Susan Bannon
Thurles,Co. Tipperary
Summary
Experienced leader with a strong track record in stakeholder influence and business development. Expertise in training programs, performance management and CRM software utilization. Proven ability to optimize sales funnels and deliver compelling presentations. Committed to excellence and continuous professional growth.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
14087
14087
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Retirement Solutions BDM/Worksite Account Manager
Irish Life Financial Services
2020.03 - 2026.01
- Development Manager supporting the Retirement Solutions agenda across Financial Planning with responsibility for Worksite & Advice Team channels.
- Integral member of Retail Retirement Solutions team providing support on projects and research to help develop the overall Retirement Solutions agenda & to support success of business KPIs.
- Established Lead Processes for ES/AS lead flows ensuring adequate quantities but also increasing levels of quality
- Data Reporting & Margin reporting.
- Key contributor to the development of new processes & tools e.g., Digital Worksite Fact Find & Booking App, Point of Retirement Digital Advice tool, Retirement Readiness digital app, Lead Management System, Point of Retirement Accreditation programme.
- Onboarding of new advisers & continued development & support for existing advisers
- Sales Excellence – Upskilling, Training PODs, Point of Sale observations, Mystery shop observations.
- Implementation – Embed digital tools & increase usage
- Risk Management & Control
Account Manager Ptsb Channel
ILFS
2017.03 - 2020.03
- Account Manager for area South (East & West), team of 12 advisers
- Responsibility for advice standards ensuring all areas maintained & within compliance and regulatory requirements.
- Sales Excellence – Upskilling, Training PODs, Point of Sale observations, Mystery shop observations.
- Weekly sales reporting for team
- Strong presence throughout Ptsb South branch network liaising with key stakeholders and being an available support as required, enabling training for staff members, branch marketing etc.
Financial Planning Adviser
ILFS (AIB Channel)
2015.02 - 2017.03
- Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders in AIB and Irish Life.
- Promoted Irish Life advice process and products to enhance client engagement.
- Achieved targets while upholding professional standards and ensuring compliance.
- Monitored and reported on all business activities to peers and management.
- Negotiated effectively with stakeholders to drive commercial success.
- Coached branch staff to generate high-quality referrals.
- Consistently exceeded targets, achieving between 117% and 166% across investment, protection, and pension products.
Asst. Manager/Senior Sales Adviser
Ptsb
2008.07 - 2015.02
- Generated and executed sales from lead to fulfilment across all banking products including deposits, personal lending, insurances, and mortgages.
- Developed innovative business ideas and sales campaigns to achieve targets and standards.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements and company policy during all sales activities.
- Cultivated relationships with key customers, both business and personal.
- Trained and mentored branch staff on products through presentations and updates.
- Monitored weekly business levels, tracking margins against targets and new retained funds.
- Drove new business development through effective sales campaigns, self-generated appointments, and cross-sales initiatives.
Manager
EBS Building Society Agency, Thurles S.C.
Thurles, Co. Tipperary
2004.01 - 2008.07
- Achieved branch targets through strategic management and performance evaluation.
- Recruited, trained, and developed staff for career progression.
- Managed a team of five, establishing KPI metrics and assessing performance.
- Liaised with key stakeholders to ensure effective communication and business updates.
- Organised local marketing events, including business breakfasts and evening seminars.
- Secured new business while monitoring existing levels and commission rates.
- Executed sales from lead generation to fulfilment across various financial products.
Senior mortgage advisor
EBS Building Society Agency, Thurles S.C.
Thurles, Co. Tipperary
2000.09 - 2003.12
- Educated clients on mortgage products to facilitate informed decision-making.
- Ensured transparency in dealings, fostering trust and long-term client relationships.
- Established strong partnerships with lenders to negotiate favourable deals.
- Collaborated with legal teams to ensure smooth property transactions.
- Managed high-volume caseloads while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
- Streamlined communication between lenders, solicitors, and estate agents for efficient transactions.
- Produced accurate documentation promptly, minimising delays in lending processes.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards across all procedures.
Bank Official
TSB Bank
Blackrock, Dublin
1997.11 - 2000.08
- Working in all areas of branch banking from Teller Cash Duties to Foreign Exchange, Lending & Customer Service.
Credit Control Clerk
C & C Wholesale Ltd.
Thurles, Co. Tipperary
1995.01 - 1997.10
- Administration duties, collection of unpaid debts through calls to customers, liaising with Sales Reps re customer accounts, recording of sales receipts and payments. Issuing correspondence re outstanding debts.
Education
Responsible Investment Adviser -
LIA/Responsible Investments Institute
Certificate - Asset Management (SIA)
University College Dublin
Certificate - Retirement Planning (RPA)
LIA
Personal Financial Planning Diploma (PFP) -
National College of Ireland
Qualified Financial Adviser Diploma (QFA) -
University College Dublin
Pensions Foundation Course -
IIPM
N.C.V.A Business Administration Level 2 -
National Council For Vocational Awards
Skills
- Leadership capabilities
- Analytical thinking
- Integrity and trustworthiness
- Influencing stakeholders effectively
- Business development initiatives
- Training and development programs
- Performance management techniques
- Effective communication skills
- Ability to perform under pressure
- Proficiency in CRM software
- Presentation delivery and design
- Sales funnel optimization
Accomplishments
2020-2024 – 3 CPRA service award nominations
2016 & 2015 – Financial Planning Customer First Award – nominated & awarded for exemplary service to customers.
2016 & 2015 – AIB Area South Top Performing Financial Planning Advisor award - Top Placement in region
2009 – Ptsb Susan Drohan National Award Winner for Excellence in Customer Services.
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
- Professional Membership: Life Insurance Association Ireland (LIA)
- Treasurer of Parents Associate, Colaiste Mhuire, Thurles
- References available on request
Timeline
Retirement Solutions BDM/Worksite Account Manager
Irish Life Financial Services
2020.03 - 2026.01
Account Manager Ptsb Channel
ILFS
2017.03 - 2020.03
Financial Planning Adviser
ILFS (AIB Channel)
2015.02 - 2017.03
Asst. Manager/Senior Sales Adviser
Ptsb
2008.07 - 2015.02
Manager
EBS Building Society Agency, Thurles S.C.
2004.01 - 2008.07
Senior mortgage advisor
EBS Building Society Agency, Thurles S.C.
2000.09 - 2003.12
Bank Official
TSB Bank
1997.11 - 2000.08
Credit Control Clerk
C & C Wholesale Ltd.
1995.01 - 1997.10
Responsible Investment Adviser -
LIA/Responsible Investments Institute
Certificate - Asset Management (SIA)
University College Dublin
Certificate - Retirement Planning (RPA)
LIA
Personal Financial Planning Diploma (PFP) -
National College of Ireland
Qualified Financial Adviser Diploma (QFA) -
University College Dublin
Pensions Foundation Course -
IIPM
N.C.V.A Business Administration Level 2 -
National Council For Vocational Awards