Vanessa Coles
Byron Bay,NSW
Summary
Experienced professional with a diverse background in community management, sales, education, human resources, and hospitality. Proven track record of achieving results and delivering exceptional customer service. Seeking a vibrant, customer focused role to leverage my skills and expertise in a thriving local business. High-performing executive with experience in networking, marketing and crisis management. Adept in creating and implementing effective communication strategies. Collaborative and committed to nurturing relationships with stakeholders. Organised and dependable. Successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Community
Barcats, Hospitality Company
10.2022 - 04.2023
- Direct report to CEO; responsible for the growth of the under 18 side of the business
- Liaising with schools, hospitality venues, organisations and government
- Successfully trained and provided hospitality jobs for under 18s
- Led and managed a national team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture; whilst growing brand awareness
- Lobbied government for funding and policy development in hospitality for students
- Implemented innovative marketing strategies to enhance member engagement and satisfaction, resulting in a 18% increase in community participation
- Developed and executed community events, training and initiatives, driving member retention and loyalty
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and address member needs and business growth
- Unfortunately, with the impact of covid and subsequent economic downturn, many positions were shed across all teams and middle/senior management, my role being one of them. I was offered a payout.
Sales & Business Co-Owner
Atlas Byron Bay
02.2021 - 01.2022
- Co-owned and operated a successful real estate sales business, specialising in residential sales
- Built and maintained a strong client base through effective networking and referrals
- Negotiated and closed transactions, exceeding sales targets and generating substantial revenue
- Managed a team; customer expectations and built a good reputation in the local community
- Provided exceptional customer service, guiding clients through the buying and selling process with professionalism and expertise
Real Estate Agent
Atlas Lower North Shore
06.2018 - 02.2021
- Managed contracts, negotiations, and all aspects of sales to finalize purchases and exceed customer expectations.
- Negotiated, facilitated, and managed real estate transactions.
- Communicated with clients to understand property needs and preferences.
- Maintained connections with clients to encourage repeat business and referrals.
- Advised clients on market conditions and property value for informed decision-making.
- Conducted comprehensive market analysis to identify opportunities for investors.
- Liaised between buyers and sellers to provide positive experiences for both parties.
Real Estate Agent
Belle Property
10.2016 - 06.2018
- Managed contracts, negotiations, and all aspects of sales to finalize purchases and exceed customer expectations.
- Negotiated, facilitated, and managed real estate transactions.
- Communicated with clients to understand property needs and preferences.
- Maintained connections with clients to encourage repeat business and referrals.
- Appraised commercial properties, maintaining accuracy and employing knowledge of area markets for accuracy.
History Teacher
SCEGGS Darlinghurst
01.2006 - 10.2016
- Taught history to secondary students delivering engaging and interactive lessons
- Attended professional development seminars and workshops to maintain expertise in History and Wellbeing.
- Prepared various classroom activities and assessment methods to promote retention of study materials.
- Developed and implemented curriculum aligned with NSW state standards, ensuring student achievement and growth
- Utilised various instructional strategies to cater to diverse learning styles and abilities
- Mentored and supported students, fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment
Maternity Leave & Casual Teaching
Various
01.2004 - 01.2006
Head of History
Reddam House
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Kept employee workloads fair and balanced to achieve objectives while maintaining high job satisfaction.
- Communicated with Heads of other departments to maintain transparency.
- Adhered to department policies, procedures and standards to establish productivity and quality.
- Led by example in terms of teaching, marking and programming
History Teacher
St Vincent's College
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Attended professional development seminars and workshops to maintain expertise in History, HSIE and Student Wellbeing
- Maintained regular verbal and written communication with school counselors and parents to update with student progress, class schedules and important test dates.
- Prepared various classroom activities and assessment methods to promote retention of study materials.
- Delivered prepared lesson plans using instructional materials and tools.
- Employed appropriate teaching methods to cater to individual educational needs of each student.
History Teacher
Loreto Kirribilli (a Maternity Leave Position)
09.1998 - 01.2000
- Attended professional development seminars and workshops to maintain expertise
- Prepared various classroom activities and assessment methods to promote retention of study materials.
- Delivered prepared lesson plans using instructional materials and tools.
- Employed appropriate teaching methods to cater to individual educational needs of each student.
- A maternity leave position where I was offered an extension of the position
Human Resources Specialist
ACON
01.1996 - 08.1998
- Assisted in the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures
- Conducted recruitment and selection processes, including screening resumes, interviewing candidates, and making hiring recommendations
- Managed employee onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements
- Provided guidance and support to employees regarding HR-related matters, fostering a positive work environment
- Hospitality
Various Hospitality Roles
Including Merivale Group
10.1987 - 12.1997
- Gained extensive experience in the hospitality industry through various roles held during university (and high school)
- Trained and supervised staff to provide highest level of customer service.
- Stayed up-to-date with industry regulations and standards to offer compliant hospitality services.
- Demonstrated exceptional customer service skills, ensuring guest satisfaction and repeat business
- Developed strong communication and interpersonal skills, effectively collaborating with team members to deliver outstanding service
- Acquired a solid understanding of operational procedures and best practices in the hospitality sector.
Education
Master of Teaching -
University of Sydney
2000
Certificate IV [Human Resource Management - Human Resource Management
Ultimo Tafe
Ultimo, NSW12.1998
Bachelor of Arts - History Hons
University of Sydney
1995
Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish positive relationships
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on delivering effective solutions
- Proficient in:
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM software
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage Human Resources and multiple tasks and priorities effectively
- Team Player (and Manager, when/if required)
- Product/ Service Marketing
- Developer of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Business Development Skills
Accomplishments
- Since April, I have taken the rare opportunity that a redundancy affords (time and money), to travel extensively both within Australia as well as New York, Thailand, Singapore, Bali, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal and France
- I have loved the warmth of the Greeks, the modernist art of the Spaniards, the joy for life of the Italians, the hustle of New Yorkers, the aesthetic of the French, and the incredible customer service of the Indonesians and the Thais. I wish to embrace and share these attributes
Fun Stuff
I attempt to be outdoors daily. Enjoying nature and exploring. Travel and experiencing other histories and cultures is my favourite thing to do.
Timeline
Head of Community
Barcats, Hospitality Company
10.2022 - 04.2023
Sales & Business Co-Owner
Atlas Byron Bay
02.2021 - 01.2022
Real Estate Agent
Atlas Lower North Shore
06.2018 - 02.2021
Real Estate Agent
Belle Property
10.2016 - 06.2018
History Teacher
SCEGGS Darlinghurst
01.2006 - 10.2016
Maternity Leave & Casual Teaching
Various
01.2004 - 01.2006
Head of History
Reddam House
01.2003 - 01.2004
History Teacher
St Vincent's College
01.2000 - 01.2003
History Teacher
Loreto Kirribilli (a Maternity Leave Position)
09.1998 - 01.2000
Human Resources Specialist
ACON
01.1996 - 08.1998
Various Hospitality Roles
Including Merivale Group
10.1987 - 12.1997
Master of Teaching -
University of Sydney
Certificate IV [Human Resource Management - Human Resource Management
Ultimo Tafe
Bachelor of Arts - History Hons
University of Sydney
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