Karen Smyth
Grain Close, Jacks Point ,Queenstown
Summary
Dedicated Business Manager with a heartfelt commitment to driving success through innovative strategies, team empowerment, and exceptional customer service. I thrive on fostering a collaborative environment where employees feel motivated and supported to reach their full potential, believing that a strong, engaged team is the foundation of any thriving business.
With a relentless drive to exceed targets, I combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. My greatest fulfillment comes from seeing businesses flourish, employees grow in confidence and capability, and customers leave with a smile. Known for building meaningful relationships, I prioritize understanding and delivering on the needs of clients, employees, and stakeholders alike.
Every milestone achieved reflects my passion for making a difference—not just in numbers, but in the people and experiences that define a business's success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Manager
GWD Lexus/Toyota
52 Lucas Place, Queenstown
02.2017 - Current
- Directed and advised finance team on best practices, achieving consistent target fulfillment.
- Worked with senior management to define standards, policies, procedures and organizational enhancements to meet company goals for finance.
- Promoted finance products to customers and sales force to increase penetration.
- Drafted documents such as contracts, applications, endorsements. related to finance and insurance activities.
- Met with applicants to obtain information for loan applications and answer questions about processes.
- Helped customers make decisions about loans and lines of credit based on availability, terms and benefits.
- Coordinated with internal teams to ensure timely delivery of products and services to clients.
Front Office Assistant
Crowne Plaza
93 Beach Street , Queenstown
06.2014 - 02.2017
- Facilitated onboarding for new hires, ensuring smooth team integration.
- Provided an elevated customer experience to generate a loyal clientele.
- Championed upselling, promotions, and enrollments.
- Regularly communicate with managers, and improve team engagement. Adhere to hotel-branded service behaviors.
- Drive and maximize service revenue through up-selling of variable services to new and existing customers.
- Handle client concerns and requests in a professional and proficient manner.
- Ensures a professional presence while maintaining housekeeping, health and safety, visual, and brand company standards that are delivered and maintained, representative of a 5-star business.
Account Manager
Greyhound
Toronto , Canada
03.2012 - 03.2014
- Established positive rapport with customers, managers and customer service team members to maintain positive and successful work environment.
- Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.
- Upheld quality control policies and procedures to increase customer satisfaction.
- Reviewed customer feedback and complaints to identify areas of improvement in customer service processes.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date financial records and documentation for audit purposes.
- Managed payroll processing, ensuring accurate calculation, compliance, and timely disbursement.
Education
Diploma -
Toyota Business Management Program
Queenstown02-2024
Certified Fleet Specialist -
Toyota Fleet
Queenstown, NZ06-2022
High School Diploma -
Carrickfergus Grammar School
Northern Ireland06-2011
Skills
- Financial management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Project management
- CRM software
- Data confidentiality
- Business planning
- Consulting
- Documentation proficiency
- Process improvement
- Customer service
- Staff training
- Performance evaluations
- Policy implementation
Accomplishments
- Toyota New Zealand Finance Panel Member 2021-2025
- Finance Manager of the Year, Top 3, for Toyota New Zealand Financial Services 2024
- Insurance Manager of the Year Top 3, for Toyota New Zealand Financial Services 2023
- Customer Service Agent of the Year, Toyota New Zealand 2018
- Employee of the Year, Crown Plaza 2015
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Business Manager
GWD Lexus/Toyota
02.2017 - Current
Front Office Assistant
Crowne Plaza
06.2014 - 02.2017
Account Manager
Greyhound
03.2012 - 03.2014
Diploma -
Toyota Business Management Program
Certified Fleet Specialist -
Toyota Fleet
High School Diploma -
Carrickfergus Grammar School
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