Alison Short
Fareham,Hampshire
Summary
Experienced office management and administration professional with over fifteen years experience optimising productivity and service quality across various environments. Track record of improving operational stability, efficiency and profitability. Strong collaborator with senior stakeholders, effectively prioritising activities, translating business requirements into solutions and achieving defined objectives. Highly dependable, ethical and reliable support specialist and leader that blends advanced organisational, technical and business acumen ensuring operational and service excellence. Motivated, well presented and highly personable with an ability to work independently or as part of a team in a changing and multi-tasking environment. A strong client care orientation and an active commitment for continuous improvement to achieve the highest standards. Comfortable working in a fast paced, hands-on, growth orientated work environment. Broad industry experience including healthcare, hospitality and commercial events. I am currently looking for a position that offers variety and the opportunity for me to develop both personally and professionally.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work history
Human Resources Administrator
Saab Seaeye Ltd
Fareham, Hampshire
2023.06 - Current
- Maintained employee records with utmost confidentiality.
- Handled employee relations issues, resolving conflicts effectively.
- Developed induction programmes to integrate new staff into the organisation.
- Assisted in developing company policies for smoother functioning.
- Communicated HR updates to staff, keeping employees operating under consistent framework across organisation.
- Managed leavers processes, end-of-probation reviews, changes to appointments and termination of fixed-term contracts.
- Assessed new staff eligibility through rigorous reference and right-to-work checks.
- Managed onboarding process for new hires ensuring a smooth transition.
- Assisted in the day to day running of the HR department.
Office Manager
Quill Productions
Dorchester, Dorset
2020.09 - 2026.05
- Managed daily operations of business including eleven employees in warehouse and sales office environment, supervising workers and enhancing productivity and efficiency.
- Established and developed highly-efficient and dependable administrative team by delivering ongoing coaching and motivation.
- Established efficient workflow processes, monitored daily productivity and implemented modifications to improve overall effectiveness of personnel and activities.
- Project managed and administered new CRM and stock control system for more accurate reporting.
- Administered company database, including troubleshooting, maintenance, updates and reports generation.
- Solved problems timely and effectively, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores through application of superior conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Oversaw office inventory activities, including ordering and requisitions, stocking and shipment receiving.
- Coordinated special projects and managed schedules.
- Coordinated and maintained impressive office organisation to keep facilities efficient, organised and professional.
- Streamlined office operations by digitalising activities, managing customer communications, scheduling payments and tracking documents.
Commercial Coordinator
Sail Training International
Gosport, Hampshire
2015.04 - 2020.07
- Provided administrative support for Commercial Director and Chief Executive Officer including daily diary management, organising meetings, producing any associated materials and creating presentations, making travel and venue arrangements and liaising with key internal and external contacts.
- Sourcing, managing and negotiating suppliers through to acceptance.
- Organised key events for all business stakeholders including Annual Conference, Spring Meeting and Host Port Seminar, all of which take place overseas.
- Minute taker for Board of Trustees for Charity and Board of Directors for Trading Company and producing minutes for meetings in timely fashion.
- Created, managed and maintained various key documents on behalf of Commercial Director.
- Carried out day-to-day administrative duties accurately and efficiently.
- Created itineraries, booked travel, and managed expenses for employee corporate conference and events.
- Maximised revenue by strategic up-selling customers items, increasing sales where possible.
Events Manager
Queen's Hotel
Southsea, Hampshire
2011.02 - 2015.03
- Promoted to Events Manager position after excelling as Events Coordinator.
- After taking over Events Manager position bookings increased and Hotel revenue exceeded previous years.
- Responsible for efficient running of events department.
- Reporting to Directors regarding revenue from event's operations.
- Development and delivery of marketing and events plan.
- Development of new and existing client relationships.
- Developing excellent relationships with suppliers and ensure hotel received best economic outcome.
- Create and conduct all forms of marketing for company including website, direct marketing (mail and e-shot).
- Manage and train Events Coordinator to maximise efficiency and ensure best client experience.
- Head weekly operations meeting to ensure events ran to high standards expected/ required.
Events Coordinator
Queen's Hotel
Southsea, Hampshire
2010.06 - 2011.02
- To support Events Manager in administration and sales.
- Developed strong understanding of sales ethos during this period, being able to sell 'the dream' of the hotel to guests and follow this to completion by ensuring operations team delivered 'the dream' into reality.
- Answer enquiries and respond in professional and timely manner.
- Meet with Clients to discuss their event requirements.
- Write up function sheets and ensure their accuracy and deliver them to all departments within hotel.
- Manage stationery orders and keep purchases within budget.
Activities Coordinator and Administrator
Arthur's Court Care Home
Street, Somerset
2008.01 - 2010.06
- Responsible for all recreational activities in Care Home including social events, sales events and therapist visits.
- Developing and implementation of Activities Schedule including sourcing and booking appropriate entertainers and organising social events.
- Marketing and promoting various social events to residents and relatives.
- Developing fundraising ideas & activities.
- Various administrative duties including keeping Care Plans and all legal documentation updated.
- Organised sales events, liaising with staff, relatives and potential residents.
Education
Foundation Certificate in People Practice - Human Resources
CIPD
2025.09 - 2026.09
AAT Access Award - Bookkeeping- Level 2
AAT
SouthamptonHigher National Diploma - Graphic Design
Pitman Training
SouthamptonHigher National Diploma - Professional Cookery
Highbury College of Technology
PortsmouthGCSE - Mathematics, English Literature, English Language, Science - Biology, Food and Nutrition
Skills
- Highly organised yet flexible
- Proven ability in multi-tasking and prioritising where necessary
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Capable of working under extreme pressure, to deadlines, whilst remaining calm and being decisive
- Working to highest professional standards with an eye for detail
- Ability to adapt easily to changing situations and environments
- Over 15 years experience in an administrative and office role
- Extremely comfortable in client facing environments
- Policies and procedures implementation across the team
- Project management
- Team leadership and staff management
- IT literate across broad range of applications including Microsoft office suite, Adobe Creative package, SIM 50 and Sage
- Ability to conceptualise creative and imaginative ideas
- Relationship development
- Cost reduction Strategies
INTERESTS AND FREETIME
During the Covid 19 lockdown period I was involved in the initiation of a community project called Cultifete. We grew and sold plants and produce to raise funds for the local charity after the village fete was postponed. The project involved producing and sending a weekly newsletter to the wider community and creating two websites, both for Cultifete and for the village Trust., I enjoy listening to music, especially watching live concerts. I am an active person and enjoy socialising and putting my event skills to good use. I love cake making and I often make cakes for family and friend’s special occasions.
References
References available upon request.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
I am currently living in Dorset but looking to relocate closer to my family home in Gosport area.
Timeline
Foundation Certificate in People Practice - Human Resources
CIPD
2025.09 - 2026.09
Human Resources Administrator
Saab Seaeye Ltd
2023.06 - Current
Office Manager
Quill Productions
2020.09 - 2026.05
Commercial Coordinator
Sail Training International
2015.04 - 2020.07
Events Manager
Queen's Hotel
2011.02 - 2015.03
Events Coordinator
Queen's Hotel
2010.06 - 2011.02
Activities Coordinator and Administrator
Arthur's Court Care Home
2008.01 - 2010.06
Higher National Diploma - Graphic Design
Pitman Training
Higher National Diploma - Professional Cookery
Highbury College of Technology
GCSE - Mathematics, English Literature, English Language, Science - Biology, Food and Nutrition
AAT Access Award - Bookkeeping- Level 2
AAT