Kate Finlan
Somerford,United Kingdom
Summary
A skilled operations leader with expertise in staff training and development, adept at building strong client and vendor relations. Demonstrates excellent communication skills and possesses a thorough understanding of System Management & Contracting. Committed to leveraging these competencies to drive organisational success and foster professional growth within the industry.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work history
Product Load & Build / Operations Manager
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Manchester
2024.04 - Current
- Manage the loading, communication and storage of pricing and promotions to allow internal and external partners to book products efficiently and accurately.
- Develop in depth knowledge of systems, to ensure quick accurate and clear product build, including management of product expiry dates internally.
- Ensure of consistency within the product build and identify areas for improvement.
- Troubleshoot and implement improvements.
- Oversee supplier contracts and build on relationships with partners to ensure external products are competitive.
- Ensure all itineraries are accurate for River, Ocean and Land products, working closely with Marketing Product Descriptions.
- Manage website content.
- Support and work closely with the Reservations teams to ensure promotions are understood.
- Work closely with the Commercial Team and provide feedback on initiatives presented by the Marketing Teams.
- Identify opportunities to create new bespoke itineraries within the portfolio to bring to market.
- Communicate information clearly and thoroughly to the wider business.
- Ensure all deadlines are met.
Yacht Charter Executive
Island Sailing
Twemlow
2023.01 - 2023.11
- Assisting with and handling current client yacht charters.
- Handling new yacht charter booking enquiries.
- Assisting with clients pre charter requests and questions.
- Pre-charter documentation checks.
- Liaise with overseas operators and crew.
- Ensure all booking forms and booking statements are issued correctly including supplier invoices.
- Update charter information to the relevant platforms.
- Update yacht availability and pricing to website and in-house system.
- Select imagery and information for new yachts.
- Update supplier contracts, terms and conditions.
- Assist with related marketing and business development.
- General office organisation and administration.
Product / Operations
Travelbeam Luxury Holidays
Wilmslow
2018.04 - 2022.12
- Manage and implement a portfolio of Luxury Hotel contracts.
- Oversee product data loading to office system.
- Dolphin Office for Tour Operators.
- Knowledge of Excel & Word.
- Monitor Special Offer and Website content.
- Select Imagery for brochure content or Marketing purposes.
- Support Sales Team with current campaigns / contract calculations or queries.
- Enhance Sales Revenue.
- Build strong rapports / working relationships with hotel Sales Managers.
- Personal experience of high end products.
Senior Business Travel Consultant
Corporate Travel Management, Travelbeam Corporate Travel
Altrincham
2002.07 - 2009.05
- Provide Flight, Hotel, Car Hire & Visa service to Corporate Accounts.
- GDS knowledge of Worldspan.
- Elgar & Evolvi.
- Knowledge of Dolphin office system.
- Service existing accounts to the highest standard with attention to detail.
- Generate new business / leads.
- Manage a small team of Business Travel Consultants.
- Handle private Air Charter for VIP / Sports Personalities.
Business Banking Customer Service Advisor
The Co-operative Bank
Stockport
2001.06 - 2002.07
- Handle the set up of new instruction mandates.
- Action Bill Payments, Standing Order and Direct Debit requests.
- Assist with general enquiries.
- Maintain SLA standards and weekly targets.
- Merchant Acquiring Negotiation.
- Risk Assessment.
Assistant Manager
Travelworld
Holmes Chapel
2000.03 - 2001.06
- Responsible for promoting Sales / Offers.
- Maintain a competitive sales window.
- Motivate and monitor members of staff to achieve sales goals.
- Handle / delegate administration.
- Order and handle Foreign Currency.
- Daily Banking duties.
Trainee
Travelworld
Northwich
1998.08 - 2000.03
- Responsible for ticket checking.
- Window poster design.
- Brochure stacking / re-stock.
Education
Hartford High School
Skills
- Operations Leadership Staff Training / Development
- Build Client / Vendor Relations
- Good Communicator
- Good knowledge of Dolphin Dynamics
- Hotel Contract Knowledge
Timeline
Product Load & Build / Operations Manager
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
2024.04 - Current
Yacht Charter Executive
Island Sailing
2023.01 - 2023.11
Product / Operations
Travelbeam Luxury Holidays
2018.04 - 2022.12
Senior Business Travel Consultant
Corporate Travel Management, Travelbeam Corporate Travel
2002.07 - 2009.05
Business Banking Customer Service Advisor
The Co-operative Bank
2001.06 - 2002.07
Assistant Manager
Travelworld
2000.03 - 2001.06
Trainee
Travelworld
1998.08 - 2000.03
Hartford High School