Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Lesley Coombes

Holt,Wrexham

Summary

Accomplished professional with expertise in value proposition development, customer service excellence, and business development. Proven track record in process improvement and revenue growth strategies, leveraging skills in sales and marketing strategy, business continuity planning, and strategic account planning. Adept at client relationship management and value-added selling, with strong interpersonal communication and project management abilities. Committed to driving strategic planning initiatives and fostering resourcefulness to achieve organisational goals.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Relationship manager

ECITB
01.2018 - Current
  • Established strong client relationships by providing exceptional customer service.
  • Assisted in the development of marketing strategies for brand growth.
  • Identified potential risks, ensured proper risk management measures were in place.
  • Organised team meetings, facilitated effective communication among members.
  • Delivered tailored solutions creating positive client experiences.
  • Implemented innovative ideas for better relationship management practices.
  • Fostered a culture of open communication within the team promoting collaboration.
  • Focused on strategic planning for improved operational efficiency.
  • Streamlined internal procedures to increase productivity and efficiency levels.
  • Identified and developed new business opportunities, expanding existing client bases.
  • Built effective networks across business areas, fostering relationships based on mutual trust and encouraging collaboration.
  • Developed marketing campaigns to attract new clients.
  • Prepared engaging presentations to clients, showcasing value propositions and solutions.
  • Collaborated with internal stakeholders to optimise operational delivery.
  • Led cross-functional teams to implement client projects and initiatives.
  • Supported clients in setting clear financial goals with plans to achieve them.

Professional skills & Training Manager

Unilever
Wirral, Cheshire
09.2016 - 12.2018
  • Ensured compliance with industry standards through rigorous quality control checks on all training materials.
  • Identified skill gaps among workforce, enabling targeted training interventions.
  • Strengthened interdepartmental communication by promoting collaborative learning environments.
  • Conducted job role analyses to identify key areas for improvement.
  • Facilitated leadership development programmes for managerial success.
  • Collaborated with department heads to design role-specific trainings, enhancing work efficiency.
  • Monitored training budgets to ensure cost-effective delivery of services.
  • Aligned training objectives with business goals for streamlined operations.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of various training methods, leading to optimised learning experiences.
  • Streamlined onboarding process by designing an intensive induction programme for new hires.
  • Mentored team members to succeed and advance within department and company.
  • Monitored training costs to maintain budget.
  • Oversaw training courses and promotional paths for professionals and leaders.
  • Created training needs assessments to identify skills and knowledge gaps.
  • Worked with HR to evaluate training requirements and schedule onboarding sessions for new hires.
  • Reviewed training materials and curriculum to verify alignment with company standards and industry advancements.
  • Identified training needs by evaluating job positions and consulting with business managers.
  • Boosted employee performance, developing plans to facilitate cross-training between departments and roles.
  • Reported on training program needs and challenges, collaborating with management to address improvements.
  • Aligned training programmes with corporate objectives, meeting established metrics to drive growth.
  • Improved revenue by evaluating current processes and implementing efficiencies to maximise apprenticeship levy.
  • Analysed training requirements at individual, team and organisational level.
  • Formulated training and development programmes to capture measurable improvements for the manufacturing centre of excellence.
  • Tracked impact of training programmes against pre-established metrics.

Business development manager

Cogent Skills
Warrington, Cheshire
03.2015 - 05.2016
  • Delivered excellent customer service by addressing queries promptly and effectively.
  • Devised comprehensive business plans, enabling sustainable growth.
  • Implemented marketing initiatives for greater brand visibility.
  • Identified skills gaps, resulting in enhanced product offerings.
  • Secured new business opportunities by cultivating strong relationships with potential clients.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to align business goals and objectives.
  • Managed key accounts, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Developed strategic partnerships for sustained growth.
  • Identified opportunities to drive business growth, diversification and expansion.
  • Contacted and converted potential customers via telephone, email and in-person enquiries.
  • Influenced key decision-making and established trust with stakeholders.
  • Maintained client records in bespoke CRM systems, ensuring streamlined data processes for maximum efficiency.
  • Identified different areas to evaluate potential impact of new research findings for maximum ROI.
  • Defined business strategies and roadmaps to drive performance, promotions and marketing of BIS.
  • Maximised annual BIS funding with targeted sales and marketing strategy.

Business and commercial development manager

West Cheshire college
Ellesmere Port/Chester, Cheshire
06.2004 - 03.2015
  • Worked closely with executive leadership, providing insightful inputs on strategy formulation.
  • Fostered a highly collaborative team environment to optimise project outcomes.
  • Promoted knowledge sharing initiatives that boosted collective understanding within the organisation.
  • Drove digital transformation efforts leading towards increased operational efficiency.
  • Coordinated resource allocation efforts to maximise utilisation across multiple projects.
  • Executed organisational business proposals and contracts, designed to increase overall business expansion.
  • Oversaw the successful delivery of key projects, ensuring adherence to established timelines and budgets.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers that facilitated significant cost savings.
  • Developed comprehensive training programmes which significantly enhanced team skill sets.
  • Led multidisciplinary teams through complex project lifecycles, achieving timely completion of deliverables.
  • Established effective communication channels, fostering strong relationships amongst cross-functional teams.
  • Collaborated extensively with diverse stakeholders whilst maintaining focus on common objectives.
  • Secured stakeholder buy-in by expertly presenting and communicating project benefits.
  • Implemented cost-effective solutions for enhancing profitability with clients.
  • Identified training needs and implemented coaching to bridge knowledge and skill gaps.
  • Evaluated project progress and implemented tactics to achieve growth targets.
  • Set up knowledge-sharing initiatives and peer-to-peer learning to boost team development.
  • Designed strategies to contribute and enhance seamless workflows across different teams and departments.
  • Influenced key decision-making and established trust with stakeholders.
  • Reported to senior leadership on latest research on market insights, industry trends and expansion opportunities.
  • Consistently exceeded revenue targets through new account development.
  • Generated leads to bring in new client revenue and improve bottom-line profitability.
  • Identified opportunities to drive business growth, diversification and expansion.
  • Designed strategy to win new business and maximise selling opportunities among existing clients, achieving lucrative results.
  • Maintained client records in bespoke CRM systems, ensuring streamlined data processes for maximum efficiency.

Residential care manager

Cheshire County Council
Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire
08.1996 - 05.2004
  • Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
  • Displayed energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Delegated tasks efficiently to maximise productivity.
  • Led performance reviews, identified areas for improvement.
  • Facilitated staff training, enforcing safety regulations to reduce workplace accidents.
  • Monitored health and safety compliance measures for residents.
  • Handled service agencies to meet home needs.
  • Optimised service user outcomes by creating and implementing effective Service Improvement Plans (SIP).
  • Registered with Care Quality Commission (CQC).
  • Investigated issues affecting residents and corrected any problems.
  • Translated senior management directives into actionable objectives.
  • Supported residents' wellbeing by creating engaging recreational activities.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identified areas of improvement in service delivery.
  • Provided emotional support to residents and their families during difficult times.
  • Oversaw financial management of the facility, reduced unnecessary expenditures.
  • Established strong relationships with residents' families through clear communication channels.
  • Maintained detailed records of patients' medical histories; ensured accuracy in documentation.
  • Monitored medication administration, reducing incidents of errors.
  • Recruited and trained staff members for improved service provision.
  • Led multidisciplinary teams on complex cases, ensuring cohesive case management approach to each resident.
  • Created individualised care plans, ensuring personalised attention to each resident.
  • Liaised with healthcare professionals.
  • Constantly met care quality goals, ensuring optimal staffing levels through effective rota management.
  • Promoted individual wellbeing, verifying service users were safeguarded against abuse and neglect.
  • Created a safe environment for staff and service users, ensuring compliance with infection prevention policies across all tasks.
  • Supervised 12 care staff in enabling efficient daily operations in a 7 bed residential home.

Education

Mental health first aid

Centre of excellence
02.2024 - 02.2024

Practitioner training - Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapies

Mind Body Education
09.2020 - 09.2021

NVQ Level 5 - Leadership and Management

The University of Chester
Chester
03.2009 - 07.2010

NVQ Level 3 - Occupational health & safety

Liverpool city college
Liverpool
06.2008 - 06.2009

NVQ Level 4 - Information, Advice & Guidance

West Cheshire College
Chester, Cheshire
03.2006 - 03.2007

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/Theatre studies

Liverpool Hope University
Liverpool
07.1997 - 06.2000

Skills

  • Value proposition development
  • Active listening
  • Customer service excellence
  • Business development
  • Process Improvement
  • Revenue growth strategies
  • Sales and marketing strategy
  • Business continuity planning
  • Strategic account planning
  • Value-added selling
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Strategic planning
  • Resourcefulness
  • Project Management

Affiliations

  • Wellness, creative therapies, walking, outdoors, nature

Certification

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

IICT - International Institute of Complimentary Therapies

Mental Health First Aid UK

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Mental health first aid

Centre of excellence
02.2024 - 02.2024

Practitioner training - Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapies

Mind Body Education
09.2020 - 09.2021

Relationship manager

ECITB
01.2018 - Current

Professional skills & Training Manager

Unilever
09.2016 - 12.2018

Business development manager

Cogent Skills
03.2015 - 05.2016

NVQ Level 5 - Leadership and Management

The University of Chester
03.2009 - 07.2010

NVQ Level 3 - Occupational health & safety

Liverpool city college
06.2008 - 06.2009

NVQ Level 4 - Information, Advice & Guidance

West Cheshire College
03.2006 - 03.2007

Business and commercial development manager

West Cheshire college
06.2004 - 03.2015

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/Theatre studies

Liverpool Hope University
07.1997 - 06.2000

Residential care manager

Cheshire County Council
08.1996 - 05.2004
Lesley Coombes