Elaine Canning
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in instructional design and learner engagement strategies. Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, alongside a strong understanding of GDPR compliance and vocational programme evaluation. Proficient in e-learning management systems and distance learning tools, with a focus on online course creation and industry-specific expertise. Committed to fostering peer collaboration and professional development training, while adept at adapting teaching methods to diverse learning environments. Career goals include advancing educational technology integration within vocational training programmes.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
2017
2017
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Food Industry/vocational Tutor
21 Training
Derry
2021.04 - 2026.01
- Duties include planning and designing training plans and resources for delivering apprenticeship NI food industry level 2 & level 3 qualifications to over 65 apprentices across NI, coordinating employee’s and continuing to monitor and review their progress on a regular basis, meeting financial and developmental targets set by my manager and I have assisted in the recruitment of 100+ apprentices for the 2021 programme. This role involves building strong relationships with food manufacturing businesses to meet both training and business needs suited to them.
- Duties in my role as vocational tutor to 15+ students in house at 21 training requires me to work across and liaise with multiple departments to provide learning support to programme managers and students, I am responsible for developing a retail programme to suit the needs of our learners which will encourage them to progress into higher qualifications. Both roles require regular updating of all financial and compliance databases and reviews to ensure any education & training inspectorate and funding requirements are met on time.
NPD Manager
Simply Inish
Co. Donegal
2017.01 - 2022.03
- Duties included following product development projects through from concept to production stage in a timely manner and within budget, I was responsible for continually developing and updating the in-house product development process, I developed and updated any new labelling requirements & nutritional analysis as required and, produced mini and final product specifications and HACCP procedures for new products, As I was hired to implement new product development structures to the business it was vital that I Identified training gaps and needs of employees and coordinated training so any new technology or processes were fully transferred, I collaborated with education organisation CAFRE to assist in completing public taste tests and analysis, researched, procured and trialled any packaging solutions for current or new products, Completion of all compliance paperwork and documentation while monitoring process efficiency, overseen and implemented any new procedures to meet EHO and customer standards. Promoted the brand by attending various events throughout ROI and sourced any funding options and initiatives which would best assist the needs of the business during that period.
- Delivered new product concepts with detailed market research and feasibility studies.
- Regularly reported progress to senior management keeping them informed about potential issues or delays.
- Coordinated with suppliers during product development phase, maintaining cost efficiency without compromising on quality.
- Oversaw all stages of product life cycle, ensuring timely launch and success in the marketplace.
- Generated detailed project plans for each new product development initiative, driving successful execution on time and within budget constraints.
- Led multi-disciplinary team in the creation of innovative products for market growth.
- Ensured all regulatory requirements were adhered to during every stage of product development reducing compliance risk.
- Liaised closely with sales team to understand customer needs and preferences.
- Supported manufacturing division during production ramp-up of newly introduced products.
- Identified opportunities for cost reduction in the value chain improving overall profitability.
- Leveraged consumer insights data to inform design decisions enhancing user experience.
- Improved product development process by streamlining workflow and enhancing communication.
- Managed cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals and objectives.
- Implemented rigorous testing protocols, ensuring highest quality standards were met.
- Planned research activities to develop new processes, products and applications.
- Coordinated and allocated resources for different research projects based on budgets, timelines and staffing requirements.
- Led and directed research and development staff to meet short- and long-term goals.
- Monitored R&D activities for results, compliance with specifications and progress against deadlines.
- Selected, trained and performance-managed research and development staff.
Quality Technician (Laboratory)
Niche Drinks
Derry
2015.08 - 2015.12
- Duties included chemical & sensory analysis of raw and finished products, regular on floor QC product checks for volume in a very fast moving environment, I was responsible for addressing any issues or complaints from customers to identify & rectify cause, collected microbiological and chemical samples to be sent to satellite laboratory, As I often worked alone in the evenings I was fully responsible for recording all compliance information and maintaining reports to a high standard in preparation for internal and external audits and to ensure a smooth handover to other shifts and departments, all other ad-hoc Laboratory duties were also required in this role.
Sales Colleague
Peacocks
Derry
2014.09 - 2015.08
- Duties included greeting & assisting customers, processing card & cash payments and refunds, Receiving, storing and merchandising deliveries.
Lisneal College
Derry
2013.09 - 2014.06
- Assisted teaching staff in the H.E department of a secondary school in delivering curriculum effectively through a variety of different learning strategies and designed and prepared background material prior to theory and practical lessons and developed cost-effective menus that maintained nutritional integrity, completed assignments that contributed to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle of the students.
Customer Services Advisor
HML
Derry
2008.02 - 2011.03
- Greeted and directed calls from all customers professionally for up to twenty mortgage lending companies. Dealt with mortgage Interest rate enquiries and arrears queries tactfully in a high-volume call centre while maintaining a high customer satisfaction rate due do my quick resolution of customer issues. general admin duties and liaising with other departments and line managers were also required in this role.
Customer Service & Travel advisor
Sunterra
Lancaster
2006.08 - 2007.11
- Helping customers find desired holidays, taking payments for holidays and club membership, liaising with different internal departments and external hotels and airline companies to help meet customer expectations, offering ‘add-on’ products to complete sale of holiday and to sustain productivity and meet target’s all while managing multiple clients in a very fast paced environment.
Guest Services administrator
Sunterra
Nr Lancaster
2005.11 - 2006.05
- Duties included ‘meeting & greeting’ new and potential clients, provided excellent and efficient support to managers and co workers while under pressure due to short time frames and turn arounds. Produced daily and weekly reports for head office sales team and built lasting relationships with other departments in the company.
Ladies Wear Manager Envy
Cheltenham
2004.09 - 2005.05
- Responsibilities included employee management, coordination and delegating tasks. ‘End-of-Day’ financial analysis, liaising with central line management. Visual merchandising, office management and stock control, set targets for employees and assisted them in reaching goals, managed staffing levels, led training to maximise employee skill set to ensure they were qualified in every process.
Education
BSc Hons - Food & Nutrition with Diploma in Professional Practice
University of Ulster
ColeraineNVQ Level 2 - Professional Cookery
North West Regional College
2012.09 - 2013.06
Access Diploma - Science
North West Regional College
2009.09 - 2010.06
ICQ LEVEL 3 Award - Assessing competence in the work environment (RQF)
Certificate - Teaching
Ulster University
DerrySkills
- Excellent Interpersonal/Communication skills
- Instructional expertise
- Learner engagement strategies
- Pedagogical proficiency
- Familiarity with gdpr regulations
- Subject specialisation
- Peer collaboration facilitating
- Vocational programme evaluation
- Adaptability to teaching methods
- GDPR compliance understanding
- Professional development training
- E-Learning management systems
- Distance learning tools
- Vocational training management
- Industry networking
- Initiative taking
- IT & Administration
- Organisational/Time Management
- Management & Responsibility
- Industry-Specific expertise
- Online course creation
Custom Section
Clear, effective and timely communication with colleagues and external businesses., Proficient in using computer office programmes and work-based internal company Quality Management Systems., High level of self-discipline and organisation, able to change tasks at short notice., Experience in recruiting and training new staff, meeting agreed targets.
Interests
- Keeping up to date with current affairs.
- Avid reader.
- Regularly visit the cinema.
- Go see live bands.
Timeline
Food Industry/vocational Tutor
21 Training
2021.04 - 2026.01
NPD Manager
Simply Inish
2017.01 - 2022.03
Quality Technician (Laboratory)
Niche Drinks
2015.08 - 2015.12
Sales Colleague
Peacocks
2014.09 - 2015.08
Lisneal College
2013.09 - 2014.06
NVQ Level 2 - Professional Cookery
North West Regional College
2012.09 - 2013.06
Access Diploma - Science
North West Regional College
2009.09 - 2010.06
Customer Services Advisor
HML
2008.02 - 2011.03
Customer Service & Travel advisor
Sunterra
2006.08 - 2007.11
Guest Services administrator
Sunterra
2005.11 - 2006.05
Ladies Wear Manager Envy
2004.09 - 2005.05
ICQ LEVEL 3 Award - Assessing competence in the work environment (RQF)
Certificate - Teaching
Ulster University
BSc Hons - Food & Nutrition with Diploma in Professional Practice
University of Ulster