ALEX WOODS12 Parnell Road, Spital, Wirral CH63 9JS Tel: 07812 409939 / 0151 200 1143 alexwoodsart@yahoo.co.uk

Educated, articulate and well presented, Alex is an experienced creative designer and product development professional with excellent communication skills and a friendly outgoing nature. She has the ability to develop projects from initial concept through to print/store level. She is confident building and maintaining strong client relationships and is passionate about customer service.

A technical fashion degree initiated a career working with large retailers such as M&S and corporate wear users such as Virgin Airlines. This experience resulted in a strong understanding of all components of creative design, product development, garment, graphic design and illustration, trend and comparative research, colour palette generation and approval, manufacturing process, merchandising, sales and marketing.

A conscientious team player, Alex possesses strong initiative and excels at working unsupervised. She has superb organisational and planning skills and is experienced communicating at all organisational levels. A graduate with proven track record over 20 years, Alex’s experiences with both large and small enterprises guarantees versatility and adaptability.

A self-starting, highly motivated individual who takes pride in their planning and execution will ensure success in your organisation.

SKILLS AND ACHEIVEMENT

Creative designer with sales and direct marketing experience. Excellent Illustration skills.

Experience within a supplier/manufacturer environment – Designing products and promotional material and content for Next, M&S, Littlewoods, Matalan, EWM, Virgin Airlines, Honda, Ford, De Vere, RSPCA, Marie Curie and own-brands.

Excellent client liaison and account management. Professional design and product presentation.

Driven by attention to detail. Alex can demonstrate problem solving, negotiation skills and resolve technical issues.

Brochure, stationery, leaflet, poster and other printed material design through to print format.

Digital concept and co-ordination, including photography, writing accurate copy, image research and photo shoot direction. Working with external media and website companies.

Experience in Wedding stationery design and marketing, garment design, embellishment and print design/manipulation, trend forecasting and look books/mood boards.

Management, co-ordination and effective communication with UK and offshore suppliers.

Merchandising: co-ordinating approvals, proofreading, colour matching, checking manufacturing quality, logistics and distribution of materials.

Raising specifications, creating technical sketches and trim packs. Inspecting products against specifications. Keen eye for quality standards and performance.

Ability to manage and update critical path and work to strict deadlines.

CAREER SUMMARY

Customer Development Executive, Recycling for Good Causes, Bromborough – Working in the charity non-profit sector, Alex was responsible for designing and marketing promotional material and services to raise the profile and raise funds for large organisations such as Marie Curie, RSPCA and The Royal British Legion. Customer contact targets were always exceeded in this role. 07/2013 to 07/2014 redundancy due to company relocation.

Corporate Workwear Manager, Heatons Office Solutions, Birkenhead – Alex joined this office supplies organisation to assist the 14 strong sales team add workwear to their portfolio and generate new business. Range building, presenting, negotiating and closing deals she successfully gained contracts with De Vere, Brother Industries, Abbey Logistics and M.J Quinn (B.T) 08/2011 to 02/2013 redundancy due to company re-structure.

Merchandiser/Product Developer/Designer, Skyland Knitwear, Manchester – A multi-tasking role, Alex developed products from initial concept through to store for retailers in the U.K and Europe such as El Corte Ingles, C&A, Bonmarche, Edinburgh Woollen Mill. Working successfully with store buyers and overseas suppliers she utilised her skill set to strengthen quality and standards and produced some of the most profitable, best-selling styles. 05/2006 to 07/2011 to join Heatons.

Own Business, Bespoke Wedding Stationery – Alex promoted and created printed stationery for clients with a unique selling point and personalised service. 10/2005 to 05/2006 to join Skyland.

Designer/Sales, TJS UK Ltd, Ellesmere Port – Successfully maintained relationships and supplied garments to major retailers including Next, Littlewoods, John Lewis and George. Alex supported the Littlewoods account which was over 45% of the company portfolio, and established TJS as one of their largest suppliers. 03/2002 to 10/2005 Company closed following the sale of Littlewoods stores.

Designer/Sales, Fairway Corporation, Nantwich Next supplier – Working with buyers from Next to produce tailored suiting. Delivered excellent service and increased business. 10/2001 to 03/2002 to join TJS

Design Manager, Cosalt Workwear, Manchester – Alex acquired lucrative, high profile clients such as Virgin Airlines, The Post Office, Ford and Toyota. Successfully implementing corporate workwear and associated accessories to enhance their rebranding strategy. 09/1997 to 10/2001 to join Fairway.

Expansion on individual roles and excellent references can be provided on request.

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

BA (Hons) Fashion Design with Technology – Manchester Metropolitan University 1994

National Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design) – NEWI, Wrexham

2 ‘A’ Levels – St Richard Gwyn High School, Flint

5 ‘O’ Levels – St Richard Gwyn High School, Flint

PERSONAL AND INTERESTS

Full clean driving License and own car.

Dancing, Yoga, Swimming, Zumba, Dog walking and all things vintage!