Elizabeth Boyden

After finishing my tenure with Ernest Hillier Chocolates, the website I developed and maintained for them, Hillier's Direct, was transformed into Australian Chocolate Emporium. The online store was operated from home for 18 months, until I ran out of space. At this point I open a retail store, where I continued to operate the online business with shipping from the rear of the premises.

• Expanded the range from 50 products to 400+ over time
• Focused on premium Australian based manufacturers
• Grew the database and strengthened client relationships with regular communication, innovative marketing promotions high-quality service
• Expanded market presence through successful negotiation of key partnerships and cross promotions.
• Created product recall by becoming a category killer in seasonal products (i.e. 'Welcome to Bilby Central' at Easter time).
• Became one of Australia's top retailers of seasonal products amongst small business sector.
• Product photography, website management, CRM all updated on a weekly basis

My role as National Account Manager encompassed clients such as David Jones, Myer, Harris Scarfe and Priceline. In 2011, I suggested management that should build an online store. After some negotiation, it was agreed they would rebuild their corporate website and the link to the online store come through to an site that I would solely manage. I mirrored the look and functionality of my online store to be a seamless experience fo the browser.

• Built strong relationships with key clients for improved customer satisfaction and long-term retention.
• Strengthened relationships with key clients by maintaining consistent communication and providing tailored solutions.
• Coordinated regular meetings with national accounts to review performance metrics, address concerns, and discuss potential areas of improvement.
• Conducted thorough market analyses to identify potential growth opportunities within the national account base.
• Managed, supported and grew business relationships with existing accounts and developed strategies to increase sales and revenue.
• Provided product demonstrations to share features, answer questions and overcome concerns.
• Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
• Increased national account sales by developing products tailored to specific demographics.

The role encompassed management of the 6 VIC stores, pus the newly opened Sydney store. The role called for creating a close relationship with all store managers to ensure corporate requirements were upheld and sales targets were achieved.

In 2008 I approached the executive team with the idea of developing an online store. Whilst they agreed it was a strategy they needed to adopt, the time wasn't right and they didn't want to put too much pressure on the factory.

• Boosted sales performance by implementing strategic marketing initiatives and effective merchandising displays.
• Reduced inventory shrinkage through diligent management, staff training, and regular audits.
• Increased employee retention with comprehensive recruitment processes, ongoing mentoring, and a positive work environment.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly, implementing feedback-driven improvements, and fostering a service-oriented team culture.
• Collaborated with senior management to develop successful promotional campaigns that drove foot traffic and boosted sales.
• Developed high-performing teams through continuous coaching, performance evaluations, and tailored development plans.
• Managed budget allocations effectively to ensure adequate staffing levels and sufficient inventory without overspending.
• Implemented loss prevention measures that reduced theft incidents while maintaining a welcoming shopping environment for customers.
• Fostered a collaborative atmosphere among store teams within the region to promote knowledge sharing and mutual support.
• Monitored key performance indicators closely to make proactive adjustments as needed to stay on track towards regional goals.
• Ensured compliance with corporate policies and local regulations by conducting regular store audits and addressing any discrepancies promptly.
• Mentored store managers to develop long-term succession plans, fostering a strong pipeline of leadership talent within the region.
• Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
• Trained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.
• Mentored team members to enhance professional development and accountability in workplace.
• Maintained company's visual merchandise standards through general housekeeping and planograms.
• Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
• Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
• Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal resource allocation for maximum return on investment.