain supply.
- Visited current and potential customers across Ireland several days a week to present promotions and collect overdue payments, staying away from home when required.
- Met suppliers at their premises and trade shows to source new products, selecting items with potential to increase sales and offer unique items to my customers.
- Updated Sage with new products, raised invoices and statements, and prepared bank lodgements, ensuring records were accurate and up-to-date for the accountant.
- Contacted suppliers to negotiate pricing and called customers regarding account discounts and to resolve any issues.
- Helped pack and pick orders, manage stock from deliveries, and support the team with forklift operations when required.
- Reviewed supplier quotations to ensure value for money and checked item quality before approving purchases and contracts.
Stores Controller/ Showroom Sales
Ashworth And Thompson
Belfast , Antrim
09.2001 - 05.2007
- Kept the warehouse clean, organised, and compliant with health and safety standards, ensuring a safe and efficient working environment.
- Managed stock and order processing through the inventory system, helping daily operations run smoothly and accurately.
- Received incoming stock orders, checked quantities and condition, and stored items in the correct locations while keeping system records up to date.
- Prepared customer orders for collection or delivery, using the company van or courier services to ensure fast and accurate fulfilment.
- Assisted showroom customers by helping them choose materials, promoting bulk deals and slow‑moving stock to increase sales.
- Contacted customers by phone and visited them at their premises to present promotions, helping drive sales and support monthly targets.
- Completed weekly stock counts and annual stocktakes to maintain accurate and reliable inventory records.
- Delivered urgent materials to customer sites across Ireland using the company van, ensuring deadlines were met and service levels remained high.
- Organised stock areas and the showroom so products were clearly displayed, labelled, and easy for customers and staff to access.
Education
GCSEs -
Saint Josephs College
Belfast , Antrim 09.1996 - 05.2001
Skills
- Enjoy researching markets and spotting new opportunities, especially when sourcing products from international suppliers for resale on platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon
- Known for having a sharp eye for detail and finding practical, effective ways to cut costs and improve efficiency
- Skilled at building strong, long‑term relationships with clients and promoting special offers that boost sales and customer engagement
- Confident using e‑commerce platforms (eBay, Amazon, Etsy) and social media to grow online visibility and drive sales
- Strong communicator who works well with both customers and suppliers, keeping conversations clear, professional, and productive
- Hands‑on experience with inventory management, stock forecasting, and maintaining accurate system records
- Customer‑focused with a calm, problem‑solving mindset, always aiming to keep operations running smoothly
- Efficient in raising and managing purchase orders, tracking deliveries, and ensuring stock arrives on time
- Comfortable handling basic accounting tasks, including invoices, statements, and payment processing
- Able to multitask effectively and stay organised in fast‑paced environments
- Flexible and willing to take on extra responsibilities to support the team and wider business when needed
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and quick to learn new systems and tools
- Give 100% to employers, always looking for ways to save money, support the business, and put in the extra hours when needed to help the team succeed
Certification
IAB in Computerised Bookkeeping and Accounting.
Course Overview:
Level 1: Pass
Topics Covered:
Introduction to computerised bookkeeping systems.
Basic bookkeeping processes and terminology.
Setting up accounts using computerised software.
Recording and processing transactions electronically.
Producing basic financial reports.
Level 2: Pass
Topics Covered:
Advanced features of computerised bookkeeping software.
Handling more complex transactions and scenarios.
Performing bank reconciliations and VAT returns.
Producing detailed financial reports and statements.
Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
Key Skills Acquired:
Proficiency in using computerised bookkeeping software.
Ability to set up and manage accounts electronically.
Competence in recording, processing, and reconciling financial transactions.
Capability to generate accurate financial reports and statements.
Understanding of accounting principles and their application in a computerised environment.
Hobbies and interests
- Playing football with friends to stay active and social.
- Going on hikes to enjoy nature and unwind.
- Spending quality time on family holidays with my wife and kids.
- Exploring and selling interesting products online on eBay, Amazon, Etsy and tiktok.
Timeline
Stores Controller/ Purchasing
Oxford Instruments Plc (Andor)
07.2022 - Current
Picture Framer/ Sales/ Purchasing
Art And Home
05.2011 - 06.2022
Branch Manager/ Sales
Scopas Mouldings
05.2007 - 05.2011
Stores Controller/ Showroom Sales
Ashworth And Thompson
09.2001 - 05.2007
GCSEs -
Saint Josephs College
09.1996 - 05.2001