Karen Bowles
Eastbourne,East Sussex
Summary
Enthusiastic professional with diverse experience as an Executive Assistant, Account Manager, and customer focused roles. Bringing years of experience in delivering training, events, customer service and support, along with proficiency in managing client relationships and meeting sales targets. Developed strong organisational skills through various roles and demonstrated a keen ability to thrive in demanding environments. Committed to enhancing customer experiences throughout all processes, positioning as an asset to a growing business.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Implementation & Product Tester
Make Time Count
Polegate, East Sussex
09.2023 - 03.2025
- Implementation and Project Management
- Delivering Training Programmes to clients
- Creating presentation slides and worksheets in google workspace
- Software Platform testing
- Provided feedback on user manuals for enhanced clarity and comprehension.
- Documented test results meticulously for future reference.
- Conducted functional checks to ensure optimal performance.
- Reported findings promptly, enabling swift corrective measures by the team.
- Improved user experience with thorough product assessment.
Office Assistant, Lettings Coordinator
Young Lee Lettings
06.2022 - 08.2023
- Booking and conducting viewings to assess excellent quality tenants
- Referencing all tenants using the Good Lord Software System
- Assisted with event planning activities; contributed significantly towards successful corporate events and gatherings.
- Using Agent OS Software to add landlords, tenants, and confidential information
- Showroom/Reception duties, taking calls and greeting visitors
- Renewals, inspections, and general property management maintenance
- Handled confidential documents discretely, upholding company policy and confidentiality codes at all times.
- Updated database regularly ensuring accessibility of current information when needed.
Telecom Sales Executive
The Chalvington Group Ltd
09.2019 - 05.2022
- Telephone systems and IT solutions sold
- Emails, letter correspondence and diary management
- Lead generation, pipeline creation, and follow up processes
- Use of Hub Spot, SharePoint, and ConnectWise
- Microsoft Office 365, Word, Excel, Team, and Outlook
- Account management, training and software skills used
- Developed customer loyalty with excellent customer service, leading to repeat business
- Maintained an extensive knowledge of all products offered, assisting in informative customer interaction
- Prioritised important tasks effectively under pressure situations ensuring seamless operations during peak times.
- Maintained contact with customers throughout sales and pre-delivery process.
- Identified new business opportunities that enhanced growth potential of the company.
- Sustained positive customer relationships through proactive account management and effective conflict resolution.
- Handled administrative tasks related to account management ensuring organised operations.
Southeast Sales and Showroom Manager
RK Doors Ltd
01.2014 - 08.2019
- Implementation, organisation, and setup of Southeast Showroom
- Sold high end aluminium doors
- Marketing, lead generation management
- Demonstrated, high quality Aluminium pivot entrance doors
- Preparation, coordination, and attendance of Excel Exhibitions
- Event Management
- Developed marketing strategies for increased product visibility.
- Liaised regularly with head office to update on showroom progress.
- Educated customers about quality and value of company products.
- Managed showroom operations efficiently, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Marketing Executive
Internorm Windows UK Ltd
12.2013 - 12.2014
- Producing marketing material for advertising posts
- Emails
- Magazines
- Banners for shows
- Preparation, coordination, organising and management of the implementation large exhibition stands in Excel, Homebuilding & Renovating, Grand Design shows
- Organised logistics for smooth-running of all events.
- Assisting Managing Director and Office Manager
- Boosted customer retention by implementing effective email marketing tactics.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, securing competitive prices.
- Achieved successful event execution by coordinating with vendors and stakeholders.
- Assured regulatory compliance with health and safety guidelines during event planning.
- Managed budget allocation effectively, ensuring profitable events.
Project Manager and Trainer
Various Telecommunication Dealerships (own business)
08.1997 - 12.2013
- Meeting with clients on behalf of dealerships to establish their preference on system set-up
- Use of Microsoft Office for Excel Spreadsheet, Power point and Word Documentation
- Project managing installation with set timescales and functioned as the mediator between client, and engineer
- Prepared, created, and delivered Telecom Training Programmes
- Training skills required to teach individuals, and groups of up to twenty people on Siemens, Panasonic, Mitel, Inter-Tel Telephone Systems
- Account and diary Management working with dealership contracts
- Facilitated smooth transitions between project stages for seamless progression.
- Delivered products and services in line with agreed arrangements and contracts.
Personal Assistant to CEO
Cable & Wireless Worldwide Plc – Videotron
06.1993 - 07.1997
- Comprehensive travel diary, booking accommodation, flights, and cars
- Preparation of reports, printing and forming information packs for board level meetings, agendas.
- Maintained confidentiality of documents, ensured secure handling of sensitive information.
- Took minutes during meetings with accuracy and precision, facilitated follow-up actions efficiently.
- Consulting with direct reports and PA's
- Coordinated company events that strengthened employee morale and engagement.
- Organised and maintained filing system for easy staff access.
- Proofread, formatted and corrected correspondence for office staff.
- Organising dinners, away day events and attending
- Scheduled appointments and conference calls coordinated seamlessly across different time zones.
- Prepared reports and presentations for board meetings, streamlined decision-making process.
- Coordinated daily schedules for CEO with meticulous attention to detail.
Office Manager and PA to Director
Nelson Bakewell Ltd
02.1991 - 05.1993
- Creating agenda, minute taking, plus organising lunches and presentations
- Preparing and editing correspondence
- Typing complex reports
- Fielding all calls and visitors
- Organising and managing the office, staff rotas, holidays, sickness
- Stationery management, petty cash
- Managing purchase orders and invoices
HR Assistant PA to HR Director
Cluttons
12.1990 - 01.1991
- Processing Starters and Leavers
- Interviewing candidates
- Researching, interviewing, and hiring recruitment agencies
- Preparing and editing correspondence
- Typing complex reports
- Dealing with all correspondence with the HR office
- Organising and managing the office, staff rotas, holidays, sickness
- Stationery management, petty cash
- Managing purchase orders and invoices
Personal Assistant to Retail Managing Director
British Airways Enterprises
05.1989 - 11.1990
- Coordination of all areas of Secretarial and Administration work
- Fielding all calls
- Diary management
- Business and Personal projects
- Booking and organising lunches, dinner events business and personal
- Collecting shopping, dry cleaning, organising gifts, booking hair appointments
- Preparing reports and information packs for senior level meetings
- Creating agendas, minute taking and distribution
- Contributing to internal meetings
- Dealing with high level complaints on behalf of Managing Director
- Translate from meetings a brief synopsis of minute points for senior management team
- Consulting with external stakeholders, customers, and staff
- Organising and attending dinners, events, and away days
Personal Assistant to Managing Director
Toppan Printing
02.1987 - 04.1989
- Business and Personal projects
- Comprehensive travel diary, booking accommodation, flights, and cars
- Preparing and editing correspondence, minute taking, reports, memos, and presentations
- Coordinated company events, fostering a positive work environment.
- Assisted Managing Director with administrative tasks, including productivity tracking and expense claim processing.
- Relieved Managing Director of secretarial tasks by drafting correspondence and reviewing contracts.
- Organised high-level meetings involving key company executives; ensured their successful execution.
Education
GCSEs -
Cavendish Secondary School
Skills
- Account Management
- Senior Level Executive Assistant
- Sales - Results driven negotiator
- Event Management and Planning
- Customer Relationship Management
- Highly skilled at adapting to fast paced environments
- Exceptionally organised, methodical with Office Management
- Strong timekeeping, meticulous and process driven
- Engaging, approachable individual
- Microsoft Suite proficient
- Google Workspace proficient
- Telecoms Software Programs: Panasonic, IPECS, Wildix, Siemens, Cisco
- Hub Spot, Pink Chilli, Good Lord, ConnectWise
- Discretion handling
- High-Level confidentiality
Custom
- Road cycling
- Sports enthusiast
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Walking trips
- Future Fitness Course Level 3 PT Training & Nutritionist Qualification
Affiliations
- Road cycling
- Yoga and Meditation
- Hiking
Certification
Level 3 Personal Trainer Coach and Nutritionist
Certifications in Training on Telephone Systems. Cisco, Siemens, Panasonic, IPECS Cloud
Beauty Therapist
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Lead Implementation & Product Tester
Make Time Count
09.2023 - 03.2025
Office Assistant, Lettings Coordinator
Young Lee Lettings
06.2022 - 08.2023
Telecom Sales Executive
The Chalvington Group Ltd
09.2019 - 05.2022
Southeast Sales and Showroom Manager
RK Doors Ltd
01.2014 - 08.2019
Marketing Executive
Internorm Windows UK Ltd
12.2013 - 12.2014
Project Manager and Trainer
Various Telecommunication Dealerships (own business)
08.1997 - 12.2013
Personal Assistant to CEO
Cable & Wireless Worldwide Plc – Videotron
06.1993 - 07.1997
Office Manager and PA to Director
Nelson Bakewell Ltd
02.1991 - 05.1993
HR Assistant PA to HR Director
Cluttons
12.1990 - 01.1991
Personal Assistant to Retail Managing Director
British Airways Enterprises
05.1989 - 11.1990
Personal Assistant to Managing Director
Toppan Printing
02.1987 - 04.1989
GCSEs -
Cavendish Secondary School
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