Tawera Merrilees-Horne
Annandale,NSW
Summary
A versatile and results-driven leader with a proven track record of success in dynamic industries, including media, home services, and sales. I specialize in building and coaching high-performing teams, optimizing operational efficiency, and driving strategic growth.
My unique expertise spans both the creative demands of radio broadcasting and news delivery, and the technical requirements of property compliance and insulation. I am adept at leading complex projects, from managing a radio station's full production cycle to overseeing the complete healthy homes assessment and remedial process for properties.
Known for my strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and unwavering commitment to excellence, I am a leader who delivers exceptional results and fosters a positive, productive work environment.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
In-house Sales Team Leader
Compact Home Lifts
01.2025 - 07.2025
- Led and mentored the Inquiry and Unsold Teams to consistently achieve and exceed sales targets.
- Implemented and enforced rigorous accountability standards for phone calls and lead management, ensuring comprehensive data logging and high-quality follow-up.
- Utilized data-driven insights from Simpro and Power BI to monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and inform strategic decisions in weekly management meetings.
- Coached team members on advanced sales techniques, including lead qualification, objection handling, and creating a sense of urgency, which significantly boosted conversion rates.
Radio Broadcaster & Professional News Reader
Aotearoa Media
09.2023 - 09.2024
- Directed all aspects of radio station operations, including content production, scheduling, and distribution, ensuring high-quality, engaging broadcasts.
- Provided live on-air commentary and analysis, and concurrently served as a professional news reader, delivering timely and accurate news to the audience.
- Developed and executed strategic plans that contributed to the station's long-term growth and enhanced its market presence.
- Introduced new technologies and training programs that streamlined workflows and improved overall departmental efficiency.
Director
AssessPro New Zealand
07.2022 - 09.2024
- Orchestrated and executed strategic initiatives focused on achieving and maintaining compliance with New Zealand's Healthy Homes Standards.
- Directed a comprehensive customer service program, providing full property audits across all five standards and ensuring exceptional client satisfaction.
- Managed the entire remedial work process, from sourcing qualified suppliers to overseeing project completion, ensuring properties met all required standards.
- Oversaw all financial planning and budgeting, and led professional teams through focused training and performance management to meet company objectives.
General Manager
Certified Insulation
04.2021 - 07.2022
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of strategies that drove significant improvements in operational efficiency, revenue growth, and profitability.
- Managed all facets of business operations, including marketing, finance, customer service, and human resources.
- Established and enforced company-wide policies and procedures to ensure full compliance with industry regulations and standards.
- Effectively managed budgets and resources, while fostering strong client relationships to ensure superior customer service and satisfaction.
Healthy Homes Assessor
Greenside Energy Solutions
07.2020 - 04.2021
- Coordinated and conducted detailed Healthy Homes Assessments, performing full internal and external audits to ensure properties complied with the Residential Tenancies Act.
- Provided expert advice to clients on assessment findings and scheduled appointments efficiently, managing all associated documentation and paperwork.
- Played a crucial role in helping landlords avoid financial penalties by ensuring their properties were healthy and safe for tenants.
Operations Support
Eco Insulation
07.2018 - 07.2020
- Planned and supervised all insulation operations, including scheduling, inventory management, quality control, and safety protocols.
- Optimized production processes to maximize the efficient use of labor and materials, ensuring projects were completed on time and to the highest standards.
- Developed and implemented new policies and procedures that significantly enhanced efficiency and safety across the business.
- Led and trained a cohesive team, ensuring all customer requirements were met and any complaints were resolved effectively.
Home Energy Assessor
Elite Insulation
01.2017 - 07.2018
- Consistently exceeded sales quotas and targets by educating clients on the benefits of insulation and identifying tailored solutions to meet their needs.
- Prepared and presented accurate quotes to customers, clearly explaining costs and the installation process.
- Proactively followed up and nurtured leads, successfully converting them into sales.
NZ Services Specialist
Youi Insurance
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Generated new business and sales opportunities through a combination of networking, referrals, and cold calling.
- Achieved and surpassed sales targets by effectively explaining complex insurance products and benefits to a diverse client base.
- Provided outstanding customer service and support, while staying current with industry trends and regulations.
Education
Diploma - Content Creation (Broadcasting)
Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi
Auckland, NZ08-2024
Certificate - Automotive Engineering
Manukau Institute of Technology
Auckland, NZ01-2013
Skills
- Leadership & Management:
- Strategic Planning & Execution, Team Leadership & Coaching, Operational Oversight & Optimization, Performance Management, Budgeting & Financial Monitoring
- Industry-Specific Expertise:
- Healthy Homes Standards & Compliance Audits, Insulation and Remedial Project Management, Radio Broadcasting & Media Production, Professional News Reading & Content Creation, Sales Pipeline & Lead Management
- General & Interpersonal:
- Data Analysis (Power BI, Simpro), Effective Time Management, Strong Communication & Negotiation, Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking, Conflict Resolution, Customer Relationship Management
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Maori
Limited Working
Interests
- Video Gaming
- Martial Arts
- Hiking
Timeline
In-house Sales Team Leader
Compact Home Lifts
01.2025 - 07.2025
Radio Broadcaster & Professional News Reader
Aotearoa Media
09.2023 - 09.2024
Director
AssessPro New Zealand
07.2022 - 09.2024
General Manager
Certified Insulation
04.2021 - 07.2022
Healthy Homes Assessor
Greenside Energy Solutions
07.2020 - 04.2021
Operations Support
Eco Insulation
07.2018 - 07.2020
Home Energy Assessor
Elite Insulation
01.2017 - 07.2018
NZ Services Specialist
Youi Insurance
01.2015 - 01.2017
Diploma - Content Creation (Broadcasting)
Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi
Certificate - Automotive Engineering
Manukau Institute of Technology
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