Billie-Ellice Arnold
Kumeu ,Auckland
Summary
Directed national initiatives as industry engagement manager at HITO to strengthen relationships within the hair and beauty industry. Championed apprenticeship growth and quality service delivery through strategic leadership and stakeholder collaboration. Fostered innovation and educational advancement in New Zealand's hair, beauty, and barbering sectors.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Industry Engagement Manager
HITO – Hair & Beauty Industry Training Organisation
01.2022 - Current
- Advanced from STA Team Lead to Industry Engagement Manager, demonstrating leadership and strategic vision.
- Spearheaded strategic leadership and people management for national team of sales and training advisors, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
- Directed business development initiatives by coaching staff to optimize apprenticeship sign-on processes.
- Directed collaboration with marketing and communications teams to develop targeted campaign collateral and communications.
- Streamlined business development processes and engagement practices across all regions.
- Spearheaded mentorship initiatives and provided support for staff through regular coaching, performance reviews, and hands-on guidance.
- Facilitated backup coverage for regional staff to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
- Oversaw account and relationship management for key industry employers and growth accounts.
- Assisted project lead team in designing and developing Hito's new apprenticeship program for national rollout in April 2025. Provided operational insights and stakeholder feedback to support implementation planning for learners, employers, and staff.
- Spearheaded design and implementation of innovative data-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance engagement and retention across training programs.
- Developed customized training solutions aligned with industry standards and client needs.
- Oversaw stakeholder relationships, ensuring alignment between organizational goals and client expectations.
- Mentored team members in best practices for client engagement and service delivery.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined program delivery and enhanced efficiency.
- Consulted with teams on established best practices and process improvements.
- Managed client expectations and mitigated potential conflicts, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction throughout the engagement process.
- Implemented data-driven strategies for continuous improvement of engagement services, leading to improved performance metrics.
- Delivered impactful presentations showcasing project results, earning recognition from senior management for excellent communication skills.
- Assessed risks associated with engagements proactively mitigating potential issues before they escalated into significant problems affecting overall outcomes.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders, resulting in long-term partnerships and increased revenue.
- Utilized analytical tools to monitor progress against engagement objectives regularly, making necessary adjustments to ensure success in achieving goals set forth by clients.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted training.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities, fostering culture of ownership and accountability.
- Analyzed market trends to advise on potential areas of expansion, guiding strategic decision-making.
Sales and Training Advisor
HITO – Hair & Beauty Industry Training Organisation
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Assumed leadership of STA team, driving collaboration and strategic direction to achieve project goals.
- Implemented training programs to enhance skills and knowledge of apprentices and employers in hairdressing, barbering, and beauty therapy industries across mid-central region.
- Directed learners and salons through all phases of the apprenticeship process to ensure compliance with NZQA and industry standards.
- Developed and delivered presentations and regional events aimed at enhancing understanding of on-the-job learning models.
- Engaged with employers and training providers to tailor learning environments that address individual learner needs.
- Managed learner data and training plans to ensure quality outcomes and compliance with established standards.
- Cultivated strong relationships and delivered tailored training solutions to consistently achieve regional growth objectives.
Territory Manager
Regional Health & Beauty
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Developed and executed sales initiatives while managing key relationships across various retail accounts.
- Orchestrated promotional activations to drive brand awareness and increase market penetration.
Business Development Manager
FAB Group – Beauty Distributors
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Spearheaded design and implementation of a new client database to optimize operational efficiency across beauty clinics and retailers.
- Facilitated product development and market analysis prior to role redundancy due to rapid industry interest.
Sales Manager
L’Oréal Australia (Redken & Matrix Brands)
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Initiated role as educator for Redken in Queensland, delivering advanced color and business education to professional salons.
- Selected to relocate to Western Australia to establish and expand Redken's educational presence as the sole educator for the region.
- Spearheaded development and implementation of regional education strategies, hosting workshops, seminars, and in-salon training sessions.
- Elevated to Sales Specialist role for Redken, overseeing salon accounts and driving revenue growth.
- Spearheaded transition to matrix as independent sales contractor for L'Oréal, managing a portfolio of salons to enhance market reach.
- Partnered with educator to strategize and implement brand activations, product launches, and promotional events.
- Surpassed sales and training KPIs, demonstrating commitment to client engagement and business growth.
- Developed and implemented sales strategies for Redken and Matrix brands to exceed revenue targets.
- Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities and optimize product positioning in competitive landscapes
- Established strong relationships with key accounts, enhancing customer loyalty and driving repeat business
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
- Managed key accounts with strategic planning and relationship building, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Consistently met or exceeded quarterly sales targets through diligent effort and persistence in closing deals.
- Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
- Developed comprehensive product knowledge, enabling tailored solutions for clients'' specific needs.
- Attended industry events and conventions to expain sales opportunities.
- Exceeded sales targets consistently, through strategic planning and execution of targeted sales initiatives.
Salon Manager / Artistic Director / Make-up Artist
Agapi Hair & Beauty
01.2010 - 01.2014
Senior Stylist
Servilles
01.2004 - 01.2010
Education
Diploma - Fashion Make-Up
Samala Robinson Academy
Foundation & Graduate Programmes - undefined
Servilles Academy
01.2006
Skills
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Business Development & Client Engagement
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Training Design & Facilitation
- Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Communication & Presentation Skills
- CRM Management & Customer Retention
- Financial Process Oversight (Accounts Payable)
- Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
- Project Coordination & Implementation
- Microsoft Office & Digital Systems Proficiency
- Conflict Resolution & Collaboration
Key Achievements
- Leadership & Team Development: Provided strategic leadership and coaching to a nationwide team of Sales and Training Advisors, fostering collaboration, consistency across all regions.
- New Programme Implementation: Selected as part of HITO’s New Programme Project Lead Team to guide the design, development, and successful national rollout of the new apprenticeship programme launching in April 2025.
- Apprenticeship Growth & Industry Engagement: Consistently strengthened employer partnerships through tailored business development, targeted campaigns, and data-led regional strategies.
- Excellence in Education Delivery: Successful Pivot Point train the trainer launch for HITO, receiving exceptional feedback from trainers, employers, and industry stakeholders.
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management: Built and maintained trusted partnerships with salons, training providers, and national industry, enhancing collaboration and raising the profile of vocational education in New Zealand’s Hair and Beauty sector.
- Sales & Brand Performance: Delivered outstanding results for L’Oréal Professional Products Division through education-led sales strategies for Redken and Matrix, consistently exceeding performance targets and expanding brand presence across Australia.
- Operational Excellence: Streamlined assessment coordination and administrative processes in collaboration with the STA Support and Industry Services Centre teams, ensuring timely completion of qualifications and NZQA compliance.
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Recognised for implementing innovative, data-driven solutions to improve learner outcomes, enhance stakeholder experiences, and strengthen organisational efficiency.
Timeline
Industry Engagement Manager
HITO – Hair & Beauty Industry Training Organisation
01.2022 - Current
Sales and Training Advisor
HITO – Hair & Beauty Industry Training Organisation
01.2018 - 01.2022
Territory Manager
Regional Health & Beauty
01.2017 - 01.2018
Business Development Manager
FAB Group – Beauty Distributors
01.2017 - 12.2017
Sales Manager
L’Oréal Australia (Redken & Matrix Brands)
01.2014 - 01.2017
Salon Manager / Artistic Director / Make-up Artist
Agapi Hair & Beauty
01.2010 - 01.2014
Senior Stylist
Servilles
01.2004 - 01.2010
Diploma - Fashion Make-Up
Samala Robinson Academy
Foundation & Graduate Programmes - undefined
Servilles Academy