Hilary Norman
South Arm,TAS
Summary
Experienced interior design professional committed to delivering innovative and detail-driven designs. Track record of creating visually appealing spaces that meet client needs and exceed expectations. Strong collaborative skills and adaptability contribute to successful project outcomes. Expertise includes color theory, spatial planning, and client engagement.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Sales Interior Decorator
Freedom Furniture
Hobart, TAS
02.2018 - Current
Interior design and client consultation. Sales driven role that builds rapport and relationships to cultivate on going business.
- Advised clients on styles, layouts, budgets, and overall designs.
- Streamlined project execution by maintaining clear communication between clients, suppliers, and team members.
- Met with clients to discuss project scope and desires for spaces.
- Maintained knowledge of constantly changing interior design trends and products.
- Prepared invoices and handled payment processing for clients and suppliers.
- Documented costs, tracked purchases and administered client budgets.
- Decorated corporate spaces according to established brand and company goals.
- Developed space planning concepts, color palette selections, and textile presentations.
Showroom & Project Manager
Hobart Kitchen Centre
New Town, TAS
11.2016 - 09.2017
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout the engagement process.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing quality materials at competitive prices for efficient use of resources.
Store Manager
Mimco/CRG
Hobart, TAS
09.2015 - 11.2016
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, ensuring they were well-equipped to excel in their roles from day one.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Managed financial aspects of store operations, including budget planning, expense tracking, and accurate record-keeping to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Collaborated with other managers to develop company-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall performance across all locations.
Store Support Manager
Freedom Furniture
01.2014 - 09.2015
Operations Manager
Freedom Furniture
02.2010 - 12.2013
Visual Merchandiser
Freedom Furniture
07.2007 - 02.2010
Sales Assistant
Freedom Furniture
01.2005 - 07.2007
Assistant Manager & Receiving Clerk
Fullers Bookshop
07.2002 - 12.2004
Education
Diploma - Event Management
Fitzwilliam Institute Group
01.2010
Bachelor - Visual Communication
University of Tasmania
01.2009
Skills
- A passion for excellence with the capacity to conceptualise, think creatively and have an innovative attention to detail
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the capacity to engage others to deliver quality outcomes
- A strategic thinker with high-level business and planning experience across diverse and complex retail and design business units, driven to create practical solutions, which directly increase business outcomes
- Utilising strong computer application capabilities in Excel, Word, Outlook and various in house POS and intranet systems with proven skills in applying technologies to maximise performance
Current Role Details
- On returning to work after maternity leave in 2018 I was given a part time role as the Interior Decorator back at the Freedom Furniture Hobart store that has given my family and myself a wonderful work life balance.
- As I have had so many various management and key roles with this organisation I have been able to help all sectors of the business and supported managers and staff to reach their full potential. These include attention to design lead sales and working one on one with clients to achieve sales and curated spaces, high level of store presentation and visual merchandising. By using effective communication with clear information and strategic goals to meet targets and KPI’s I have seen great results.
- My role as the Interior Decorator gives me the opportunity to project manager customers needs and once designs, floor plans and timelines locked in then the process of arranging stock, logistics and deliveries to reach the desired outcome for all parties.
- I have been hands on in training new staff with POS and computer systems as well as product knowledge and store procedures to build a strong and fun team environment. Keeping up to date with new looks, products and being able to give both customers and colleagues that information is essential in such a competitive retail market.
Previous Role
- Showroom and Project Manager
- Hobart Kitchen Centre, TAS
- Nov 2016 – Sept 2017
- Meeting and greeting along with taking initial details from both walk in customers and returning or existing clients was the a key aspect to my role with the Hobart Kitchen Centre.
- Taking incoming telephone calls, emails and online requests for information of services and booking of measure and quotes with the designers.
- Liaising with designers, the factory and clients needed clear communication, which meant schedules were adhered to.
- Banking and payment reconciliation and making sure payments were allocated to current and correct contracts, clients were issued with receipts for these recorded payments.
- Set up and starting drawings for designers with job names and numbers, and sales contracts for clients to check and sign off which required clear and direct communication with clients and designers to make sure all specifications, drawings and finishes were correct for the factory to manufacture.
- Booking in jobs for delivery on both supply only and installation with both the factory and clients, ensuring all times was correct and suitable for all parties.
- Working with reps to make sure all samples were current and replenished and showcasing the most popular samples, brochures and colours were available for people to select and take with them especially when they were coordinating with other finishes and colour ways.
Professional Development
- 2012 Web Design Design College Australia, Brisbane
- 2011/12 Manager In Training Freedom Furniture, Sydney
- 2004 Interior Design TAFE, Hobart
- 2001 Communications Course Monsoon Accessorize, London
- 1999 Food & Beverage Course Drysdale, Hobart
- 1998/9 Diploma of Fashion TAFE, Hobart
Timeline
Senior Sales Interior Decorator
Freedom Furniture
02.2018 - Current
Showroom & Project Manager
Hobart Kitchen Centre
11.2016 - 09.2017
Store Manager
Mimco/CRG
09.2015 - 11.2016
Store Support Manager
Freedom Furniture
01.2014 - 09.2015
Operations Manager
Freedom Furniture
02.2010 - 12.2013
Visual Merchandiser
Freedom Furniture
07.2007 - 02.2010
Sales Assistant
Freedom Furniture
01.2005 - 07.2007
Assistant Manager & Receiving Clerk
Fullers Bookshop
07.2002 - 12.2004
Diploma - Event Management
Fitzwilliam Institute Group
Bachelor - Visual Communication
University of Tasmania