Rowan Bruce
Canterbury,Australia
Summary
As a consummate people person, my career in the customer service industry commenced at the age of 15 and has since flourished through a diverse range of experiences. From the humble beginnings of managing supermarket trolleys, I've ascended through the ranks, serving pints and eventually elevating to the luxurious realms of private jets and casino penthouses. Currently, as a proud member of the William Grant & Sons family, I've honed my ability to engage with individuals daily, embodying and amplifying our 'rare character' ethos. I am eager to bring my wealth of interpersonal skills and customer-centric approach to the the UK. There, I look forward to not only demonstrating my expertise but also to collaborating with the team, imparting my knowledge, and embracing the opportunity to expand my skill set further and learning as much as I can from the team whilst working along side them.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Manager
William Grant & Sons
02.2023 - Current
- Area Manager for the North West district of Melbourne
- Since taking the position 15 months ago I have been one of the top performers in the country delivering a current growth of 35% in both on and off premise
- Delivering sales and profit targets in my territory within budget, executing pricing strategies
- I take particular joy in activating brands in a unique and disruptive way via a variety of out of the box approaches with a general love for all products in our WG&S portfolio
- I have been part of the worldwide launch of Greatvines and Powerbi and have been a key figure and "go to" for all troubleshoots and helping everyone with turning all data and insights into sales call wins
- I was also the lucky recipient of the "Rookie of the Year" for 2023
Business Development + Key Accounts
Wolf of the Willows
12.2017 - 01.2023
- Key Accounts manager for Victoria along with managing NSW, QLD and SA key groups
- Identifying and cultivating relationships with local bars, restaurants, and retailers to expand the craft beer portfolio with day to day sales
- Designed and implemented innovative marketing strategies, including seasonal promotions and tasting events to increase visibility of brand in competitive market
- Launched company CRM system to track client interactions, follow-ups, and feedback, improving customer satisfaction and client retention
- Analyzed market trends and consumer preferences to develop accurate sales forecasts and projections
- Instrumental the nationwide rollout of in Coles Supermarket, effectively coordinating logistics, merchandising, and promotional strategies across 300 + stores stores.
Brand Ambassador/Sales Representative
Alchemy Distillers
11.2017 - 08.2018
- Launch of Alchemy Distillers in Australia, successfully building brand awareness and increasing market presence through strategic outreach and engaging tastings in local bars and events.
- Management of all area's of the distillery including day to day sales, invoicing, logistics and brand development
- Developed strong relationships with key accounts from the ground up targeting lighthouse venues with permanent cocktail features, on premise activations, incentives and ROS drivers
- Collaborated with marketing team to create targeted campaigns that highlighted unique product offerings, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty.
Account Manager/Butler
Luxico
01.2017 - 11.2017
- Cultivated strong relationships with high-profile clients, ensuring a seamless experience tailored to individual preferences and needs.
- Business development across HNW properties in NSW for private rental for VIP families/groups whilst in Australia
- Management and coordination of all clients needs both before and during stay including logistics, security, household staff and all ad hoc duties
- Personal butlering for HNW and celebrity clients upon request
- Management of all accounts, billing and contract negotiations between both owners and temporary custodians
Estate Manager
The Farm Yarra Valley
11.2015 - 12.2016
- Development of initial business concept and structure of The Farm
- Initial hiring of entire staff team and management across all avenues of the business from front of house, back of house, marketing and accounts
- Day to day running of the venue including all client meetings, contracts, billings and reconciling all payments
- Training of the F&B team including running all events
- Launching marketing campaigns across all social media platforms and marketing campaigns
House Manager
Private Residence
10.2014 - 11.2015
- Running all aspects of HNW family home in Toorak including staffing, shopping, fleet management, project management and accounts between home and family office.
Personal Assistant/Driver
Private Residence
03.2014 - 09.2014
- Six month contract for HNW businessman including all daily driving, personal expenses, travel and daily requirements.
House Manager
Private Residence
12.2012 - 03.2014
- Day to day running of HNW family home including staff management/training, errands, project management, driving, shopping, plane management and house accounts.
Butler Services Senior Executive/Assistant Operations Manager
The Star
09.2011 - 12.2012
- Day to day management of large team of butlers in charge of the 'Sovereign Room' at The Star
- Management of weekly rostering, staffing requirements
- Liaising with international marketing team for all inbound guests including booking and coordinating our private jets, staff, catering, security and transfers
- Maintaining established client profiles for all in house guests and returning to ensure seamless service
- Management of private liquor collection including sourcing of rare META products to have on hand from across the globe for both wine and spirits
- Management of all accounts and billing with all necessary parties across property
- Established SOP to cover all areas managed by the butlers for all tasks including checklists, photography and task breakdown in multiple languages to assist with all international butlers
Personal Assistant/Estate Manager/Tour Coordinator
Michael Buble Tour Manager
07.2006 - 10.2010
- Coordination of all day to day activities, shopping, cooking, accounts, staff management for manager's estate in Charlottesville
- Australasian tour coordinator for all accommodations, flights, security, transfers, local assistants/runners and on site contacts
Butler
Hayman Island
03.2006 - 06.2006
- Tailored on call care for all VIP guests staying on the island
- In charge of coordinating all food and beverage requirements on the island, housekeeping, day trips, transport and all bespoke requirements whilst in our care.
Education
Close Personal Protection Training -
Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville, Virginia01.2007
Diploma of Event and Tourism Management -
Melbourne Food and Beverage Academy
01.2002
Diploma of Hospitality Management -
Melbourne Food and Beverage Academy
01.2001
Certificate of Training -
Institute for Modern Butlers
Georgia, USA01.2001
Skills
- Building and fostering relationships
- Self Starter
- Door Smasher
- Out of the box approach
- Driven
- Sales
Timeline
Area Manager
William Grant & Sons
02.2023 - Current
Business Development + Key Accounts
Wolf of the Willows
12.2017 - 01.2023
Brand Ambassador/Sales Representative
Alchemy Distillers
11.2017 - 08.2018
Account Manager/Butler
Luxico
01.2017 - 11.2017
Estate Manager
The Farm Yarra Valley
11.2015 - 12.2016
House Manager
Private Residence
10.2014 - 11.2015
Personal Assistant/Driver
Private Residence
03.2014 - 09.2014
House Manager
Private Residence
12.2012 - 03.2014
Butler Services Senior Executive/Assistant Operations Manager
The Star
09.2011 - 12.2012
Personal Assistant/Estate Manager/Tour Coordinator
Michael Buble Tour Manager
07.2006 - 10.2010
Butler
Hayman Island
03.2006 - 06.2006
Close Personal Protection Training -
Charlottesville, VA
Diploma of Event and Tourism Management -
Melbourne Food and Beverage Academy
Diploma of Hospitality Management -
Melbourne Food and Beverage Academy
Certificate of Training -
Institute for Modern Butlers
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