Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Software
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Holly Shaw

Senior Management Executive Assistant
Kentford

Summary

Results-driven Executive Assistant brings extensive experience from dynamic wedding and event management environments, complemented by proven success providing high-level support to Boards of Directors. My inherent organisational skills combined with a nurturing approach allow me to anticipate executive needs and implement strategic operational improvements that alleviate workload and enhance productivity. Committed to fostering authentic, reliable relationships and providing indispensable support that empowers leadership and promotes seamless workflow.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer

Green Caterpillar Consulting
11.2024 - Current
  • Provided high-level, confidential administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer, acting as a primary point of contact and gatekeeper.
  • Managed all aspects of personal and family administration, including arranging bespoke family holidays, arranging payment for invoices and coordinating private appointments and bookings (e.g., medical, dental and reservations).
  • Managed the CEO's complex and dynamic calendar across multiple time zones, strategically scheduling meetings, appointments, and engagements to optimize productivity and time.
  • Managed the CEO's incoming communications (emails, calls), triaging requests, drafting responses, and escalating urgent matters for timely attention.
  • Coordinated extensive domestic and international travel itineraries for the CEO, including complex multi-leg flights, luxury accommodation, ground transportation, and comprehensive visa arrangements.

Senior Management Executive Assistant

ProCam UK
06.2023 - 10.2024
  • Provided comprehensive administrative support to the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team for board meetings, encompassing agenda development and meticulous minute-taking.
  • Coordinated head office events and meetings, ensuring seamless execution and efficient scheduling for all stakeholders.
  • Optimised executive productivity by meticulously managing complex calendars, strategically scheduling meetings and appointments, and coordinating seamless accommodation and travel logistics.
  • Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for UK Managing Director and Senior Leadership.
  • Proactively provided end-to-end organisational support for company events, including coordinating marketing material distribution across national sites and acting as the crucial on-day point of contact.
  • Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via telephone calls or email correspondence.
  • Conducted regular inventory assessments of office supplies, ordering necessary items proactively to prevent stock shortages.
  • Facilitated smooth communication between departments, addressing concerns promptly to maintain harmonious work relationships.
  • Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining the confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.

Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer

Porotech Ltd
10.2022 - 01.2023
  • Managed the CEO's dynamic schedule, expertly coordinating meetings across multiple time zones, preparing comprehensive agendas, and ensuring timely email correspondence.
  • Managed comprehensive travel logistics, including the coordination and reservation of transportation, accommodation, and international visas as required.
  • Served as the primary point of contact for incoming communications, efficiently handling telephone calls and emails, and prioritising urgent requests for immediate attention.
  • Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
  • Orchestrated client and stakeholder meetings, ensuring seamless communication with all attendees and diligently managing confirmation processes.
  • Developed and maintained dynamic spreadsheets and presentations, significantly enhancing executive support and team productivity.

Weddings & Events Manager

Tuddenham Mill Hotel
07.2021 - 10.2022
  • Orchestrated seamless planning and execution of diverse events, including weddings, corporate functions, and private parties.
  • Developed and executed engaging social media content strategies across platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest) to showcase event successes, promote services, and drive client engagement and bookings.
  • Managed all aspects of event coordination, including venue layout and design, catering, entertainment, and audiovisual requirements and team management.
  • Oversaw event setup, teardown, and on-site operations, ensuring all activities ran smoothly and to client specifications.
  • Conducted initial consultations to understand client vision, preferences, and budget for weddings and events.
  • Maintained continuous communication with clients from inquiry to post-event follow-up, ensuring satisfaction and managing expectations.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries, special requests, and troubleshooting on-site issues in a timely manner.
  • Cultivated and managed a network of reliable vendors such as caterers, florists, photographers, musicians, and rental companies.
  • Generated quotations, processed payments, and managed invoicing for all events.
  • Recruited, trained, and supervised event staff in alignment with company standards to deliver exceptional service.

Spa & Wellness Duty Manager

The Gainsborough Health Club And Spa
03.2019 - 07.2021
  • Managed daily spa and wellness operations, ensuring smooth workflow, exceptional service delivery, and adherence to established standards.
  • Managed inventory of spa products and supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels, minimising waste, and processing orders efficiently.
  • Developed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance efficiency and consistency in service delivery.
  • Handled guest bookings, cancellations, and modifications with efficiency and a customer-centric approach.
  • Promoted and upsold spa treatments, packages, and retail products, contributing to revenue generation and guest satisfaction.
  • Maintained a welcoming and serene atmosphere that encouraged relaxation and repeat visits.
  • Assisted with financial reporting, such as daily sales reports and reconciliation.
  • Contributed to achieving sales targets and profitability goals through effective operational management and sales initiatives.

Sales Executive

M.A.C Cosmetics
01.2018 - 03.2019
  • Achieved and exceeded individual and team sales targets by effectively recommending and cross-selling/upselling products.
  • Drove sales through personalised product recommendations and compelling artistry demonstrations tailored to client needs.
  • Actively participated in promotional events, product launches, and themed days to generate engagement and increase sales.
  • Identified and capitalised on opportunities to grow the customer base, contributing to overall counter and store revenue.
  • Contributed to visual merchandising efforts, maintaining appealing product displays and counter presentation in line with M.A.C brand standards.
  • Supported counter and store operations including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, and daily administrative tasks.
  • Communicated customer feedback and product insights to management to inform sales strategies and inventory planning.
  • Built and maintained strong client relationships, fostering loyalty and driving repeat business through exceptional service.
  • Educated clients on current beauty trends and M.A.C's signature looks, inspiring creativity and confident self-expression.


Front Office Supervisor

The Swan At Lavenham Hotel & Spa
04.2014 - 01.2018
  • Arranged complex multi-room reservations and group bookings for accommodation, spa and events.
  • Enhanced administrative and reception team efficiency by implementing ongoing coaching, fostering continuous professional development.
  • Served as a primary point of contact for customer calls, building immediate rapport to expertly address questions, offer tailored recommendations, and effectively convert inquiries into confirmed bookings in alignment with business standards.
  • Managed financial operations, including cost control and billing, and effectively resolved discrepancies by leveraging Guestline software for meticulous account information management.
  • Created spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel for daily, weekly and monthly reporting.
  • Managed daily financial operations, including banking, cash reconciliation, processing expenses and petty cash procedures.
  • Proactively reviewed customer and staff feedback, initiating targeted business adjustments to address concerns and further drive continuous improvement and deliver exceptional service.

Education

GCSE - English, Mathematics & Media Studies

Thomas Gainsborough
09.2011 - 05.2013

Skills

  • Strategic Planning & Proactive Support: Expertly manages complex schedules and priorities with foresight, anticipating needs to ensure seamless execution of executive support and diverse event coordination
  • Exceptional Interpersonal & Calm Communication: Cultivates strong relationships and facilitates clear, empathetic communication with all stakeholders, maintaining a reassuring demeanour even under pressure
  • Unwavering Dedicated Support: Consistently goes above and beyond, providing compassionate, discreet, and unwavering support to the executive and their family, particularly with sensitive personal arrangements and intricate travel
  • Approachable Demeanor & High Emotional Intelligence: Connects genuinely with individuals at all levels, fostering trust and positive interactions through an outgoing, approachable personality combined with strong emotional intelligence and composure
  • Collaborative Spirit & Independent Efficiency: Thrives independently on high-priority tasks while excelling in collaborative environments, supporting the executive's vision and team objectives with a helpful approach
  • Business Acumen & Results-Oriented Drive: Possesses a strong understanding of business operations, consistently delivering impactful results and contributing to organisational success

Software

Micosoft Office

Google Workspace

Interests

Nutrition & Cooking: Passionate about nutritious cooking and baking, exploring new recipes using fresh, local produce

Health & Wellness: Dedicated to personal well-being through fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness practices

Beauty & Fashion: Engaged with current trends and creative expression in beauty and fashion

Nature & Outdoors: Enjoy hiking and spending time in nature to enhance mental clarity and restorative well-being

Family & Community: Cherish quality time with family and nurturing relationships

Timeline

Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer

Green Caterpillar Consulting
11.2024 - Current

Senior Management Executive Assistant

ProCam UK
06.2023 - 10.2024

Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer

Porotech Ltd
10.2022 - 01.2023

Weddings & Events Manager

Tuddenham Mill Hotel
07.2021 - 10.2022

Spa & Wellness Duty Manager

The Gainsborough Health Club And Spa
03.2019 - 07.2021

Sales Executive

M.A.C Cosmetics
01.2018 - 03.2019

Front Office Supervisor

The Swan At Lavenham Hotel & Spa
04.2014 - 01.2018

GCSE - English, Mathematics & Media Studies

Thomas Gainsborough
09.2011 - 05.2013
Holly ShawSenior Management Executive Assistant