Maxine Bowen
Belfast
Summary
A versatile and highly organised professional with a diverse career spanning education, pastoral leadership, retail management, finance, and senior executive support. Within the educational sector, I have gained extensive experience in Boarding and Sixth Form environments as an Assistant Head of Boarding, Boarding Master, and Sixth Form Study Supervisor. In these roles, I continue to provide strong pastoral care, safeguarding, and academic support, whilst fostering independence, discipline, and wellbeing. Moreover, I bring commercial and administrative expertise from roles as an Account Clerk, Gift Shop Owner, Retail Manager, and PA to a Company Director. Such roles afforded me the opportunity to demonstrate strong financial acumen, customer service, staff leadership, diary and operations management, and discretion at senior level. I have a calm, adaptable approach, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively across people-centred and fast-paced environments.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
4001
4001
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Sixth Form Study Supervisor
Campbell College
Belfast
2023.08 - 2026.03
- In the role of Sixth Form Study Supervisor at Campbell College, responsibilities include overseeing the academic progress and wellbeing of students during their study periods. There are 135 boys in Year 14, studying A-Levels. This involves creating a supportive environment that promotes focused learning and engagement. Regular monitoring of student attendance and performance is essential, as is aiding with study techniques and resources. Collaborating with teaching staff to address any academic or behavioural issues is also a key aspect of this position.
Academic Tutor
Campbell College
Belfast
2021.08 - 2026.03
- In the role of Academic Tutor at Campbell College, I strive to be a dedicated and reflective educator committed to supporting the academic progress, personal development, and wellbeing of pupils within the college’s tutorial and pastoral framework. As an Academic Tutor I play a key role in monitoring academic performance, setting high expectations, and providing guidance that enables pupils to achieve their potential across the curriculum. Working closely with Heads of Department, pastoral staff, and parents, I support effective study habits, organisation, and motivation, while fostering independence, resilience, and integrity. The role contributes to the College’s tradition of academic excellence and holistic education, ensuring pupils are well prepared for examinations, further education, and life beyond Campbell.
Boarding Master
Campbell College
Belfast
2020.08 - 2026.03
- In the role of Boarding Master at Campbell College, responsibilities encompass the welfare and support of boarding students. These include managing daily routines, organising activities and addressing any concerns that may arise. Ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for students is paramount, alongside promoting personal development and social skills. A close partnership with parents and staff is essential to facilitate a holistic approach to student care.
Assistant Head of Boarding
Campbell College
Belfast
2025.05 - 2025.12
- In the role of Assistant Head of Boarding at Campbell College, I aimed to be a committed and student-centred boarding professional, supporting high-quality pastoral care within a traditional yet forward-looking boarding environment. I feel my prior experience as a Boarding Master made me well suited to Campbell College’s strong boarding ethos, with a clear understanding of the importance of structure, community, and individual care in supporting the boys to thrive academically and personally. I assisted the Head of Boarding with the effective day-to-day running of the junior boarding house, including safeguarding, behaviour management, staff collaboration, and student wellbeing. I provided a calm, approachable leadership style, a strong commitment to the College’s values of Respect, Service and Leadership, and a genuine enthusiasm for contributing to the life of the wider boarding and school community. This was a temporary maternity cover role.
Classroom Assistant
Campbell College
Belfast
2019.08 - 2023.08
- As a Classroom Assistant at Campbell College, the focus was on supporting teachers in the classroom by facilitating students’ learning experiences. This included providing individual support to students, assisting in the classroom as required with group work, practical work or other routine tasks and encouraging student participation and engagement, thus contributing to a positive classroom atmosphere. The role fostered an environment whereby students could thrive both socially and academically.
Gift Shop Proprietor
Self-employed
Belfast
2011.11 - 2019.06
- As the owner of a small gift shop for eight years I was responsible for all aspects of the business. This included attending trade shows to buy products, merchandising, welcoming clients and interacting professionally with staff and the public, adhering to policies and procedures for smooth daily operations and both payroll and book-keeping for the business. It was a role that required flexibility in dealing with changing demands and requirements to consistently meet objectives and ensure the business was profitable.
Accounts Clerk
Crown Isle Golf Resort
Courtenay, Canada
2004.08 - 2011.06
- Following a move to Vancouver Island, Canada, I was in this part-time role for seven years. My responsibilities included managing all the accounts receivable associated with golf club memberships, villas and hotel rooms and trade accounts. I developed proficiency in Microsoft Excel and used these skills regularly in this role. I communicated daily with the accountant and CEO of the resort to complete tasks as directed, always adhering to policies and procedures, protecting information and maintaining confidentiality.
Retail Store Manager
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets
Northern Ireland, London, Leeds
1998.08 - 2004.06
- In this role I initially began as a Graduate Trainee Manager and received training across all areas of the business within six stores in Northern Ireland including new store openings. The progression was to Department Manager followed by Deputy Store Manager, following a year-long secondment in London, where I was PA to one of Sainsbury’s Retail Directors. The store management role involved planning and leading the daily operations, constantly striving to increase store sales and profitability, whilst maintaining customer loyalty and staff retention. As PA to Sainsbury’s Retail Director, I played a key role in supporting a senior executive responsible for store operations and retail performance. The role combined high-level administrative support, coordination, always with a professional approach, in a fast-paced retail environment.
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - Retail and Business Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
BSc - Food Technology 2:1
Queen’s University Belfast
GCSE and A LEVEL - Biology, Chemistry and French
Ballymena Academy
/1988 - /1995
Skills
Pastoral Care
Team Collaboration
Communicating
Interpersonal skills
Leadership skills
Organisational Skills
Time Management
Diplomatic & Fair
Fostering Relationships
Affiliations
- Pickleball - I enjoy playing regularly both as part of a club and competitively, in tournaments across Ireland.
Languages
French
Elementary
Certification
Cyber Security Training for School Staff (NCSC) (January 2026)
Safeguarding and Child Protection (Aug 2025)
FAA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF) (May 2025)
BSA Course: Supporting Boarders with Homesickness (October 2024)
Timeline
Assistant Head of Boarding
Campbell College
2025.05 - 2025.12
Sixth Form Study Supervisor
Campbell College
2023.08 - 2026.03
Academic Tutor
Campbell College
2021.08 - 2026.03
Boarding Master
Campbell College
2020.08 - 2026.03
Classroom Assistant
Campbell College
2019.08 - 2023.08
Gift Shop Proprietor
Self-employed
2011.11 - 2019.06
Accounts Clerk
Crown Isle Golf Resort
2004.08 - 2011.06
Retail Store Manager
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets
1998.08 - 2004.06
GCSE and A LEVEL - Biology, Chemistry and French
Ballymena Academy
/1988 - /1995
Certificate of Higher Education - Retail and Business Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
BSc - Food Technology 2:1
Queen’s University Belfast