Sue Dunmore
Dannevirke,Manawatu-Wanganui
Summary
Proven leader in design, product development and strategic planning.
As Co-Founder of Rose & Thorne Design Ltd I significantly developed the market position, drove revenue growth and fostered local and international expansion. Skilled in building wholesale relationships and customer retention, my approach combines innovative marketing strategies with effective inventory management. Achievements include launching market-leading products and cultivating a culture of teamwork and accountability.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
Rose & Thorne Design Ltd
10.2011 - 06.2024
- Established the brand identity and focus on customer profile.
- Designed product with a clear customer focus addressing particular customer needs thereby creating the companies USP within a crowded market sector.
- Created workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
- Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Negotiated new annual contracts and service agreements with vendors to achieve prime pricing.
- Cultivated a strong organizational culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork which resulted in a high retention rates among staff.
- Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and expanding service offerings.
- Worked closely with the board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Led development of comprehensive business plan to maximize profitability and company performance.
- Launched innovative products/services that captured new market share while maintaining competitive pricing structures.
- Devised and implemented innovative campaigns to promote products and services.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist and maintain excellent customer service.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Tracked trends and developed new product categories that both enhanced and challenged the company's product offerings.
- Created retail establishments offering a nurturing and confidence giving environment.
Creative Director
Bendon Group
06.1995 - 03.2010
- Oversaw and set the creative direction for the companies 5 owned brands, Bendon, Fayreform, DimitySo, Hey Sister & Hickory.
- Increased licensee satisfaction by delivering tailored design solutions that exceeded expectations for the two licensed brands - Elle Macpherson and Stella McCartney.
- Elevated company reputation through consistent delivery of high-quality product and creative content.
- Monitored fashion and industry trends to keep creative collections relevant, fresh and engaging.
- Built strong relationships with licensor's, leading to long-term partnerships and growth business opportunities.
- Managed 7 individual design teams with specific focuses in order to meet customer needs and creative visions.
- Mentored and trained junior designers to help enhance skills and capabilities.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and seamless execution.
- Formulated and monitored budgets to manage expenses and control costs.
- Spearheaded rebranding campaign to meet and exceed annual sales goals.
- Led cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality creative assets on time and within budget constraints.
- Championed a culture of creativity, encouraging team members to take risks and push boundaries in their work.
- Established clear performance metrics for the creative team, driving accountability and continuous improvement efforts.
- Developed comprehensive style guides to maintain individual brand consistency across all channels.
- Drove innovation by staying current on industry trends and incorporating new ideas into design work.
- Aided teams of designers to create award-winning visual media campaigns.
- Implemented data-driven design strategies, resulting in more effective product development.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to establish timely delivery of materials and achieve mutually beneficial agreements.
- Balanced competing priorities while maintaining a focus on delivering exceptional results.
- Developed talent acquisition strategies for attracting top-tier creative professionals, resulting in an expanded skill set within the department.
- Directed photo shoots for print and digital media, reviewing each element against client standards and expectations.
- Developed style guides to promote consistent branding across projects.
- Monitored progress of projects, keeping on schedule and within budget.
- Conducted research and identified market trends to inform creative direction.
- Presented both product and creative concepts to global internal sales teams, licensor's and retail partners. Implemented continual feedback to achieve increased brand presence.
- Managed workloads of designers, merchants and other technical team members to optimize productivity and timeliness of task completion.
- Collaborated with marketing and advertising teams to maintain brand consistency across campaigns.
- Researched emerging technologies and evaluated their benefit to the brands held.
- Fostered highly communicative, collaborative team culture.
- Developed market relevant products while working within defined technical constraints.
- Analyzed data and metrics to measure success of products and adjust strategies accordingly.
Design Director
Fayreform Ltd
06.1994 - 06.1995
- Authored multi-site organizational plans to efficiently divide workforce and material assets.
- Met with clients to present new season product ranges.
- Increased design team efficiency by implementing streamlined workflows and enhanced cross-functional collaboration.
- Developed comprehensive brand guidelines, resulting in a consistent visual identity across all platforms.
- Moved production off shore.
Selector
Marks & Spencer Ltd
02.1984 - 04.1988
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure favourable pricing terms and conditions for the company''s benefit.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Analyzed current vendors and products to stay abreast of market trends and evaluate new suppliers.
- Continuously monitored industry trends to identify new products that could potentially improve overall department profitability and efficiency.
- Placed orders for merchandise consistent with quality, quantity and other specification requirements.
- Interacted with vendors, store managers and other stakeholders to maintain on-time deliveries.
- Established relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing and discounts.
- Evaluated product quality and vendor performance to maintain quality standards.
- Communicated with suppliers to negotiate best pricing on apparel.
- Studied and monitored market trends to identify potential product opportunities.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Architectural Restoration
European Centre For Art Restoration
Italy09.1983
Bachelor of Arts - Silver And Goldsmithing
Loughborough University
Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK06.1982
Skills
- Design and Product Development
- Business and Strategic Planning
- Direct Sales and Wholesale Relationship Building
- Customer Service Management and Customer Retention
- Marketing Strategies and Digital Transformation
- Inventory Tracking and Management
- Investor Relations
- Revenue Growth
Timeline
Managing Director
Rose & Thorne Design Ltd
10.2011 - 06.2024
Creative Director
Bendon Group
06.1995 - 03.2010
Design Director
Fayreform Ltd
06.1994 - 06.1995
Selector
Marks & Spencer Ltd
02.1984 - 04.1988
Post Graduate Diploma - Architectural Restoration
European Centre For Art Restoration
Bachelor of Arts - Silver And Goldsmithing
Loughborough University